Word Power
What does "break the ice" mean in a social situation?
Make people feel more relaxed and start a conversation.
A classmate says "Thanks for your help!" Give a natural reply.
Examples: "You are welcome!", "No problem!", or "Happy to help!"
Unscramble LISTEN to make a word meaning "without sound."
SILENT.
Which is stronger evidence: "Everyone loves it" or "18 of 25 students chose it"?
"18 of 25 students chose it" gives a specific, checkable result.
Speak for 15 seconds: recommend one book, film, or song and give a reason.
Award points for a clear recommendation AND one relevant reason. Any sensible choice is acceptable.
What does "reluctant" mean in "She was reluctant to join"?
Unwilling or hesitant; not eager to join.
Ask a teacher to repeat an instruction politely.
Example: "Could you repeat the instructions, please?" Accept other clear, polite requests.
What can you break simply by speaking?
Silence.
Improve this claim by making it less absolute: "Phones always harm learning."
Example: "Phones can distract students when used for unrelated activities." Accept a qualified claim that avoids "always."
Choose a familiar object silently. Describe it for 20 seconds without naming it. Other teams guess.
Award points if the speaker gives at least two accurate clues without naming the object and another team identifies it.
Replace "due to the fact that" with one simpler word.
Because.
Someone invites you out, but you are busy. Decline politely and suggest another time.
Example: "Thanks for inviting me. I am busy tonight. Could we meet tomorrow?" Must include a polite refusal and an alternative.
Explain BOTH meanings of "I saw her duck."
I saw the duck belonging to her; OR I saw her lower her head/body quickly.
Your claim: "Our school needs more library seats." Give one kind of evidence you could collect.
Examples: count occupied seats at lunchtime, record students waiting, or survey library users. Evidence must relate to demand for seats.
Give a 20-second mini-story using "first," "suddenly," and "finally."
Award points if all three words are used meaningfully and the events form a coherent story.
Explain "The course costs an arm and a leg."
The course is very expensive.
Disagree with "Homework is useless" politely, then give one reason.
Example: "I see your point, but practice can help us remember new skills." Must include respectful disagreement and a relevant reason.
Which word does not belong: whisper, shout, mumble, listen? Explain.
Listen: it is receiving sound; the others describe ways of speaking.
A speaker says, "Buy this app because a famous actor uses it." What evidence would be more useful?
Evidence about how well the app works, such as relevant tests or users achieving the promised result. Fame alone does not show effectiveness.
Explain a simple process in 30 seconds: making tea, learning a word, or getting ready for class.
Award points for at least three steps in a logical order and clear sequencing language.
Use "although" to combine: "The task was difficult. We finished it."
Although the task was difficult, we finished it. OR We finished it although the task was difficult.
Repair a misunderstanding: your partner thinks the meeting is Friday, but it is Thursday.
Example: "Sorry, I may not have been clear. The meeting is on Thursday, not Friday. Does Thursday work for you?" Must clarify the correct day politely.
A chapter is to a book as a scene is to what? Explain the link.
A play: each is a smaller part of a larger work.
Make a 3-part argument for one extra reading period each week: claim, reason, and evidence you would seek.
Award points for all three: a clear proposal, a relevant reason, and specific evidence that could support or test it.
Give a 30-second pitch for a student club. Include its purpose, one benefit, and a call to action.
Award points only if all three are clear: what the club does, why students benefit, and what listeners should do next.