How Many Questions?
How Many Questions?
The game “How Many Questions?” is a practical, enjoyable method to facilitate active engagement and comprehension of the 6 “W” question words among EFL students. Requiring merely a wooden cube and a timer, the preparation is minimal, yet the learning outcome is substantial.
Initially, educators need to inscribe each of the six “W” question words—Who, What, When, Where, Why, and Which—on the six sides of the wooden cube. Before diving into the game, it's crucial to ensure that students grasp the meaning of these question words, which is achieved by having them translate the words into their native language. Additionally, soliciting example sentences from students further consolidates their understanding and prepares them for the game.
The classroom is then divided into pairs, and the objective of the game is outlined: to formulate and respond to as many questions as possible, correlating to the question word displayed on the rolled die, within a stipulated time frame (a minute is usually effective).
As the game commences with a roll of the die, pairs of students energetically engage in crafting and answering questions. For instance, if “Where” is the word on the die, students might exchange questions like “Where do you live?” or “Where is your favourite place?”. The cyclical nature of the game, where the die is rolled, and questions are asked and answered within the set time, then points are tallied, ensures a lively, repetitive, and reinforcing learning experience.
A key to maintaining the enthusiasm and effectiveness of this game is knowing when to conclude. Halting the game while the excitement is still high ensures students retain a positive, eager attitude towards playing it again in future sessions.
In summary, “How Many Questions?” is an interactive, quick-paced game that not only sharpens the students' grasp of the “W” question words but also enhances their quick thinking and conversational skills in English.