Tasks: Unusual and Beautiful Words in the English Language

Work in groups and discuss the questions.

1. Do you have a favourite word in English? If so, what is it and why?

2. Is it useful to read a text about unusual and beautiful words in the English language? Why/why not?

3. Research suggests that a learner must encounter a word at least 12 different times before it becomes part of their vocabulary. If that is true, how should you go about learning new words? Do you think this theory is correct?

Drag the words into the correct sentences.

You may compete individually or in teams.

Below, you will find a document that contains a number of words and their definitions. Print out the list and study the words and their definitions. Then cut out the definitions one by one and place them in a bowl or basket.

Mark a place to stand on the floor and place a wastepaper basket about one metre from the mark.

One person picks a definition from the bowl. They then have to say the word that matches the definition. If they get it right, they should try to throw the piece of paper into the wastepaper basket. Getting the paper into the wastepaper basket scores a point.

(If hitting the basket with the piece of paper is too difficult you may try moving the basket closer, or replacing the piece of paper with, for example, a ball.)

Work in teams.

Preparation:

Find ten unusual and/or beautiful words in English and write down their definitions.

Competition:

Read the words to the other groups.

The groups get forty seconds to write down a definition for each word. In that time they can use any form or assistance, apart from asking the teacher.

The groups hand in their definitions after each word, and score ten points if the definition is correct. Definitions that are correct but incomplete score five points.

Winner:

The winner is the group with the most correct definitions after everyone has presented their ten words.