Here you can find a range of short activities to use in your secondary classroom with students at pre-intermediate level. All of our activities are designed around themes engaging and relevant to secondary learners and can be used to complement your school curriculum, giving students an opportunity to develop their English language and skills in motivating and enjoyable ways. Written by young learner experts from around the world, our activities are easy to use and aim to give your students the skills and confidence they need to enjoy learning English.

Chain drawings

This is a fun activity using music which can be used with all groups.

Activities on the theme of summer

If summer holidays are approaching it can be nice to base some of your lessons around this seasonal theme. Here is a selection of activities that you can use at various levels.

Realia

'Realia' in EFL terms refers to any real objects we use in the classroom to bring the class to life.

Using poetry

The reasons for using poetry are similar to those for using songs and many activities that you do with songs can be adapted to poetry.

Talking points

This is a motivating student-centred speaking activity that provides an opportunity for students to speak about topics that interest them.

Trivia

Quizzes and trivia games can make a nice change and it may give students who aren't the best at English a chance to shine in another area.

Superlative noughts and crosses

This activity promotes the use of the superlative form. It utilises a well-known game that students find stimulating and fun to play.

Lateral thinking

This activity promotes recognition of the past continuous followed by practice. It utilises a well-known lateral thinking story.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight