Guess What? – A Fun English Conversation Topic

Looking for a simple yet engaging way to practice English conversation? “Guess What?” is a great option, perfect for both casual chats and structured classroom settings. This article will provide you with everything you need to jumpstart your “Guess What?” conversations, including useful vocabulary and phrases, tips for effective communication, and fun examples.

What is “Guess What?”

The “Guess What?” game is a simple conversation starter where one person shares a piece of news or an interesting experience, and the other person tries to guess what it is. It’s a playful and interactive way to practice English, build vocabulary, and improve listening skills.

How to Play “Guess What?”

1. Start with a Hook: Begin with the phrase “Guess what?” to get your partner’s attention. You can also use variations like “You won’t believe what happened!” or “I have something exciting to tell you!”
2. Give Hints: Provide clues about your news or experience, starting with general hints and becoming more specific as your partner tries to guess. For example, you could say: “It happened yesterday.” “It was something unexpected.” “It involved a friend.” “It was funny!”
3. Encourage Participation: Ask questions like “Can you guess what it is?” “What do you think happened?” “Are you getting warmer?” “Is it about…?”
4. Reveal the Answer: Once your partner has made a few guesses, reveal the answer and share the full story. This is a great opportunity to practice storytelling and descriptive language.

Vocabulary and Phrases for “Guess What?”

Here are some useful words and phrases to use in your “Guess What?” conversations:

• Exciting news: Amazing, unbelievable, incredible, fantastic, wonderful, great, super, awesome
• Unexpected events: Surprised, shocked, startled, unexpected, surprising, strange, weird
• Funny experiences: Hilarious, funny, amusing, comical, ridiculous, silly
• Clues and hints: It happened… It was… It involved… It was about… I was… I felt… I did…
• Guesses: I think it’s… Could it be… Is it about…? Maybe it’s… I’m not sure, but…

Example Conversation

Person A: Guess what? I had the most amazing day yesterday!

Person B: Really? What happened?

Person A: It was something I’ve always wanted to do, and it finally happened! I was so excited!

Person B: Hmm… Was it about your job? Did you get a promotion?

Person A: No, not my job. It was about something I love to do in my free time.

Person B: Oh, I see. Did you finally go on that trip you were planning?

Person A: No, but it was related to travel. I got a new… a new… a new passport!

Person B: Wow! That’s great! Congratulations!

Tips for Effective “Guess What?” Conversations

• Be enthusiastic: Show your excitement about the news you’re sharing. This will make the conversation more engaging for your partner.
• Use clear and simple language: Avoid using complex vocabulary or grammar that might confuse your partner.
• Be patient: Give your partner time to think and make guesses. Don’t rush the conversation.
• Have fun: Remember that “Guess What?” is a game! Relax and enjoy the process of learning and practicing English together.

Conclusion

The “Guess What?” game is a simple yet effective way to improve your English conversation skills. It’s a fun and interactive activity that can be enjoyed by both native speakers and learners of English. So, next time you’re looking for a conversation starter, try “Guess What?” and see how it can boost your English fluency!