ESL Random Category Generator randomly creates categories that can be used in games to play in class to revise vocabulary.
Ways to use ESL Random Category Generator
As a Warmer/Cooler
First, get a soft ball that students can pass around the room. Put students in teams and then select a category. Students pass the ball saying a word that matches the category. The can’t repeat any words. If they do the ball is given back to that team. When the time limit runs out, the team with the ball loses. Read about this activity here
As an end of class activity
Brain Blaster is a game of chance and divergent thinking. This game is a great team game and can be used with young learners, teens and adults. Students are given a category and then roll a dice. Whatever number they get when they roll the dice, they must give that number of answers and get a point for each correct answer. Read the full instructions here.
Stop The Bus is a simple and fun vocabulary game for any level or age group. Use the random generator to choose categories for students to think of. Read the full instructions here.
Between activities
Monkey in the Middle is a fun group activity for young learners which helps students to practice and review vocabulary of different categories. In this activity, students have to say words from a given category while trying the pass the ball without the students in the middle getting the ball. Read the full instructions here.
ESL Odd One Out – an online game that is a great way to practice vocabulary and speaking with young learners. This activity is great to help students practice for the Cambridge Movers exam.
ESL Vocabulary Fortunes – An online game for teens and adults that is a great way to practice vocabulary on a large number of topics.
ESL Bomb Game – Bomb is a simple scoring system that adds excitement to any game.
ESL Hangman – Hangman is a simple way to practice spelling and vocabulary recall with your students.
Describe the Photo – A great way to practice speaking about photos for B1 (PET).
ESL Play Your Cards Right – A fun higher or lower game.
ESL Countdown – A great game to practice vocabulary and spelling.
ESL Writing Prompt Generator – A fun way to practice writing with young learners and even teens.