Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Rock Music” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Origins of Rock Music
1. What are the roots of rock music?
2. How did rock music evolve over time?
3. What decade was the golden age of rock music?

II. Rock Music Bands and Artists
4. Who is your favorite rock musician or band?
5. What rock band do you think was the most influential?
6. Can you name three famous rock bands from the 1960s?
7. What rock bands or artists are popular today?
8. Who was the first rock artist you listened to?

III. Rock Music Genres
9. What subgenres of rock music do you know?
10. How does classic rock differ from modern rock?
11. What are some characteristics of alternative rock?
12. How is rock music different from heavy metal?

IV. Rock Music Songs and Albums
13. What is your favorite rock song?
14. Can you name a famous rock album?
15. What rock song has a strong message or story?
16. What rock album would you recommend to a friend?

V. Rock Music Concerts and Festivals
17. Have you ever attended a rock concert?
18. What was your favorite rock concert experience?
19. What rock music festival would you like to attend?
20. What makes a rock concert special or memorable?

VI. Instruments in Rock Music
21. What instruments are commonly used in rock music?
22. Which rock instrument do you find most interesting?
23. Do you play any rock music instruments?

VII. Impact of Rock Music on Society
24. How has rock music influenced society?
25. What role did rock music play in youth culture?
26. How has rock music addressed social issues?

VIII. Controversies in Rock Music
27. What are some controversies in rock music history?
28. How did rock music challenge traditional values?
29. Can you think of a rock musician who had a controversial career?

IX. Rock Music in Media and Movies
30. What movie features a memorable rock song?
31. Can you name a rock music documentary?
32. What TV show or movie introduced you to a rock song?

X. Rock Music Awards
33. What are some prestigious rock music awards?
34. Can you name a rock musician or band that has won many awards?
35. What makes a rock musician or band deserving of an award?

XI. Rock Music Record Labels
36. What role do record labels play in rock music?
37. Can you name a famous rock music record label?
38. What challenges do rock musicians face in the music industry?

XII. Influence of Rock Music on Other Genres
39. How has rock music influenced other music genres?
40. What other music genres have elements of rock?
41. Can you name a musician who combines rock with another genre?

XIII. International Rock Music
42. What rock bands or artists are famous in your country?
43. Can you name a rock band from a non-English-speaking country?
44. How has rock music spread around the world?

XIV. Rock Music Fashion
45. How has rock music influenced fashion?
46. Can you describe a typical rock music fashion style?
47. What rock musician or band has a unique fashion style?

XV. The Future of Rock Music
48. How do you see the future of rock music?
49. What new rock bands or artists have potential?
50. How has technology changed rock music?

XVI. Personal Experience with Rock Music
51. How were you introduced to rock music?
52. Has a rock song ever inspired or motivated you?
53. How does rock music make you feel?

XVII. Rock Music vs. Other Genres
54. How is rock music different from pop music?

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