30 Engaging Music Debate Topics Every ESL Teacher Must Try

If you are an ESL teacher looking for fun ways to help your students practice speaking, this post about music debate topics is for you. These topics are easy to use and great for all English levels. They will help your students start interesting conversations and build confidence in speaking English.

Using debate topics is a great way to get your students talking naturally. Each topic comes with useful questions and simple vocabulary to guide their ideas. You can also teach them related idioms and common expressions to make their language more lively and natural.

Besides debates, you can use these topics for role-plays and group activities. This will keep your lessons lively and help your students practice real-life speaking skills. These activities also encourage teamwork and make learning more fun.

Besides, you can also use our ESL quizzes on popular English songs to keep your students engaged and interested in music-related ESL lessons.

By using this post, you will save time planning your lessons and have ready-to-use ideas for speaking practice. Whether your students are beginners or advanced, these music debate topics will help them improve their English in an enjoyable way.

Why Music Debate Topics Are Important in ESL

Music debate topics are important because they help students practice speaking English in a fun way. When students talk about music, they feel excited and interested. This makes them want to speak more and use new words.

Talking about music also helps students share their ideas and opinions. This is an important skill in learning any language. Debates encourage students to think and explain their thoughts clearly.

Using music debate topics gives students a chance to practice listening and responding. They learn how to agree or disagree politely. This helps improve their conversation skills step by step.

Finally, music is something everyone knows and enjoys. Because of this, it is easier for students to join the discussion and feel confident. This makes learning English more natural and enjoyable for them.

A1-Level ESL Music Debate Topics

At the A1 level, students are just beginning to express their opinions in English. These music debate topics are very simple and focus on personal preferences like favorite songs or instruments. Students can practice speaking with easy words, sentence frames, and fun questions. These topics help them grow confident in sharing their likes and dislikes.

1. Fast songs are better than slow songs.

Useful Vocabulary: fast, slow, music, better, fun

Question Prompts:

• Do you like fast songs?
• Are slow songs boring?
• What kind of music do you listen to?

Sentence Frames:

• I think fast songs are better because they are fun.
• I like slow songs because they are calm.
• I listen to fast music every day.

2. Singing is more fun than dancing.

Useful Vocabulary: sing, dance, fun, music, like

Question Prompts:

• Do you like singing or dancing?
• Is dancing easy for you?
• When do you sing?

Sentence Frames:

• I think singing is more fun.
• I like dancing more than singing.
• Singing makes me happy.

3. Playing music is better than listening to music.

Useful Vocabulary: play, listen, music, better, fun

Question Prompts:

• Do you play music?
• Do you like to listen to music?
• Is playing music easy?

Sentence Frames:

• I like playing music because it is fun.
• Listening to music is easy.
• Playing music is better than listening.

4. Loud music is fun.

Useful Vocabulary: loud, quiet, music, fun, noise

Question Prompts:

• Do you like loud music?
• Is quiet music boring?
• When do you play loud music?

Sentence Frames:

• I like loud music because it is fun.
• Loud music is not good for sleeping.
• Quiet music is better for study.

5. Everyone should sing in class.

Useful Vocabulary: sing, class, music, should, fun

Question Prompts:

• Do you like singing in class?
• Should students sing every day?
• Is singing in class fun?

Sentence Frames:

• I think everyone should sing in class.
• Singing in class is fun.
• We can learn English with songs.

A2-Level ESL Music Debate Topics

At the A2 level, students are learning to share more personal opinions and experiences. These music debate topics help them practice speaking about simple ideas using familiar vocabulary. The questions and sentence frames guide them to use English confidently in class discussions.

6. Pop music is the best kind of music.

Useful Vocabulary: pop, music, best, like, fun

Question Prompts:

• Do you like pop music?
• What kind of music do you like best?
• Is pop music fun?

Sentence Frames:

• I think pop music is the best.
• I like pop music because it is fun.
• My favorite music is pop.

7. Singing in the shower is a good idea.

Useful Vocabulary: sing, shower, idea, good, fun

Question Prompts:

• Do you sing in the shower?
• Is it fun to sing in the shower?
• When do you like to sing?

Sentence Frames:

• I sing in the shower every day.
• Singing in the shower is fun.
• I think it is a good idea.

8. Kids should learn music in school.

Useful Vocabulary: kids, music, learn, school, should

Question Prompts:

• Do you learn music in school?
• Should all students study music?
• Is music class important?

Sentence Frames:

• I think kids should learn music.
• Music class is fun.
• We can sing and play instruments in school.

9. Playing guitar is cooler than playing piano.

Useful Vocabulary: guitar, piano, play, cool, like

Question Prompts:

• Do you play guitar or piano?
• Which one is more fun?
• Is the guitar cool?

Sentence Frames:

• I think guitar is cooler.
• Piano is also fun to play.
• I like playing guitar more than piano.

10. Music makes people happy.

Useful Vocabulary: music, happy, people, feel, listen

Question Prompts:

• Does music make you happy?
• What music makes you feel good?
• Do you listen to happy music?

Sentence Frames:

• Music makes me feel happy.
• I listen to happy songs.
• I think music helps people smile.

B1-Level ESL Music Debate Topics

B1 students can express their opinions with more reasons and examples. These music debate topics allow them to talk about different views, practice agreeing or disagreeing, and use more detailed sentence structures. They begin to explain why they think something.

11. Musicians should get paid more.

Useful Vocabulary: musician, paid, money, job, talent

Question Prompts:

• Do musicians work hard?
• Should they earn more money?
• Is music a real job?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe musicians should earn more.
• They have a lot of talent.
• Making music is not easy.

12. Music is better than movies.

Useful Vocabulary: music, movies, better, enjoy, choose

Question Prompts:

• What do you like more—music or movies?
• Is music more relaxing?
• Which one is more fun?

Sentence Frames:

• I enjoy music more than movies.
• Music helps me relax.
• I think movies are more exciting.

13. Students should not use headphones in class.

Useful Vocabulary: headphones, class, students, rules, listen

Question Prompts:

• Do you use headphones in class?
• Should it be allowed?
• Is it bad for learning?

Sentence Frames:

• I think students should not use headphones in class.
• Headphones can be distracting.
• It is better to focus in class.

14. Music helps people learn languages.

Useful Vocabulary: music, language, learn, help, song

Question Prompts:

• Do you learn English with songs?
• Is music a good way to study?
• What songs help you learn?

Sentence Frames:

• Music helps me remember new words.
• I like learning English with songs.
• Songs make learning easier.

15. People should sing even if they are bad at it.

Useful Vocabulary: sing, bad, good, try, enjoy

Question Prompts:

• Do you like singing?
• Are you good at it?
• Should we sing even if it’s not perfect?

Sentence Frames:

• I think everyone should sing.
• You don’t have to be good.
• Singing is for fun.

B2-Level ESL Music Debate Topics

B2 students can argue for or against topics more clearly. These music debate topics let them explore opinions, build arguments, and respond to others. They’re now ready for deeper discussion about culture, technology, and society.

16. Music with bad words should be banned.

Useful Vocabulary: bad words, banned, music, lyrics, problem

Question Prompts:

• Do you listen to songs with bad words?
• Should they be banned?
• Is it okay for kids to hear them?

Sentence Frames:

• I think songs with bad words are harmful.
• Music should be clean for everyone.
• Some lyrics send a bad message.

17. People learn more from music than books.

Useful Vocabulary: learn, music, books, education, remember

Question Prompts:

• Do you learn with music?
• Is it better than reading books?
• What helps you remember things?

Sentence Frames:

• I remember better with music.
• Books are good, but music is easier.
• Music helps learning feel fun.

18. Traditional music is more important than modern music.

Useful Vocabulary: traditional, modern, music, culture, history

Question Prompts:

• Do you like traditional or modern music?
• Is traditional music part of culture?
• Why do people forget old music?

Sentence Frames:

• Traditional music shows our culture.
• Modern songs change too fast.
• I think old music is more meaningful.

19. Music shows should be free for students.

Useful Vocabulary: music show, free, student, ticket, enjoy

Question Prompts:

• Should students pay for concerts?
• Is it good to give free tickets?
• Do you go to music shows?

Sentence Frames:

• I think students should get free tickets.
• Music helps students relax.
• Free shows make people happy.

20. Listening to music during study time helps.

Useful Vocabulary: listen, study, help, focus, relax

Question Prompts:

• Do you study with music?
• What kind of music helps you focus?
• Is music a good study tool?

Sentence Frames:

• Music helps me focus.
• I study better with soft music.
• Some songs help me relax.

C1-Level ESL Music Debate Topics

At the C1 level, students are able to discuss abstract ideas and complex opinions. These music debate topics challenge them to think critically, support their arguments with examples, and consider opposing views. The topics reflect real-life issues related to music and society.

21. Music streaming services hurt real musicians.

Useful Vocabulary: streaming, service, musician, income, industry

Question Prompts:

• Do streaming platforms pay musicians fairly?
• How does streaming affect the music industry?
• Is it good for new artists?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe streaming services reduce musician income.
• Streaming makes it harder for artists to earn money.
• It helps listeners, but not always the creators.

22. Music competitions create too much pressure.

Useful Vocabulary: competition, pressure, talent, stress, perform

Question Prompts:

• Are music contests good or bad?
• Do they help or hurt young musicians?
• Is competition always necessary?

Sentence Frames:

• I think music competitions create stress.
• Some talent is lost due to pressure.
• They can motivate, but also discourage.

23. Background music should be banned in restaurants.

Useful Vocabulary: background, music, restaurant, noise, atmosphere

Question Prompts:

• Do you like music in restaurants?
• Is it sometimes too loud?
• Should all places play music?

Sentence Frames:

• Background music can disturb conversations.
• Quiet places are more comfortable.
• Music should match the restaurant mood.

24. Music should be a required subject in all schools.

Useful Vocabulary: required, subject, school, creative, education

Question Prompts:

• Is music important in school education?
• Should all students learn it?
• What are the benefits of music education?

Sentence Frames:

• Music supports creativity and emotional growth.
• Every student should experience music classes.
• It’s as important as math or science.

25. AI-generated music is not real art.

Useful Vocabulary: AI, generate, music, art, real, human

Question Prompts:

• Can machines make real music?
• Is AI creative?
• Should we call AI music “art”?

Sentence Frames:

• Music without human emotion feels fake.
• Real art needs human touch.
• AI lacks the feeling that music needs.

C2-Level ESL Music Debate Topics

At the C2 level, students can handle nuanced, philosophical, and global issues. These music debate topics are meant to spark deep discussions, critique cultural phenomena, and explore the role of music in shaping identities and values.

26. Music should be politically neutral.

Useful Vocabulary: political, neutral, music, message, influence

Question Prompts:

• Should artists avoid political themes?
• Is music a powerful political tool?
• Can political music divide people?

Sentence Frames:

• Music should unite, not divide.
• Artists have a right to express views.
• Neutral music is safer in public spaces.

27. Global music trends are killing local cultures.

Useful Vocabulary: global, local, culture, trend, identity

Question Prompts:

• Do global trends affect local music?
• Is Western music too dominant?
• Can we protect local music traditions?

Sentence Frames:

• Global music often overshadows local styles.
• Local culture gets lost in modern trends.
• We must support our traditional music.

28. Musicians have a moral duty to inspire society.

Useful Vocabulary: moral, duty, inspire, role, society

Question Prompts:

• Do artists influence young people?
• Should they be role models?
• Is all music educational?

Sentence Frames:

• Musicians shape society through their words.
• They should use their voice for good.
• Fame comes with responsibility.

29. Music education is more valuable than sports.

Useful Vocabulary: education, music, sports, value, development

Question Prompts:

• Which builds more skills: music or sports?
• What does each teach students?
• Should schools invest more in music?

Sentence Frames:

• Music develops emotional intelligence.
• Sports teach teamwork, but music teaches focus.
• Music is just as important as sports.

30. Music reflects the soul of a generation.

Useful Vocabulary: reflect, soul, generation, meaning, voice

Question Prompts:

• Does music show what people feel?
• How does music change over time?
• Can we learn about a time by its songs?

Sentence Frames:

• Music captures the thoughts of its time.
• Every generation expresses itself through songs.
• We can study history through music.

Conclusion

Music debate topics are a great tool for ESL teachers. They make speaking practice fun and interesting for students of all levels. These topics help students improve their confidence, vocabulary, and ability to express opinions clearly. Using music in class also connects learning to something students enjoy, which motivates them to speak more. Adding debates about music to your lessons can bring energy and creativity to your classroom.

FAQs About Using Music Debate Topics in ESL Class

1. How can I start a music debate topic with beginners?
Start with simple questions about favorite songs or instruments. Use easy vocabulary and sentence frames to help them speak.

2. What if my students are shy to speak in debates?
Encourage small group discussions first. Use role-plays and games to build confidence before larger debates.

3. How long should a music debate activity last?
Keep it short for lower levels, about 5–10 minutes. For higher levels, you can extend it to 15–20 minutes.

4. Can I use music debate topics for writing practice?
Yes, students can write their opinions before or after the debate to improve their writing skills.

5. What are some good ways to prepare students for debates?
Teach useful vocabulary and sentence frames. Practice question prompts and common expressions before starting.

6. How do I handle disagreements in class debates?
Teach polite ways to agree or disagree. Remind students that it is okay to have different opinions.

7. Can music debate topics work with large classes?
Yes, divide students into small groups or pairs. Each group can discuss a different topic.

8. How do I choose the right topics for my students?
Pick topics that match their English level and interests. Use simpler topics for beginners and more complex ones for advanced learners.

9. Can I mix music debate topics with other activities?
Definitely! Combine debates with role-plays, listening exercises, or vocabulary games for variety.

10. Why are music debate topics effective for language learning?
They connect language practice with a familiar and enjoyable subject. This makes students more motivated to speak and learn.