Game 01_Gellén Anna

 Game 1 by Anna Gellén

This game was inspired by an activity that we did last semester during one of Forrester Allan Dawson’s ‘Language Proficiency for Teachers’ class. I decided to call this type of game ‘Let’s put it all together’. 

Game stats:

Number of players: adjustable (at least 2 )

Age and proficiency level: best for students aged 12 + (B1-C1 level)

Preparation time: 5-10 minutes

Play time during: depending on the number of pairs. (One pair would require approximately 5 minutes)

Preparation:

Write a vocabulary list or a list with a wide range of expressions/ phrases. It’s best if the list contains many options to choose from in order to make the task even more challenging. The list can be modified and adjusted, at any time. If the teacher decides not to use words, but entire sentences like in the game ‘Time flies’, that’s also duable. 

Objective of the game: Learn how to put  new words/ expressions into context, while also developing conversation skills and fluency. In addition, these types of creative activities have the potential to bring some humour into the classroom, which is great when we are trying to make the learning environment a safe, supporting space. 

Rules of Play: 

At the beginning, the teacher divides the class into pairs or groups of 3 people. They are given a sheet of paper, with many words,expressions written on it. Their task is to act out a dialogue in 5 minutes that contains as many words/expressions as possible, while also paying attention to the context itself. 

Scoring: 

Using one word in the right context would count as 2 points. (1 point for the usage, another for the appropriate context). If the players come up with a very creative dialogue, the teacher can give them 1 extra point. 

One example (level B2-C1):

Word list about phrasal verbs:

• talk out of

• bring on 

• frown upon

• look into

• follow through

• get accross

• verge on

• put off

• do without 

• adhere to

• cut back

• make of

Dialogue:

A: Hi!

B: Hi! How you’re doing?

A: I’m fine, although I’m a bit anxious about the last meeting. What did you make of it? I couldn’t understand what Caroline was getting at. 

B: Yes, she is really bad at getting accross certain plans. She maps out everything in advance, and yet she’s always changing things at the last minute, or she just simply puts the whole thing off.. I think it’s Mark who talks her out of a lot of projects.  

A: That’s my guess too. He alluded to this last week. He said that he made sure that certain elements in Caroline's plan won’t get followed through. Can you believe it? 

B: Frankly, it doesn’t really surprise me. He always frowns upon her more extravagant ideas. 

Scores: 18 points (9 phrasal verbs were used in the right context)