ESL Questions – Columbus Day

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October in the United States, commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. This day has been celebrated in various forms since the late 18th century but became a federal holiday in 1937. While it honors Columbus’s voyages and the beginning of European exploration in the New World, it has also sparked debate and reflection on the impacts of colonialism on indigenous peoples. In recent years, many have advocated for renaming the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day to recognize and honor the history and culture of Native Americans rather than celebrating colonial conquest.

A2 Level Questions:

1. What is Columbus Day?
2. Who was Christopher Columbus?
3. Why do some people celebrate Columbus Day?
4. Is Columbus Day a holiday in all of America?
5. What happens on Columbus Day?
6. Can you name a ship used by Columbus?
7. Why is Columbus Day in October?
8. What is a parade, and are there parades on Columbus Day?
9. Do children go to school on Columbus Day?
10. How do you feel about Columbus Day?
11. What colors might you see on Columbus Day?
12. What foods do people eat on Columbus Day?
13. Why do some people not celebrate Columbus Day?
14. What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
15. Why do some places celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day?
16. Can you name an indigenous tribe in America?
17. What did Christopher Columbus discover?
18. What is the history of Columbus Day?
19. How has Columbus Day changed over the years?
20. What are some ways people celebrate Columbus Day?

B1 Level Questions:

1. Discuss the significance of Columbus Day in American history.
2. What are the controversies surrounding Columbus Day?
3. How do different communities in the U.S. celebrate Columbus Day?
4. Why has Columbus Day become a topic of debate?
5. What role did Christopher Columbus play in the history of the Americas?
6. How does celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day change the focus of the holiday?
7. What contributions have indigenous peoples made to American culture?
8. How can we learn about the history of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
9. What are the arguments for and against celebrating Columbus Day?
10. How do schools teach about Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
11. Why is it important to recognize the impact of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas?
12. How do parades and public celebrations reflect the changing attitudes toward Columbus Day?
13. What symbols are associated with Columbus Day?
14. Discuss the importance of acknowledging the history of indigenous peoples on this day.
15. How has the perception of Christopher Columbus changed over time?
16. What are some alternative ways to commemorate October 12th?
17. How do indigenous peoples’ perspectives on Columbus Day differ?
18. What steps have been taken to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
19. Discuss the impact of European exploration on the Americas.
20. How can people celebrate this day while being mindful of its historical context?

B2 Level Questions:

1. Analyze the historical accuracy of the Columbus narrative.
2. Evaluate the impact of European colonization on indigenous cultures in the Americas.
3. Discuss the significance of renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
4. How does the celebration of Columbus Day reflect broader themes in American history?
5. Compare and contrast Columbus Day celebrations in the United States with those in other countries.
6. Explore the role of national holidays in shaping public memory and identity.
7. Discuss the ethical considerations of celebrating historical figures and events.
8. How do indigenous rights movements influence the perception of Columbus Day?
9. Analyze the role of education in changing the narrative around Columbus Day.
10. Discuss the cultural and historical impact of Columbus’s voyages on the Americas.
11. Evaluate the role of public holidays in acknowledging historical injustices.
12. How does the controversy over Columbus Day illustrate the complexity of national identity?
13. Explore the impact of globalization on indigenous communities since Columbus’s arrival.
14. Analyze the representation of Columbus and indigenous peoples in media and textbooks.
15. Discuss the balance between historical celebration and historical accountability.
16. Evaluate the significance of Columbus Day within the context of global history.
17. How have attitudes toward Columbus Day evolved in recent decades?
18. Discuss the intersectionality of race, history, and politics in the Columbus Day debate.
19. Analyze the implications of Columbus Day on contemporary discussions about colonization and decolonization.
20. Explore the role of Columbus Day in the dialogue between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

C1 Level Questions:

1. Critique the narrative of Columbus as a hero in the context of modern historical understanding.
2. Analyze the impact of Columbus’s voyages on the global exchange of goods, ideas, and peoples.
3. Discuss the implications of recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day for national narratives and identity.
4. Evaluate the role of historical figures in shaping our understanding of the past.
5. How do national holidays like Columbus Day influence our perception of history and heritage?
6. Examine the role of activism in reshaping public holidays and historical commemorations.
7. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of reconciling historical narratives with contemporary values.
8. Analyze the impact of colonial legacies on present-day social and political issues.
9. Evaluate the effectiveness of educational reforms in addressing the controversies surrounding Columbus Day.
10. Discuss the role of monuments and public memorials in the Columbus Day controversy.

C2 Level Questions:

1. Critically assess the construction of historical narratives and their impact on cultural and national identity.
2. Explore the concept of historical revisionism in the context of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
3. Analyze the interplay between history, memory, and identity in the debates over Columbus Day.
4. Evaluate the impact of colonial narratives on indigenous sovereignty and rights.
5. Discuss the implications of the Columbus Day debate for understanding the dynamics of power, history, and resistance.
6. Examine the role of historiography in shaping public perceptions of Columbus and indigenous peoples.
7. Analyze the challenges of decolonizing historical narratives in national holidays.
8. Explore the ethical implications of commemorating historical figures with complex legacies.
9. Critically assess the role of public holidays in the process of national reconciliation and healing.
10. Discuss the future of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the context of global movements for justice and equity.