the Internet (most recent)

light bulb

telephone

refrigerator

thermometer

microscope

printing

paper

wheel
his is a fun speaking activity in the form of a game. It can be used with most
levels and most age groups. Students practise presenting their opinions and
reaching agreement. There is an initial group work activity and extension
speaking and writing activities.

Activity type: Group work

Level: Up to B2
Age: Adults or senior YLs
Preparation

There are no materials required. Just write these inventions on the board in a random
order:

the Internet (most recent)

light bulb

telephone

refrigerator

braille

thermometer

microscope

printing

paper

wheel

Procedure

Put students into groups of 3 or 5. Students should work together in their

groups, checking that everybody knows what each word means. Help with
understanding if necessary.

Explain that these are 10 important inventions. Students should work together in
their groups to compile a list of the inventions in chronological order. They should talk
about each invention and reach a majority decision regarding the order. If necessary
explain to students BC and AD.

Elicit the lists from each group and write them on the board. Alternatively, invite
a student up to the board from each group to write their list.

Write the answers on the board (see below) for students to check.

Get groups to copy the correct list.

Explain that you are going to play a game. Students have to guess the year of
each invention. They have to work together in groups to reach a majority decision.

Explain that you will award 1 point for the group that writes the nearest year.
You will award 2 bonus points for an exact year. Explain the meaning of BC and AD.Give
students a limited time to do this part. (10 mins)

Draw this grid on the board (below). Complete the grid by eliciting answers from
each group. Alternatively, invite a member of each group up to the board to write in
their information.

Group 1

the Internet

light bulb

telephone

refrigerator

braille

thermometer

microscope

printing

paper

Group 2 (etc.)

Answer

wheel

Finally, complete the answers column (see below) and award points to find the
winning group.

Answers

The Internet 1969

light bulb 1906

telephone 1876

refrigerator 1850

braille 1829

thermometer 1593

microscope 1590

printing 1440

paper 100

wheel around 3,500 BC

Extension
Writing: Students write a short text (100 words) about the positive and negative
effects of one of the inventions named.

Speaking: Put students into pairs, A and B. Students take turns to choose an invention
from the list and to talk about its positive and negative effects. They should speak for
about 2 minutes about each invention.

Author:
Katherine Bilsborough
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http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening-skills-practice/newinventions