
I did it for 5 years, going from simple games to more complex versions. All of these games used an easy Jeopardy PowerPoint Template that you can get online for free. After that you just have to plug your info into 6 different categories.
This game was for a class of low-level students aged 11 to 13. For many teachers not in China this would be a level you’d find with younger students.
Here are the 6 categories I have for this game:
- Pictures;
- Grammar;
- TB (EF Trailblazers Story);
- Vocabulary;
- Spelling;
- World Cities.
I also only use one screen, the one you see above. What that means is I don’t go up to the $1,000 questions. I used to make games that long but found these 30 clues were more than enough for one class, especially when we only play for 20 minutes.
Here are what a few slides look like in the ESL Jeopardy categories.
ESL Jeopardy Pictures Category
I like to throw fun things in there that make the students groan when they see the answer. It makes it fun for everyone, but especially you. And when you do the same game 5 times you have to be entertained.
ESL Jeopardy Grammar Category
Below is what the $500 clue looks like, which for this level is a little more difficult. I would expect an answer like: “I have a book. I have an elephant.”
ESL Jeopardy TB Story Category
Most ESL books will have some kind of story throughout the chapters. This could be similar characters or places or even a theme. Use this to make your games more fun and force students to recall old things.
That’s a picture I got from the book and most students don’t remember this short passage about a pen-pal. Some of them might remember seeing the picture, however, so they’ll start to flip through.
These clues are fun to put a time limit on, allowing the other team to guess if the current team can’t find the answer. Always put the page number there in case they don’t find it, and they know you’re not lying.
ESL Jeopardy Vocabulary Category
“I always brush my teeth. I usually watch TV. I sometimes go to Hong Kong. I hardly ever eat pizza. I never go to the girl’s WC.”
ESL Jeopardy Spelling Category
You have to write out these words before class. If you forget to do it you’re screwed.
I’ve tried shutting the large computer monitor off and then scrolling down to see the answers, but it usually doesn’t work – the students see. I also make so many of these games and have them for set classes that I forget the answers.
If you don’t remember to write down the words you choose, have a book handy or just give out a tough word off the top of your head.
This is also a good category to let the other team have a go at it if one team misses the answer.
ESL Jeopardy World Cities Category
I’m Giving These Away for Free…If
I can’t sell these games. Well, maybe I could, but I don’t know. First, I’m using this template that I got somewhere else. Second, I can’t sell something with EF pictures in it. Finally, some of those pictures in other categories might be questionable as well.
So that all means that I’ve got to give these PPTs away for free! That’s right, you can have this one for free, and if there’s enough interest I’ll put more on the site.
But that means you have to comment on this post if you’re interested. Just say something like where you’re teaching and how good or bad your classes are.
If enough people do that (10+) I’ll put this game and more out for free – I have about 25 to 30 of them!
Until then, happy teaching!
ESL Jeopardy Game 1 - (Low Level, High)
ESL Jeopardy Game 2 - (Mid Level, Mid)