A group of Spanish teenage learners using cards as a language learning tool

Vocabulary bluff

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.

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.

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.

You can play 2 truth and lie game using commonly used words first such as ‘important’ and ‘delicious’ gradually working up to sophisticated words.

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.

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

That's another engaging way to teach vocabulary! Thanks a lot!

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

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.

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

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

It is suitable for a variety of classes.

This is quite interesting

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

This is very usefull way to teach vocabulary, 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.

Very good idea! While exposing one word,students can learn many other words. Pictures can be added.
Present situation in my school- the final exam is going on. New session is going to be started from 17th April. Anyone please suggest me some of the words that can be used on their welcome classes.

This sounds fun! Rather than asking the students to open their dictionary, this would be one of fun learning activities on understanding the meaning of words. Love it!

This game is interesting and easy for English-speaking students. For my students, most of them know few English words, this game is a little difficult.

In this activity students not only be involved with a thinking approach but will also socialize to know the actual meaning of a word. So, it will be learning while having fun.

I gues teaching vocabulary is one of effective ways we can include in the Classroom .

Sounds great!
Not only help learners to learn new words but fosters creative and critical thinking.

I've never seen this way before.

Awwn I didn't know this course would be this precious and helpful. Thank you so much.

Thanks for the feedbackk Zinme - we are glad you have found the course so useful!

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

It's really interesting activity. I liked it. As a warm up activity it's work great.

It will surely be very beneficial for all age group children.

This activity is a good way to improve the children vocabulary, once they get to know new words and share what they already know with their classmates. It´s important to take the children's prior knowledge into account, especially when English is the second language. But this activity can be also applied in the kids first language.