This activity involves defining words and encourages students to use their creativity and imagination. 

Author
Keneward Hill

It is not so important that the students learn the words as they are not commonly used, but to express themselves in a convincing way when they are explaining their definitions. It is based on the old TV game.

Preparation

A number of cards with the definitions of words on them.

Procedure

I divide the class up into pairs or groups of three. I write a word that nobody could be expected to know. One word I often choose is 'otiose', which means 'useless, or serving absolutely no purpose'.

I explain the word in three ways, giving the correct meaning and two false ones, for example 'very smelly' (another adjective) or 'a tool for making potato rings' (a noun). The students try to guess the right meaning.

After this example I give words to the groups on small pieces of paper, with definitions that are slightly simplified, not just dictionary definitions. The groups then think of two false meanings for their words. Finally each group asks the other groups to guess the correct definitions of their words. I draw a table on the board with the names of the groups at the top and down the side and keep score and record the genuine definitions.

Language Level

Comments

Submitted by Julia May on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 09:18

Using synonyms instead of long dictionary definition is very useful for learning new vocabulary items.
For me, I want
the pair of group with the highest score
to demonstrate the discussion on how did they guess the correct meaning and why did they think like that in front of class.
The purpose is that I want them to improve not only the vocabulary but also speaking skills.

Submitted by Reshma Pathan on Tue, 03/19/2024 - 14:58

Very engaging and interactive activity. I am going to try it in my class tomorrow

Submitted by Georgios on Mon, 03/18/2024 - 08:10

A good suggestion that can be applied to all levels, given that we change the words according to level! I think it can be used from A1-C2.

Submitted by Vidal Aquino on Tue, 01/30/2024 - 22:24

I find the activity engaging and it gives the learners and opportunity to think in the target language. My school semester is about to start and I have been prepping students for the TOEIC certification. I am starting to think in ways in which I can use this activity since the course requieres the learners to learn a lot of vocabulary.

Submitted by Vidal Aquino on Tue, 01/30/2024 - 22:18

I find the activity engaging and it gives the students a moment to think in the target language. My school semester is about to start and I have been prepping students for the TOEIC certification. I am thinking of ways to use this within class since vocabulary is of great importance for the preparation.

Submitted by Ayomide475 on Fri, 01/12/2024 - 10:32

This procedure is very engaging.
I have taught my pupils with word cards but without the meanings.
Already thinking of how to get the words and meanings on one card.

Thank you so much for sharing this engaging activities.

Submitted by NataliiaShchudla on Wed, 01/10/2024 - 10:37

A good idea to start a lesson for making students more engaged

Submitted by Sehari on Thu, 12/21/2023 - 14:00

It’s very interesting and interactive Activity and easy for kids to learn and enhance vocabulary. Will try it definitely!

Submitted by Priyanshu Shivhare on Tue, 12/12/2023 - 06:52

This is such an interactive activity to do in a class which involves the active participation of each student and make them to think beyond.

Submitted by Mansoursy on Fri, 12/15/2023 - 11:23

In reply to by Priyanshu Shivhare

Hi dear all,
If students are equipped with appropriate vocabulary in different contexts, the conditions are met to foster real life interactions.

Submitted by muna990 on Sun, 12/10/2023 - 00:27

I like this strategy to make the students think and memorize the vocabs in a fun way.

Submitted by Monia.23 on Tue, 10/31/2023 - 16:46

I love the activity, such a nice way to keep students engaged.

Submitted by Lucía Cataneo on Sat, 10/21/2023 - 04:46

I liked the idea of writing synonyms or words with similar meanings instead of only long dictionary definitions because they're easy to remember, just writing a short word or a phrase especially for the beginner levels gives them the chance to think and understand better, and with more practice and time they will identify the false meanings.

Submitted by yadavpriyanka on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 13:44

I feel that this works for school-going students but mine are university students who have a poor base in English because English is their second language they are poorly exposed to it since their childhood, especially rural background students.

Submitted by Ishrat Noor on Fri, 10/13/2023 - 14:02

I generally, love to start my class with a warm-up session and I love to keep tracking unknown vocabulary. My students love this session since they can begin class with scores. I sometimes divide them into groups and sometimes in pairs. I use cards with words with simple meanings. Sometimes I just add an image with the word so that they can guess the meaning. It works as brainstorming. They take time, think, share, and discuss. It prepares them for the day's lesson and increases their tolerance as well as teamwork attitude. Next, I call the pair or group to come up with their findings in front of the class.

I agree because starting off the class with a fun effective warm up vocabulary wise can move the student's sense of learning and motivate them for learning.

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