Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Pop music” ESL Discussion Questions

I. General Pop Music Questions

1. Would you rather listen to the radio or play your own music?
2. What are some of your favorite songs by The Beatles?
3. Which one do you think is more popular in America: rock or pop? Why?
4. What’s the worst thing about pop music?
5. Do you like Korean pop (K-pop)?

II. Pop Music Artists

6. Can you name some songs that are popular right now that have been written by people who are no longer alive?
7. Do you think that pop music is good for people’s health? Why or why not?
8. Do you think that the lyrics of pop songs are meaningful?
9. Why do you think that pop music is so popular today?
10. What is the meaning of “pop” in pop music?

III. Pop Music Preferences

11. Do you know any popular artists that also make alternative music?
12. How old is pop music?
13. What is the name of your favorite pop song?
14. What do you think of pop music?
15. What other types of music are there besides pop and alternative?

IV. Listening Habits

16. Do you like to listen to pop music?
17. Would you rather listen to rock or to pop? Why?
18. Who would you say is currently the best singer in the world?
19. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions “pop music”?
20. How often do you listen to pop music?

V. Emotional Connection

21. How does pop music make you feel?
22. What do you think about the lyrics in pop songs? Are they meaningful to you or just nonsense words?
23. What’s the best thing about pop music?
24. What are the different sub-genres of pop music?
25. What is pop music?

VI. Music Preferences

26. What kind of music do you like to listen to?
27. What is the most important thing about pop music?
28. Who is your favorite pop singer?
29. Who are your favorite artists in that genre?
30. What is your favorite song?

VII. Pop Music History

31. Is there a country that is known for making good pop music?
32. What artists do you like from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s?
33. What is the difference between pop music and alternative music?
34. Is there a type of music that you don’t like at all? If so, what is it and why don’t you like it?
35. What do you think has changed in pop music over the years?

VIII. Pop Music and Culture

36. How does pop music influence culture?
37. Do you think pop music can bring people together?
38. What role does social media play in pop music today?
39. How do you feel about music videos?
40. What is your favorite music video and why?

IX. Live Music and Events

41. Have you ever been to a pop concert?
42. Who was the best live performer you have seen?
43. What is your favorite music festival?
44. Would you like to perform on stage? Why or why not?
45. What is your dream concert lineup?

X. Future of Pop Music

46. What do you think the future of pop music will look like?
47. Are there any new artists you are excited about?
48. How do you think technology will change pop music?
49. What trends do you see in pop music today?
50. Do you think pop music will remain popular in the future? Why or why not?

XI. Pop Music and Identity

51. How does pop music reflect your identity?
52. Can you relate to any pop songs? Which ones and why?
53. How does pop music influence your mood?
54. What role does pop music play in your daily life?
55. How do you express yourself through music?

XII. Pop Music and Society

56. How does pop music address social issues?
57. Do you think pop music can change people’s opinions?
58. How can pop music promote positive messages?
59. What is your opinion on pop music’s impact on youth culture?
60. Should pop music be more responsible in its messages? Why or why not?
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