7 English - Protest song

Introduction

Year 7 WebQuest: Protest Songs & Social Change

Introduction

You have just written and presented a speech about a protest song. Now it's time to explore how music can inspire change, spread messages, and influence the world. In this WebQuest, you'll work through a series of tasks to build your understanding of protest songs and create your own final product.

Task

Task Overview

You will complete 4 stages, then submit a PowerPoint presentation as your final product.

  1. Explore – Learn about why artists write protest songs.

  2. Investigate – Analyse lyrics and identify messages.

  3. Compare – Examine two protest songs from different eras.

  4. Create – Present your learning in a PowerPoint.

Process

🟦 Slide 1 — Choose Your Song

Choose one protest song from the list below:

  • Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell

  • Fight Song – Rachel Platten

  • Where Is the Love? – Black Eyed Peas

  • From Little Things Big Things Grow – Paul Kelly & Kev Carmody

  • I Am Woman – Helen Reddy

On this slide include:

  • Title of your chosen song

  • Artist

  • A picture or symbol representing the issue/theme

STAGE 1 — EXPLORE

🟩 Slide 2 — What Is a Protest Song?

Tasks:

  • Search online: “What is a protest song?”

  • Write 1–2 definitions in your own words

🟩 Slide 3 — Explore Questions

Answer these questions:

  • What makes a song a protest song?

  • Why do artists choose to protest through music?

  • What issues are commonly explored in protest songs?

STAGE 2 — INVESTIGATE

🟧 Slide 4 — Song Issue & Message

Answer:

  • What issue is your chosen song protesting?

  • What message is the artist communicating?

  • Include one lyric that supports your answer

🟧 Slide 5 — Language Features

Identify two language features:

  • Metaphor

  • Repetition

  • Emotive language

  • Imagery

For each:

  1. Provide a lyric example

  2. Explain how it shapes meaning

STAGE 3 — COMPARE

🟦 Slide 6 — Second Protest Song

Choose a second protest song from a different decade or just a different song from the list earlier

Include:

  • Title

  • Artist

  • Decade

  • One sentence stating why you chose it

🟦 Slide 7 — Comparison Table

Create a table comparing your two songs:

Feature Song 1 Song 2
Issues explored    
Tone / mood    
How the message is delivered    
Language features used    

🟦 Slide 8 — Reflection

Answer:

  • Why do protest songs continue to exist over time?

  • What impact do they have on society?