Proficiency level: Any
Objective: To review, reinforce, or assess vocabulary.
Materials: Many different sets of two cards, one with the vocabulary items and their definitions or synonyms, the other with only the definitions or synonyms, arranged in a different order from the other card.
Pair students up and give each of them a card. Tell them they cannot let their peers see their cards. The student who has the vocabulary items starts the activity by asking, "What does.....mean?" or "What is a synonym for....?" (Teacher, write these questions on the board for reference.) The other student chooses among the items in his/her card and says it outloud. The other student checks whether the answer is correct. When they are done, move the cards around the class.
PREPARING THE CARDS
Make a list of the items you want to work with. Then separate them into groups of five or six, let's say. The cards will look like this:
Card 1
FOOTPRINTS (noun) - the marks made by a person's or animal's feet.
SOFTWARE (noun) - computer programs
VALUABLE (adjective) - something very helpful and important; something worth a high price
OUTNUMBER (verb) - to be greater in number than someone or something
STRUGGLE (verb) - to make great effort to do something very difficult
Card 2
- Something very helpful and important; something worth a high price.
- Computer programs
- To make a great effort to do something very difficult.
- The marks made by a person's or animal's feet.
- To be greater in number than someone or something.
CREDITS - This activity was suggested by Anna Lúcia Seabra Mendes, from Brasília-Brazil. Many thanks to her.
