Definitions - 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 (yellow?) 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 gets rid of all his cards first.
Example questions on cards:
1. What type of animal has kittens?
2. What’s the opposite of the verb ‘to borrow’?
3. What do you call a person who cuts hair?
4. Where can you buy medicine?
Word guessing games
The following games can be played throughout the school year but are also very useful as a round up at the end of term. You can play them a few times.
First play with the whole class and then try in groups (good for mixed ability groups).
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:
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.
(Puzzle word = Freedom)
Coffee Pot game (a very popular game in EFL) This game is good for practicing and reviewing action verbs and adverbs. Ask one student to leave the room then the rest of the class choose a verb e.g. type, ski, fly. The student returns to the room and asks questions to guess the verb. The missing verb can be substituted with 'coffee pot'.
Example questions:
Why do you coffee pot?
Where do you coffee pot?
Do you coffee pot by yourself?
Do you need any special equipment for coffee potting?