20 Questions Game: Examples Questions and Printables
Today, we’re exploring the world of language games, specifically the classic ’20 Questions’.
Renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness, this game is more than just a fun activity—it’s a powerful tool for language development.
Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced learners, ’20 Questions’ adapts beautifully to every ESL classroom.
Let’s explore how this game can enhance vocabulary, improve question formation, and sharpen critical thinking skills, all while keeping your students engaged and entertained.
As this is quite a long article you can jump to the sections you want using the list below.
- How to Play 20 questions game – Printable
- Example Questions to ask for 20 Questions game + Printable
- Topics and lucky dip Card printable for the 20 questions Game
- Full list of 160+ 20 Question Topics and Ideas
The Educational Power of 20 Questions
At its core, ’20 Questions’ is a linguistic powerhouse, cleverly disguised as a game.
For ESL learners, it’s an opportunity to practice forming questions—a fundamental skill in any language.
As students think of questions to identify the mystery word, they engage in critical thinking and broaden their vocabulary.
The game also hones listening skills, as each answer can lead to a new question, teaching students to listen actively and respond thoughtfully.
By incorporating ’20 Questions’ into your lessons, you’re not just playing a game; you’re building confident speakers and attentive listeners.
How to Play 20 Questions Step by Step
Playing ’20 Questions’ is easy, and its flexibility makes it a hit in ESL classrooms.
You can also grab a copy of this how to play guide on the link below as well.
Step 1: Choose the Secret Keeper
Begin by selecting one player to be the ‘Secret Keeper’. This person will think of an object, person, place, or animal without revealing it to others.
Step 2: Announce the Category
The Secret Keeper announces the category of their chosen item to the other players. For example, they could say, “I’m thinking of an animal” or “It’s a type of food.”
Step 3: Understand the Rules of Questioning
Remind players that they can only ask yes/no questions. These are questions to which the answer is either ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Step 4: Start Guessing with Questions
The other players take turns asking yes/no questions to gather clues about the secret object. For instance, “Is it bigger than a car?” or “Can it be eaten?”
Step 5: Use Strategy in Asking Questions
Encourage strategic questioning. Start with broader questions to narrow down the field, then move to more specific questions as the game progresses.
Step 6: Making a Guess
Players can make a guess about the secret object at any point in the game. If a player guesses correctly before the 20th question, they win and become the next Secret Keeper. If not, the game continues until all 20 questions are asked.
Step 7: Reveal the Answer
After 20 questions, if no one has correctly guessed the object, the Secret Keeper reveals it. Discuss the questions that led to the answer or where the guesses went off track.
Step 8: Rotate Roles
Rotate the role of the Secret Keeper for each new round to give all players a chance to think of an object and answer questions.
Tips for Educators:
- Encourage full sentence answers and questions to practice language skills.
- Assist with vocabulary and forming questions, especially for younger or beginner-level students.
- Keep the game lively and engaging by limiting the time for each question and guess.
Best Questions to ask in ’20 Questions’ Game.
Before diving into the topics, let’s talk about the art of asking good questions in ’20 Questions’.
- The key is to start broad and then narrow down. Begin with general questions that categorize the object broadly, such as “Is it alive?” or “Is it something man-made?”
- As the game progresses, shift to more specific questions based on the answers received.
- Encourage students to think logically about the nature of the object and use the process of elimination.
- Questions should be strategic, helping to narrow down the possibilities. For example, if the category is ‘animal’, asking “Does it live in water?” can quickly eliminate many options.
Teaching students to ask effective questions enhances their critical thinking and language skills simultaneously.
In the two columns below we have 30 example questions you can use to help your children and students. ( or yourself!) You can also download these if you want to hand them out.
- Is it a living thing?
- Can it be found indoors?
- Is it larger than a breadbox?
- Is it used in everyday life?
- Can you eat it?
- Does it move on its own?
- Is it man-made?
- Can it be worn?
- Is it something you can buy in a store?
- Does it require electricity or batteries?
- Is it found in nature?
- Can it be used for entertainment?
- Is it an animal?
- Is it a plant or related to nature?
- Does it make a sound?
- Is it found in households?
- Is it used for transportation?
- Can it be found in an office?
- Is it used primarily by adults?
- Does it come in multiple colors?
- Is it something used in schools?
- Can it be found in a kitchen?
- Is it smaller than a car?
- Does it have a specific function or purpose?
- Is it something that children commonly use or play with?
- Does it change shape or form?
- Can it be found in a park or playground?
- Is it used for communication?
- Do you use it daily?
- Is it alive?
Topics and Examples for ’20 Questions’
Now, let’s explore some engaging topics for the game, each with a list of 25 examples. These can be adapted to suit the level and interests of your ESL students.
You can download and print these to let students pick a word from a hat to make the game more fun.
Animals:
This category is perfect for exploring the diverse world of animals, from common pets to exotic wildlife. It’s ideal for teaching various animal names, their habitats, and characteristics, making it both educational and fun for students.
Words include: Dog, Cat, Elephant, Tiger, Lion, Giraffe, Zebra, Kangaroo, Bear, Monkey, Dolphin, Shark, Whale, Penguin, Octopus, Crocodile, Snake, Rabbit, Horse, Cow, Sheep, Chicken, Bee, Butterfly, Camel
Food:
The Food category allows players to delve into the delicious realm of cuisines and edible items. It’s an excellent way to discuss different types of foods, their ingredients, and cultural significance, stimulating both appetite and learning.
Words include: Apple, Banana, Carrot, Pizza, Burger, Sushi, Spaghetti, Ice Cream, Cake, Chocolate, Sandwich, Soup, Salad, Cheese, Bread, Steak, Chicken, Fish, Rice, Pasta, Pancakes, Donut, Cookie, Omelette, Yogurt
Places Around Town
Focusing on various locations within a town or city, this category helps students learn about different public places and their functions. It’s useful for teaching vocabulary related to everyday locations and community resources
Words include: School, Hospital, Library, Park, Restaurant, Supermarket, Bank, Cinema, Museum, Zoo, Bakery, Gym, Police Station, Fire Station, Post Office, Cafe, Airport, Train Station, Bus Station, Stadium, Beach, Playground, Shopping Mall, Hotel, Gas Station
Objects in a House
Centered around everyday items found in a house, this category helps students familiarize themselves with common household objects and their uses. It’s a practical way to expand vocabulary related to home and daily living.
Words include: Chair, Table, Bed, Sofa, Lamp, Clock, Mirror, Fridge, Oven, Microwave, Television, Computer, Bookshelf, Pillow, Blanket, Towel, Vase, Washing Machine, Toaster, Coffee Maker, Phone, Photo Frame, Fan, Carpet, Curtain
Clothing & Accessories
In this category, students explore various types of clothing and accessories, making it ideal for teaching words related to apparel and fashion. It can also lead to discussions about weather-appropriate clothing and cultural attire.
Words include: Shirt, Pants, Dress, Skirt, Jacket, Hat, Shoes, Socks, Sweater, Coat, Scarf, Gloves, Belt, Sunglasses, Watch, Jewelry, Tie, Boots, Sneakers, Sandals, Wallet, Handbag, Backpack, Earrings, Necklace
Sports & Activities
Featuring different sports and physical activities, this topic not only teaches the names of various sports but also encourages discussion about health and hobbies. It’s great for active learners and sports enthusiasts.
Words include: Soccer, Basketball, Swimming, Cycling, Running, Yoga, Tennis, Golf, Skiing, Skating, Hiking, Gymnastics, Surfing, Dancing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Badminton, Volleyball, Baseball, Bowling, Martial Arts, Archery, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Skateboarding
Nature & Environment
This topic allows students to explore elements of the natural world, from geographical features to weather phenomena. It’s an effective way to teach about the environment, nature conservation, and the importance of ecological balance.
Words include: Tree, Flower, River, Mountain, Ocean, Forest, Desert, Beach, Lake, Waterfall, Volcano, Island, Glacier, Jungle, Canyon, Park, Reef, Valley, Hill, Meadow, Star, Moon, Sun, Cloud, Rain
If you want all of these 20 question’s cards and examples in one PDF then you can use the link below where we have put them all together for you .
Tips for Maximizing Engagement and Learning
To ensure that your ESL students get the most out of the ’20 Questions’ game, here are some tips for maximizing both engagement and learning:
- Encourage Full Sentences: Prompt students to ask and answer questions using complete sentences to practice sentence structure.
- Rotate Roles: Make sure every student gets a chance to be the one thinking of the object and the one asking questions.
- Use Props or Visual Aids: Especially for younger learners, visual aids related to the categories can make the game more engaging and help with vocabulary recall.
- Incorporate Team Play: Divide the class into teams to encourage collaboration and make the game more interactive.
- Reflection Time: After the game, have a brief discussion or reflection period. Ask students what new words they learned or which questions were most effective.
Adapting the Game for Diverse ESL Learners
’20 Questions’ is a versatile game that can be tailored to suit a wide range of learners. Here’s how you can adapt it:
- For Beginners: Use more straightforward categories and encourage simpler questions.
- For Advanced Learners: Choose more abstract categories and encourage complex questions.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural references and choose categories that are inclusive and understandable for all students.
- Online Adaptations: Use digital tools like chat functions or interactive whiteboards for students to play the game in virtual classrooms.
Similar Games for ESL Students
- Charades:
- In Charades, players act out a word or phrase without speaking, while others guess what it is. This game is great for teaching vocabulary and encouraging creativity. It also helps students learn to interpret non-verbal cues, which is an important aspect of communication.
- Pictionary:
- Similar to Charades, but instead of acting, players draw the word or phrase. Pictionary is excellent for visual learners and helps with word association and vocabulary building. It’s a fun way to engage students in learning new words and concepts.
- Who Am I?
- A guessing game where each student has the name of a famous person, animal, or object on their back or forehead. They ask yes/no questions to figure out who or what they are. This game is ideal for practicing question formation and can be adapted to different difficulty levels.
- Taboo:
- Players have to describe a word to their team without using a list of forbidden words. This game challenges students to use descriptive language and synonyms, enhancing their speaking skills and vocabulary.
- Storytelling Circle:
- A creative group activity where each student adds a sentence to build a story. This game encourages imaginative thinking and the use of diverse vocabulary. It also improves students’ abilities to listen, remember details, and construct coherent narratives.
Conclusion
The ’20 Questions’ game is more than just fun; it’s a valuable tool for language learning, offering an interactive way to practice English.
By incorporating this game into your ESL lessons, you provide your students with an enjoyable way to develop their language skills.
Remember, the key to a successful language learning experience is engagement, and what better way to achieve this than through a game that everyone can enjoy?
Additional Resources
For more engaging ESL teaching tools and games, be sure to check out our other resources. From dynamic lesson plans to creative activity ideas, we aim to make your language teaching journey as effective and enjoyable as possible.
- https://games4esl.com/the-20-questions-game/
- https://www.eslcafe.com/resources/lesson-plans/games/20-questions#:~:
- https://eslspeaking.org/20-questions-esl-speaking-game/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty_questions
Making English Fun!
I have been a teacher of English for over 15 years, in that time i made hundreds and thousands of resources and learnt so much i think its worth sharing. Hopefully to help teachers and parents around the world.
