You can play them a few times. First play with the whole class and then try in groups (good for mixed ability groups).
1. Guess the word (can be used for abstract nouns)
Choose five words relating to recent conversational themes. Write sets of clues to help students guess the words. Play with whole class or teams. Use one word per lesson over five lessons or use all words in one session as a longer game.
Example clues for the word 'freedom':
- I am a noun but I am very important.
- I begin with the letter ‘f’.
- People in prison have lost it and want it back.
- People demand it when it is taken away by dictators.
- It is related to speech.
2. Get rid of it
This game can be adapted for matching definitions to words or matching opposites.
You need two sets of cards. White cards for the words and another colour for the questions. Put all questions in a bag or hat at the start of the game.
- Give each student at least three word cards, placed in front of them on their desks.
- Choose one card from the hat and read the question. Students study their word cards. Whoever has the corresponding word can get rid of it. The winner is the one who gets rid of all their cards first.
Example questions on cards:
- What type of animal has kittens?
- What’s the opposite of the verb ‘to borrow’?
- What do you call a person who cuts hair?
- Where can you buy medicine?
Language Level
Essential game to include in the Classroom and provides effective way to teach new words .