This game is based on the Spanish TV contest "Pasapalabra". In the TV contest, contestants have to guess 25 words that begin with each of the letters in the alphabet. The host will read the definition of each word and the contestant will answer. If the contestant doesn't know the answer or isn't sure about it, he or she will pass saying "Pasapalabra". Two contestants take turns. Each one has a different set of questions. When one passes or fails the questions it will be the turn of the other player. The player who guesses more words wins. Contestants have to answer the questions within a particular period of time.
How to use this game in your ESL classroom:
I have tried this game with my students in elementary and middle school and they absolutely love it. This game is especially amusing if there are not too many students in the classroom. Otherwise, they will have to wait more time till it is their turn to play. Since I usually don't have more than 10 students per class, this activity fits perfectly in my classroom.
1. Divide your students in two groups. Each group will line up.
2. Explain to them that they are going to play a game that is called "pass the word" and provide them with the instructions that I mentioned above. In our case, if students doubt or don't know the answer, they have to say "pass the word" to pass. Since it is a team game, each member of the team will have the opportunity to answer one question. After its turn, he or she will go to the back of the line and will wait until it is its turn again.
3. Each group will have a different set of questions and will take turns when the other team fails or passes.
4. Each team will have around 5 minutes to answer all the questions. The time will vary depending on the student's English level.
5. When the time is over, the team which guessed more words will win.
6. The teacher will be responsible for registering students' answers.
How to use this game in your ESL classroom:
I have tried this game with my students in elementary and middle school and they absolutely love it. This game is especially amusing if there are not too many students in the classroom. Otherwise, they will have to wait more time till it is their turn to play. Since I usually don't have more than 10 students per class, this activity fits perfectly in my classroom.
1. Divide your students in two groups. Each group will line up.
2. Explain to them that they are going to play a game that is called "pass the word" and provide them with the instructions that I mentioned above. In our case, if students doubt or don't know the answer, they have to say "pass the word" to pass. Since it is a team game, each member of the team will have the opportunity to answer one question. After its turn, he or she will go to the back of the line and will wait until it is its turn again.
3. Each group will have a different set of questions and will take turns when the other team fails or passes.
4. Each team will have around 5 minutes to answer all the questions. The time will vary depending on the student's English level.
5. When the time is over, the team which guessed more words will win.
6. The teacher will be responsible for registering students' answers.
| pass_the_word_in_english_2.pdf |
| pass_the_word_in_english__verb_edition.pdf |
Follow-up activity: Let students create their own set of questions. Each team can create one set. Next time, you will be able to play with those new questions (you will safe a lot of time!!)
PD: Questions can include definitions, opposites, synonyms or translations from Spanish that you have been learning or reviewing in the classroom. Students can also play without checking the time.
PD: Questions can include definitions, opposites, synonyms or translations from Spanish that you have been learning or reviewing in the classroom. Students can also play without checking the time.
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For more advanced students....
I have found this website that includes a software that imitates the TV contest. It is aimed to students in high school. Hope you enjoy it! CLICK HERE
I have found this website that includes a software that imitates the TV contest. It is aimed to students in high school. Hope you enjoy it! CLICK HERE
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