1. “Taboo” and “Yes/No Question” games are the games that I use in the classroom.
In “Taboo” game, the teacher divides the class into two teams. In each team, one
student is chosen and given some game cards. That student tries to describe the
cards without using the taboo (forbidden) words at a set time (I mostly give two
minutes for each student). The student is allowed to use the taboo words if they are
able to explain them as well.
In “Yes/No Question” game, teachers pick some words from the vocabulary which
have already been presented.
Before starting the game, some phrases are written on the board to help the
students.
Is it a thing? No, it isn’t.
Is it a person? Yes, it is.
Is it male? No, it isn’t.
Is she from Turkey? No, she isn’t.
One student in the classroom is chosen and asked to go out of the classroom. The
students in the classroom are told the key word which will be described by the
student outside later. The student outside is called back to the classroom. He/She
asks some yes/no questions and expect yes/no answers until he/she guesses the key
word.
2. These games can be played at any levels. But, A2 and upper levels are preferred to
play.
3. To prepare “Taboo” game, we make some cards. The words which are appropriate
for the level and age are written on the cards and taboo words which have close
meanings and are related to the chosen word are written below them. Depending on
the students’ levels, two, three or four taboo words can be chosen. If you want to use
the game for a long time, you can preferably laminate the cards. After preparing the
game, you can use it as a back-up activity (especially as a relaxing end-up activity) any
time in the classroom. However, you need at least one day to organize the words and
prepare the cards.
To prepare “Yes/No Question” game, no materials are needed. The preparation of
the game does not take much time. You can prepare vocabulary list that you are
going to give the students to make them guess beforehand. It could take nearly an
hour to make the list.
4. In my opinion, these games are lifesavers. If you have your students play this game
for the first time, you have to give the rules and instructions of the games in details
beforehand.
In “Taboo” game, students might use taboo words or they might not be able to make
sentences to describe the word.
In “Yes/No Question” game, students might ask information questions (Wh-
questions). Therefore, a set of phrases must be given before the game starts.
Students might not be able to find proper question words and related questions to
ask.
GAME 1 :
Taboo Card Game
Name of the Game
To prepare “Taboo” game, we make some cards.
The words which are appropriate for the level
and age are written on the cards and taboo
words which have close meanings and are
related to the chosen word are written below
Materials needed
them. Depending on the students’ levels, two,
& time required to prepare three or four taboo words can be chosen. If you
them want to use the game for a long time, you can
preferably laminate the cards. However, you
need at least one day to organize the words and
prepare the cards.
Any levels (A2 and upper levels are preferred.)
Level
Firstly, the teacher divides the class into two
teams then calls one member from each team in
turn. Next, in each team, the member is given
some game cards. Then, the student tries to
describe the cards to his/her own teammates
without using the taboo (forbidden) words at a
Procedure set time (I mostly give two minutes for each
student). The student is allowed to use the taboo
words if they are able to explain them as well.
Finally, the team which guess more words win
the game.
The game is a lifesaver as a back-up activity if the
Comments teacher has a lack of materials. It is a really
interesting and fun activity.
If you have your students play this game for the
first time, you have to give the rules and
instructions of the games in details beforehand.
Potential Problems
Students might use taboo words or they might
not be able to make sentences to describe the
word.
GAME 2
Yes/No Question
Name of the Game
To prepare “Yes/No Question” game, no
materials are needed. The preparation of the
game does not take much time. You can prepare
Materials needed & time vocabulary list that you are going to give the
required to prepare them students to make them guess beforehand. It can
take nearly an hour to make the list.
Any levels
Level
The teacher picks some words from the
vocabulary which have already been presented.
Before starting the game, some phrases are
written on the board to help the students.
Is it a thing? No, it isn’t.
Is it a person? Yes, it is.
Is it male? No, it isn’t.
Is she from Turkey? No, she isn’t.
Procedure One student in the classroom is chosen and
asked to go out of the classroom. The students in
the classroom are told the key word which will
be described by the student outside later. The
student outside is called back to the classroom.
He/She asks some yes/no questions and expects
yes/no answers until he/she guesses the key
word.
The game can be used as a back-up activity. It is a
fun activity. Students enjoy playing this game.
Comments
Potential Problems Students might ask information questions (Wh-
questions). Therefore, a set of phrases must be
given before the game starts. Students might not
be able to find proper question words and
related questions to ask.
