Guessing Game for English Learners | ESL Guess Who Activity

If you’re looking for a fun guessing game for ESL/EFL, look no further than this guess who (or what) activity. It’s fun, interactive and challenging and makes a nice warmer activity. Keep on reading for more details about this fun idea for a guessing game for all ages.

I always like to begin my classes with a warm-up activity. After all, you don’t really know where your students have been, what their frame of mind is, or whether or not they have spoken a single word of English since your last class. That’s where something like this guessing game can come in. If you’re looking for a specific example, check out the price guessing game.

I find that easing into it works well. Compare this to jumping right into the “meat” of your lesson at the beginning. I find that students often won’t really “get” it because they’re too distracted by other things. If you do a warm-up activity first, they’ll be ready to take in the main point of the lesson in a few minutes.

Describe something is a simple ESL warm-up activity that can be used for a wide range of topics. It’s well suited to beginner students. It’s the perfect guessing game for adults that you can use with kids as well. It’s essentially a guess-who game that does a great job of getting students talking and describing words.

Describe Something or Someone Guessing Game

Describe something guessing game is a simple and easy warm-up game for your ESL speaking class that you can use to generate some interest in whatever topic you are teaching in that class. It works equally well for children as well as adults. However, the main requirement is that students have a basic knowledge of simple grammar and vocabulary. You can also make it in to a guess who game.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Guess Who ESL Activity

Here’s how you do it:

Make up a handout with pictures of objects or names of famous people (around 20 works well).

Choose one and use it as your example.

Give some hints about that object or person such as, “He’s American,” “He’s black,” “He’s a sport player,” “He plays golf.”

By this time, the students will have guessed Tiger Woods. They will then cross Tiger Woods off their list.

Turn it over to the students and they will take turns describing the people or object to each other, with their partner guessing who or what it is and crossing it off the list once chosen.

This game works for almost any topic such as animals, food, clothing (check this out: teaching clothing) or people in the class!

And that’s how the guessing game works. Does it seem like it would work for your students? I hope so!

Teaching Tips for Guessing Game

1. It’s always best to do an example for just about anything. I find that I don’t even really have to give instructions if I do an example first.
2. Try to get your students to speak in full sentences, unless they are extremely low-level students. It doesn’t really help them to say, “Golf, famous, USA.”
3. It’s not competitive, so don’t make it about a time goal or points or anything like that.

FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about ESL guess who or what activities. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What are ESL guessing game activities?

ESL guessing game activities are interactive language exercises that involve learners guessing words, phrases, or concepts based on clues provided by their peers or the teacher.

Why are guessing game activities valuable in ESL teaching?

Guessing games enhance vocabulary retention, encourage critical thinking, and promote active engagement in the learning process.

What are the benefits of using guessing games for ESL learners?

Guessing games help improve vocabulary, listening skills, deduction abilities, and overall language comprehension.

What types of guessing games can be employed in ESL classes?

Common types include “20 Questions,” charades, Pictionary, riddles, and word association games.

Can guessing games be used for grammar practice in ESL classes?

Yes, for example, students can guess the missing word in a sentence to reinforce grammar structures.

How do you ensure a supportive environment in guessing game activities?

Encourage students to provide hints or clues that are helpful and constructive, fostering a positive and cooperative atmosphere.

Are guessing games suitable for all ESL proficiency levels?

Yes, you can tailor the complexity of the game and the vocabulary used to match the proficiency of the students.

How can technology be integrated into ESL guessing games?

Technology tools like interactive whiteboards or online platforms can be used to create virtual versions of guessing games.

What’s the educational value of designing original guessing games?

Designing games challenges students to think critically, apply their language knowledge creatively, and consider their peers’ comprehension.

Can guessing game activities be used for reviewing content in ESL classes?

Certainly, guessing games are an effective way to review vocabulary, grammar rules, or concepts previously taught in a fun and engaging manner.

Do you Like this ESL Warm-Up Activity?

If you like this ESL warm-up, then you’re going to love this book: 39 ESL Warm-Ups: For Kids 7+ over on Amazon. There are plenty of ideas for getting your class started, in style.

Why Use ESL Warmers?

A warmer is often just what you need before jumping into the heart of the lesson. After all, many of your students will not have spoken a single word of English since your last class! Ease them back into it with one of these activities.

Then, when you are ready for the heart of the lesson, your students will be used to English again and ready to learn the important stuff.

Or, you could consider using it to review key concepts from the previous class. Either way, it’s up to you but I personally never start my classes off without one!

Available in a Variety of Formats

You can get the book in both digital and print formats. The (cheaper!) digital copy can be read on any device by downloading the free Kindle reading app. Have dozens of top-quality ESL warm-up activities at your fingertips wherever you go!

Keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office as a handy reference guide. Or, take a copy with you on your phone or tablet to the local coffee shop where you like to plan your ESL lessons. It really is that easy!

Shop Now

Check it out on Amazon today, but only if you want a serious dose of ESL awesome in your life, okay?

Have your Say about this Guessing Game Idea

What are your thoughts about this Adult Guessing Game that works for kids too? Have you tried it out in your classes? Or, do you have another go-to warmer that you like to use in your classes? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this activity a share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. It’ll help other English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource.

Last update on 2025-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API