Aim of the Game
The aim of the game is to win points by making as many correct sentences as possible using different combinations of the given language within a time limit.
Procedure
Explain to the learners that they are going to practise using phrasal verbs with in by playing a board game.
Divide the class into pairs and nominate each learner in a pair either A or B.
Explain that the learners have to use the phrasal verbs to make accurate sentences. They get points for each phrasal verb they use in a sentence.
If they use one item they score one point. If they use two items in a sentence they score 1 + 2 = 3 points for that sentence. If they use three items in a sentence they score 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 points for that sentence etc.
In a single sentence they can only combine items that are adjacent to each other on the game board (either horizontally, vertically of diagonally). Hence they can construct chains of various lengths throughout the game board to score more points.
They must start each sentence they create with a different phrasal verb.
Each learner has three minutes to try and create as many sentences and so score as many points as possible.
While learner A is playing, learner B should score of the number of items they use in each sentence they make.
Do some examples yourself to make it clear to the learners what they have to do.
Give out a copy of version A of the handout to each learner A. Count them down (3, 2, 1, Go!) and then let them play for three minutes. At the end of three minutes, pairs count up the score achieved.
Then give out handout B to learners B and give them three minutes to play.
The learner in each pair who scored the most points is the winner.
Variations
To make the scoring easier the first time you play the game, award a point for each item used, rather than use the accumulative scoring system.
The learners can be asked to write their sentences out, rather than just say them, if you prefer to give them written practice of the target language. If so, give them a longer time limit, say five minutes, but both players can play at the same time and then compare the points they’ve scored together.