WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

PROCEDURE: Write the following three numbers and words on the chalkboard and discuss the meaning of the words:

                                                1)  redundant (needless repetition)

                                                2)  contradictory (opposite of something else said)

                                                3)  logical (making sense)

            Divide students into 3-4 teams.  Give the fist player from each team a set of number cards (# 1 - # 3).  Players may respond only if they have the number cards.  Tell the class that when they are giving a response, they are to hold up only one of the number cards.  Holding up a #1 card indicates that "redundant" is the response, #2 means "contradictory" and #3 means "logical".

            Read a sentence from the provided list. Each student with number cards should select the number that indicates his response and hold it against his chest. Unused number cards should be turned face down so that others cannot see them. When everyone with number cards is ready, ask them to reveal their cards simultaneously.  Discuss the correct answer and award one point to each team whose player has responded correctly.

            Next have each cardholder pass all of his number cards to the next player on his team.  Repeat the above procedure, awarding points as they are earned.

            Continue in this fashion for as long as time allows, making sure that each student has had at least one opportunity to respond.  When finished tally all points.  The team with the most points is the winner.

Sentence List

(R)  She was blind and couldn't see anything.

(C)  His clean-shaven face had a magnificent beard.

(C)  Barbie's blue denim skirt clashed with her matching blue denim blouse.

(L)   Irene introduced me to her mother's uncle.

(R)   I thought that he was being redundant over and over.

(C)  The ailing bird silently squawked all through the night.

(R)  We sent the paperwork to the office of the secretary's office.

(L)   If you turn left, then you’ll be headed in the right direction.

(C)  The totally bald man couldn't get his hair to look right.

(L)   Three horses galloped wildly in the meadow.

(R)  That girl by the fence is a female.

(R)  My best friend joined the army in the military.

(C)  Robert wore a solid-colored shirt with blue stripes.  

(L)  She served the food as quickly as possible.

(R)  The naked boy had no clothes on.

(R)  The fragrant flowers had a smell about them.

(C)  The vegetarian enjoyed her meal of steak and potatoes.

(L)   His car skidded on the wet road surface.

(C)  The dead man was barely alive.

© Etc. Publications, LLC   2000               Seth & Hisam              from:  Vocabulary GROWth