Tasks: Unusual and Beautiful Words in the English Language

Discuss:

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?

Match the words with their definition:

Drag the words into the correct sentences.

Fill in the blanks:

Have a competition:

You may compete individually or in teams.

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

Mark a standing spot on the floor and place a wastepaper basket about one metre away from it.

One person picks a definition from the bowl and says the word that matches it. If the answer is correct, they may try to throw the piece of paper into the wastepaper basket. Successfully getting the paper into the basket earns one point.

• Words and definitions (DOCX)
• Words and definitions (PDF)

Make a challenge:

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.