ESL Conversation Questions – Instruments

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. Can you name five musical instruments?
2. What is your favorite instrument? Why?
3. Have you ever played a musical instrument? Which one?
4. Do you like listening to piano music?
5. Which instrument is easy to learn, in your opinion?
6. What instrument would you like to play?
7. Can you name an instrument that you blow into to play?
8. Which instrument makes the loudest sound?
9. Do you think playing an instrument is fun?
10. What songs do you like that have guitar in them?
11. Have you ever seen a live band? What instruments did they play?
12. What instrument do you think is hard to play?
13. Can you name an instrument that has strings?
14. Would you like to take music lessons? What instrument?
15. Do you know any famous musicians? What do they play?
16. What instrument do you think sounds happy?
17. Can you name an instrument you hit with a stick?
18. What kind of music do you think is good for dancing?
19. Do you like the sound of the violin?
20. Have you ever heard traditional music from another country? What instruments did they use?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. How does music from different instruments make you feel?
2. What are the benefits of learning to play an instrument?
3. Discuss the difference between acoustic and electric guitars.
4. Which instrument is the most important in a band?
5. How do you think technology has changed how instruments are played?
6. What’s the difference between classical and modern instruments?
7. Can you think of a song that uses unusual instruments?
8. How does culture influence the type of instruments used?
9. What role do instruments play in a symphony orchestra?
10. How is playing an instrument different from listening to music?
11. Discuss the role of percussion instruments in music.
12. What are some challenges of learning a new instrument?
13. How can playing an instrument improve other skills?
14. What instruments are popular in your country?
15. Discuss the history of a particular instrument.
16. How do instruments contribute to the mood of a song?
17. What is more important in music, rhythm or melody?
18. How do you think an instrument can express emotions?
19. Do you think electronic instruments are replacing traditional ones?
20. What is the role of improvisation in playing instruments?

B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)

1. Analyze the role of instruments in different genres of music.
2. Discuss the evolution of musical instruments over time.
3. How do instruments enhance the storytelling in songs?
4. Evaluate the impact of cultural exchange on musical instruments.
5. Discuss the craftsmanship involved in making traditional instruments.
6. Analyze the role of technology in modern music production.
7. How do different instruments contribute to a harmonious piece?
8. Discuss the importance of rhythm and tempo in music.
9. Analyze the role of instruments in folk music traditions.
10. Evaluate the significance of improvisation in jazz music.
11. Discuss the relationship between music theory and instrument playing.
12. Analyze the psychological effects of playing and listening to music.
13. How does one’s choice of instrument reflect their personality?
14. Discuss the role of instruments in therapeutic settings.
15. Evaluate the challenges of mastering a musical instrument.
16. Analyze the influence of famous musicians on instrument popularity.
17. Discuss the role of cultural heritage in preserving traditional instruments.
18. Evaluate the sustainability of instrument manufacturing.
19. Discuss the integration of electronic instruments in classical music.
20. Analyze the balance between skill and emotion in playing an instrument.

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Critically assess the role of digital instruments in the music industry.
2. Evaluate the impact of globalization on musical instrument diversity.
3. Discuss the significance of instrument mastery in musical expression.
4. Analyze the role of instruments in shaping music movements.
5. Evaluate the relationship between music, instruments, and social change.
6. Discuss the impact of instrument innovation on music evolution.
7. Analyze the cultural symbolism of traditional instruments.
8. Evaluate the influence of classical instruments on modern music.
9. Discuss the interdisciplinary aspects of music and instrument design.
10. Critically assess the future of musical instruments in an increasingly digital world.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Debate the importance of acoustic instruments in an era of electronic music.
2. Analyze the role of instruments in defining musical genres.
3. Critique the influence of Western instruments on global music cultures.
4. Evaluate the role of musical instruments in national identity.
5. Discuss the impact of music education on cultural appreciation of instruments.
6. Analyze the ethical considerations in the production and trade of musical instruments.
7. Debate the preservation of traditional instruments versus modern innovation.
8. Evaluate the role of instruments in avant-garde and experimental music.
9. Discuss the influence of technological advancements on instrument design.
10. Analyze the role of instruments in the fusion of different music styles.