Entertainment and Media

The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.

Music:

1. How often do you buy new music? Do you still buy physical copies like CDs or vinyl records, or do you only buy digital copies?

2. What music would you prefer after a long day at work or school: pop music, classical music, or heavy metal? Why would this be your choice? What other kinds of music do you like?

3. Can the neighbors hear when you listen to music, or do you use headphones? On what kind of device do you listen to music?

4. Do you play any instruments? If you can’t play an instrument, would you like to learn? If yes: Which instrument would you like to play?

5. Describe a memorable experience you have had at a concert or music festival: Where was this concert or festival? What type of music was played? Were you alone or with other people? Why was it a memorable experience?

6. Do you prefer streaming playlists other people created or creating your own playlists? Why?

7. Can you share a story about a song or album that holds special meaning to you? What does it represent?

8. Some people don’t really listen to the lyrics of a song, just the melody. How about you? How often do you sing along to songs you like? What song do you like to sing at a karaoke (or KTV) with friends?

9. How do you think music shapes our emotions and influences our moods?

10. What role do you think music plays in social movements and activism?

11. In some countries, people sing the national anthem every day. How about your country? How often do you sing the national anthem? When do children sing the national anthem? When do adults sing the national anthem?

12. Can you identify any common themes in the music you enjoy listening to? For example, are many songs you like to listen to about lost love, rebellion, political issues, or finding true love?

13. How do you think streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have changed the way we consume and discover music?

14. Is traditional music popular in your country? Do you like traditional music? Name some instruments people use in your country’s traditional music.

Movies:

15. What are some of your favorite movie genres? What do you like about these kinds of movies?

16. How often do you go to the movie theater? What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

17. Do you prefer watching movies in a movie theater or at home? Why?

18. Some people think movie tickets are too expensive. Do you agree? Would go to the theater more often if it was cheaper?

19. What kind of snacks do you like to eat in the movie theater? Do you take snacks to the movie theater, or do you buy snacks at the theater? Do you mind when people take street food that may have a strong smell into a movie theater?

20. How has the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu changed the way we consume movies and TV shows? If you watch Netflix or any other streaming service, what are you watching these days? What has been your favorite show so far?

21. Can you share a story about a movie that had a significant impact on you? What was it about?

22. Are there any film festivals in your city? If yes: Do you ever go to watch some of the movies? Do you like foreign language movies? Why, or why not? If you have attended a film festival, describe a movie that made an impression on you.

23. What are some common themes in the movies you enjoy watching?

General:

24. How many hours per day do you watch TV? What do you usually watch? Do you have a favorite TV program you watch every week?

25. How do you think entertainment and media shape our perceptions of the world around us? Do you think news media on TV or on the Internet are reliable?

26. Can you share an example of a book, TV show, or podcast that has influenced your thinking or worldview?

27. What role do you think nostalgia plays in our enjoyment of entertainment and media? Are there any TV shows or movies from your childhood that you still like to watch?

28. How do you think entertainment and media can be used to promote positive social change?

29. Can you share a controversial or thought-provoking piece of entertainment or media (book, TV show, movie, or podcast) that sparked discussion among your friends or family?

30. What do you think the future of entertainment and media looks like in the digital age? How does artificial intelligence (AI) influence the creation of music and movies?

Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide: CONTENTS