Match the Words to the Definitions: Card Game

(TESOL Ideas--Activities for Any Vocabulary Set)

Sample: docs, pub

This is another very obvious idea.  The idea of matching words to their definitions is, of course, very basic.  But putting all the words and definitions on cards ("cards" here meaning slips of paper) allows a tactile element that gets the students moving a bit more, and also gives them a break from book work.

Before class, I cut up all the cards and shuffle them up.  I make one set for each group of students (groups being typically 3 or 4 students).  Then I distribute the sets to the groups, and they arrange the cards so that each word is next to its definition.

When they are done, they call out "finished", and I come around and check.  I tell them which definitions are correct, and which ones need to be checked again.  They keep trying until they get them all right.

Then, once all the students have correctly matched the cards, we can move on to other games.  

At this point, we throw away the definitions cards, and just keep the word cards.  And then we can play games like Describe the Card to Your Group, Grab the Card Game, Taboo, etc.

The sample activity linked to above comes from Impact 2 Unit 3 Introduction and New Vocabulary p.42-46

ability	the physical or mental skill or qualities that you need to do something
access	to find or see information
communicate	to share information with others by speaking, writing, etc
constant	happening a lot or all the time
digital	relating to computer technology, especially the Internet
extend	to make something bigger or longer
improve	to get better or to make something better
information	facts about a situation, person, event, etc
instant	a moment
interfere	to try to control or become involved in a situation
location	a place or position
machine	a piece of equipment with moving parts that uses power to do a particular job
rely on	to need someone or something in order to be successful
social media	forms of electronic communication that allow people to share information using the Internet or mobile phones
technology	knowledge, equipment, and methods that are used in science and industry
take over	to get control of something
tool	a piece of equipment that you use with your hands in order to help you do something