Resources:

Idioms Blockbuilders Game

Resource Type
Worksheets & short activities
Resource Level
CEFR level C1

Aim of the Game

Learners guess idiomatic expressions with come from their definitions to win blocks on the game board. The aim is to build a path from one side of the game board to the other. One team tries to build a path from top to bottom while the other builds from side to side. The team to connect their two sides of the game board together first is the winner.

 

Procedure

Stick the game board on the white board where all of the learners can see it clearly and read the letters in the blocks. Alternatively, you could use an OHP or IWB if you have the technology.

Divide the class into two equal teams.

Explain the rules of the game to the learners.

Nominate one learner to choose the initial block to play for. You read out the definition for that block and if the learners think they know the answer, they put up their hands. The first player to raise their hand answers. If they answer correctly, they win the block for their team and you colour in the block with their team colour, thus building up their path on the game board.

If they answer incorrectly, choose a learner from the other team to answer. Continue swapping teams until someone answers correctly and wins the block.

If no one can answer correctly, give the learners the answer and change the clue for that block to one of your spare clues. Nominate a new block to continue the game.

 

Variations

Instead of you giving a clue and the learners providing the target language, you could simply give them the target language and the learners have to use it correctly in a sensible context to win the block. This is particularly useful for revision purposes.