ESL Conversation Questions – Protests

A2 Level Questions:

1. What is a protest?
2. Why do people join protests?
3. Can you name something people might protest about?
4. Have you ever seen a protest on TV or in person?
5. What do people carry or wear at protests?
6. Is it important to have peaceful protests?
7. How do protests happen in your country?
8. What words or slogans do people shout at protests?
9. Can children be part of protests?
10. How do the police respond to protests in your country?

B1 Level Questions:

1. What are the different ways people can protest?
2. Why is the right to protest important in a democracy?
3. How do social media impact protests?
4. Can protests change laws or government policies?
5. What historical protests can you name and what were they about?
6. How do governments around the world react to protests?
7. What role do celebrities or public figures play in protests?
8. How can protests be organized to ensure they are peaceful?
9. What are some symbols or signs commonly seen at protests?
10. How do protests in other countries affect global politics?

B2 Level Questions:

1. Discuss the ethical implications of protesting.
2. Analyze the effectiveness of non-violent vs. violent protests.
3. How do protests influence public opinion?
4. Explore the relationship between protests and civil rights movements.
5. What are the challenges of organizing large-scale protests?
6. How have protests shaped history in the 20th and 21st centuries?
7. Compare and contrast protests in authoritarian regimes vs. democratic societies.
8. What is the role of international organizations in monitoring protests and government responses?
9. How can governments address the root causes of protests?
10. Discuss the impact of protest art (e.g., posters, music, graffiti) on society.

C1 Level Questions:

1. Evaluate the role of technology and digital platforms in modern protests.
2. Analyze the concept of civil disobedience in the context of historical and contemporary protests.
3. Discuss the psychological effects of participating in or witnessing protests.
4. Explore the legal protections for protestors and the limits of those protections.
5. How do economic factors contribute to the initiation and escalation of protests?
6. Investigate the role of international solidarity in supporting domestic protests.
7. Examine the strategies used by movements to sustain momentum and engagement over time.
8. Discuss the intersectionality of issues addressed by modern protest movements.
9. Evaluate the role of media coverage in shaping the narrative around protests.
10. Analyze the long-term societal changes initiated by protest movements.

C2 Level Questions:

1. Critique the notion that protests are an essential mechanism for democratic renewal.
2. Explore the dynamics between state power and protest movements in shaping societal norms.
3. Investigate the role of anonymity in protests and its implications for accountability and safety.
4. Analyze the global ripple effects of significant protest movements on international relations.
5. Discuss the ethical considerations of external interference in domestic protest movements.
6. Examine the evolution of protest tactics in response to advancements in surveillance technology.
7. Debate the effectiveness of sanctions as a response to government crackdowns on protests.
8. Explore the concept of ‘protest fatigue’ and its implications for long-term activism.
9. Investigate the impact of cultural differences on the expression and outcomes of protests.
10. Analyze the challenges of achieving cohesive goals within diverse protest movements.