ESL Conversation Questions – Opera

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What is an opera?
2. Describe what people wear to the opera.
3. What instruments can you find in an opera house?
4. Can you name a famous opera?
5. What do you think happens in an opera story?
6. Describe what an opera house looks like inside.
7. What kind of people go to the opera?
8. How do you think the music in opera sounds?
9. Do you think opera is loud or quiet?
10. What colors do you see in an opera house?
11. How do singers in opera sound?
12. What emotions do you feel when you see opera?
13. Would you like to go to an opera? Why?
14. What do you think “opera glasses” are used for?
15. Can you act in an opera?
16. What is a “performance” in opera?
17. How do people act when they watch an opera?
18. What is the difference between opera and a movie?
19. Do you think opera is important? Why?
20. What language do they sing in opera?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. Discuss the history of opera.
2. How does opera differ from other forms of theater?
3. Why is opera considered an important art form?
4. Discuss the role of costumes in opera.
5. How do opera singers train their voices?
6. What themes are common in opera stories?
7. How is an opera composed?
8. Discuss the importance of the orchestra in opera.
9. What is a libretto in opera?
10. How do stage designs enhance an opera performance?
11. Why are subtitles sometimes used in opera?
12. Discuss the cultural significance of opera in different countries.
13. How has opera evolved over the centuries?
14. What is a famous opera house you know?
15. How do modern productions differ from traditional opera?
16. Discuss the role of technology in opera production.
17. What makes a great opera singer?
18. How do you appreciate an opera performance?
19. What challenges do opera companies face today?
20. How do opera performances engage the audience?

B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate)

1. Analyze the influence of opera on popular culture.
2. Discuss the psychological impact of opera music on the audience.
3. Evaluate the role of opera in preserving cultural heritage.
4. Examine the financial aspects of producing an opera.
5. Discuss the interaction between music, narrative, and visual elements in opera.
6. How do opera companies innovate while maintaining tradition?
7. Debate the accessibility of opera to general audiences.
8. Discuss the impact of live broadcasts and digital platforms on opera’s popularity.
9. Analyze the portrayal of gender and power in classic operas.
10. How does opera address social and political themes?
11. Discuss the challenges of translating opera into different languages.
12. Evaluate the role of criticism in the development of opera.
13. How does the acoustics of an opera house affect performance?
14. Discuss the future of opera in the digital age.
15. Analyze the role of celebrity singers in opera’s popularity.
16. How do operas reflect the societies in which they were created?
17. Discuss the importance of patronage and sponsorship in opera.
18. Evaluate the impact of opera festivals on local communities.
19. How does opera engage with contemporary issues?
20. Discuss the balance between vocal performance and acting in opera.

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Critique the evolution of operatic styles from baroque to modern.
2. Discuss the contribution of opera to the development of classical music.
3. Analyze the symbolism and motifs in operatic narratives.
4. Evaluate the impact of opera on national identity and cultural diplomacy.
5. Examine the intersection of opera and visual arts.
6. Discuss the ethical considerations in modern productions of historical operas.
7. Analyze the adaptation of literary works into opera.
8. Debate the role of opera as a medium for social critique.
9. Evaluate the significance of live performance in the age of digital media.
10. Discuss the challenges of directing opera.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Analyze the role of opera in the cultural canon and its relevance today.
2. Critique the balance between musical complexity and narrative clarity in opera.
3. Discuss the influence of globalisation on opera production and reception.
4. Examine the role of avant-garde movements in opera.
5. Debate the future of opera in the context of cultural and technological shifts.
6. Analyze the representation of race and ethnicity in opera.
7. Discuss the interplay between opera and political power throughout history.
8. Evaluate the role of opera in the digital and multimedia landscape.
9. Critique the commercialization of opera and its impact on artistic integrity.
10. Analyze the challenges and opportunities for opera in cultural education.