Author: Adrian Tennant | Published on 1 October 2022
Read what a teacher says about this activity:
Don’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is a fun activity which helps learners think about different types of questions and short answers. Learners like it because they have to think quickly.
Stage 1
Demonstrate the game with the learners.
Say: ‘You should ask me questions. Your aim is to get me to reply ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If I use either of these words you get a point.’ Play the game.
For example:
A: Do you live in the village?
B: I do.
A: Have you got a brother?
B: I have two brothers.
A: Are you the youngest?
B: I am.
A: Do you like English?
B: Yes, I do.
A: Got you! You said ‘yes’.
Stage 2
Once you’ve demonstrated the game, put the learners in small groups.
Say: ‘Choose one person to answer the questions. The rest of the group asks questions to try and get him/her to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.’
Stage 3:
Repeat the game with each learner in a group taking a turn answering the questions.
As an alternative, you can demonstrate the game with a confident learner first, where you ask the questions. You can also help learners by brainstorming a list of everyday questions before you play the game.