Topics/Themes » Describing People

Language Games

Questions and Answers

Overview An oral-aural exercise Preparation Print off a list of questions and corresponding answers on flash-cards. Grammar Points This comprehension-based exercise aims to improve students’ comprehension skills and encourages them to improve their pronunciation. Method 1. Divide the class into two groups. 2. One groups of... [ view this game ]

Spot the Difference

Overview A description-based game Preparation Photocopy a pair of “Spot the Difference” images for every two students in the class. “Spot the Difference” images are found in many popular culture magazines. Grammar Points This game encourages students to use their vocabulary and verbs in the target language to... [ view this game ]

Hangman

Overview A spelling game and vocabulary-based game. Preparation If the language teacher chooses, he/she can prepare a list of vocabulary as a starting point for the game. Grammar Points This game examines students’ awareness of the alphabet and the spelling of key vocabulary in a creative and fun manner. Method 1. Ask a student to... [ view this game ]

Charades

Overview A description-based game Preparation Create a set of words on flash-cards linking to the current vocabulary topic/discussion theme that is being explored in the syllabus. Grammar Points This game encourages students to ask questions using interrogatives and verbs. Method 1. Tell the students what the topic of vocabulary/theme... [ view this game ]

The Fruit-Vegetable Story

Overview This activity focuses on vocabulary awareness linked to the topic of fruit and vegetables. (Altenatively, this game can be altered to incorporate any vocabulary group.) Preparation Create a set of cards with images of pieces of fruit and vegetables. Ensure that there is one card for every member of the class. Construct a story... [ view this game ]

Pictionary

Overview This game tests the vocabulary awareness and enhances the questioning skills of the student. Preparation Make copies of the vocabulary card allowing one card per every four students (See file 1 below). These 10 bilingual vocabulary cards can be adapted to examine the vocabulary that is the current focus of the language syllabus.... [ view this game ]

Word Scramble

Overview This activity focuses on vocabulary awareness. Preparation Create a set 10 words linking to the class’s current syllabus. Jumble up each word and print out a copy for every student in the class. Grammar Points This game examines students’ awareness of current vocabulary and correct spelling. Method 1. Give each... [ view this game ]

Storytelling

Overview A grammar-based exercise Preparation Create an opening sentence which will function as a starting point for a story in a particular tense. The language teacher can also request that the story is linked to vocabulary that is the theme in the current syllabus. Grammar Points This game encourages students who have just learned a new... [ view this game ]

Mixed-Up Sentences

Overview A group-based activity focusing on sentence construction and syntax. Preparation Create a set of 4 sentences linking to the class’s current syllabus. Jumble up each sentence and print out a copy for every 3-4 students in the class. Grammar Points This game examines students’ awareness of constructing sentences. ... [ view this game ]

Spelling

Overview A vocabulary-based game Preparation Create a set of words on flash-cards linking to the current vocabulary topic/discussion theme that is being explored in the syllabus. Create two words for every pair of students. Grammar Points This game examines students’ pronunciation and spelling of key vocabulary in a creative and fun... [ view this game ]

Twenty Questions

Overview A description-based question and answers game Preparation Photocopy images of a famous person, or specific items that are linked to the current vocabulary topic/theme in the syllabus for every two students. Every pair of students has different images, and two images are required per pair to allow each student adapt the role of... [ view this game ]

The Detective Game

Overview A comprehension-based exercise Preparation Print out various images of people. There must be one image for every student. Create a transcript containing a description of every character. Grammar Points This game encourages students to recognise vocabulary and verbs used to describe people. Method 1. Give each student an image... [ view this game ]

Find the 'Odd One Out'

Overview ‘Odd One Out’ Vocabulary-Based Game Preparation Prepare and photocopy an ‘odd one out’ sheet for every student in the class (See file below for example). GrammAr Points This game tests the vocabulary awareness of the student. Methods 1. Every student is given an ‘odd one out sheet’ consisting... [ view this game ]

Pass the Ball - Questions and Answers

Overview A questions and answers game activity game Preparation A ball is required for this exercise. The language teacher may choose to use music as a device to build the atmosphere in the classroom. Students will have previously encountered the questions and answers that are required for this game. Grammar Points This game aims to build... [ view this game ]

Scrambled Words - Find the Group

Overview This activity focuses on vocabulary awareness and spelling. Preparation Create a set of 4 words linking to the class’s current syllabus. The four words should belong to a particular group eg. Food, The family etc. Jumble up each word and print out a copy for every student in the class. Grammar Points This game examines... [ view this game ]

Who am I?

Overview A comprehension-game based on description Preparation The language teacher must choose a number of famous people who the students know, and write each name on a A4 sheet of paper. Grammar Points This game encourages students to ask questions and give descriptive answers. Method 1. The language teacher chooses a few students and... [ view this game ]

Crosswords

Overview A vocabulary-based game Preparation Create a crossword using the internet for the current vocabulary topic/theme. There is special software for doing this but there are also many resources online. One such resource is www.puzzlemaker.discoveryteducation.com Grammar Points This game examines students’ vocabulary in a... [ view this game ]

Wordsearch

Overview A vocabulary-based game Preparation Create a wordsearch using the internet for the current vocabulary topic/theme. There is special software for doing this but there are also many resources online. One such resource is www.puzzlemaker.discoveryteducation.com Grammar Points This game examines students’ vocabulary in a... [ view this game ]

Call my Bluff

Overview A vocabulary-based game Preparation Create a set of 10 words on flash-cards linking to the current vocabulary topic/discussion theme that is being explored in the syllabus. The words should be difficult for the language level of the class. Grammar Points This game teaches students how to use a dictionary correctly, tests their... [ view this game ]

Chinese Whispers

Overview An oral-aural exercise Preparation Print off a list of 5 sentences that link to the current syllabus (eg. sentences using particular sounds (gli, gn, chi,) or tongue twisters). Ensure that there is a copy for every six students. Grammar Points This exercise aims to improve students’ pronunciation and comprehension... [ view this game ]

Tic Tac Toe

Overview A vocabulary-based game Preparation Prepare a grid of nine squares. Insert nine words into the squares. Three of these words must have a link/belong to a group. They must be arranged in a line either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Photocopy a copy of the grid for every 2 students in the class. Grammar Points This game... [ view this game ]

Snakes and Ladders

Overview An interactive activity that explores many language elements. Preparation Create a grid with 30 numbered squares for every 4 students. Grammar Points Create a grid with 30 numbered squares for every 4 students. Method 1. Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students. Give each group a grid. Ask the students to draw in 4... [ view this game ]

Songs and Actions

Overview A comprehension-based exercise Preparation Choose a piece of audio which contains vocabulary and verbs linking to the current topic/theme in the syllabus. The language teacher may also choose to provide a transcript of the piece of audio in the post-communicative phase of the exercise. Grammar Points This game encourages students... [ view this game ]

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