Compound Adjective Catchphrase: A Fun ESL Classroom Activity with free printable PDF worksheet

Compound Adjective Catchphrase

Compound Adjective Catchphrase

Learning compound adjectives can be challenging for ESL students, but turning it into a game makes the process fun and interactive. Compound Adjective Catchphrase is a dynamic classroom activity that helps students build their vocabulary, improve communication skills, and think creatively while working in teams.

Why Use Compound Adjective Catchphrase in Your ESL Class?

✅ Enhances speaking and listening skills
✅ Encourages teamwork and collaboration
✅ Helps students memorize new vocabulary
✅ Boosts confidence in language use
✅ Makes learning engaging and interactive

How to Play Compound Adjective Catchphrase

Preparation

Download our free printable PDF worksheet with ready-to-use compound adjective cards.
Print and cut out the cards before the lesson.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Divide the class into two teams.
Select a player from each team to come to the front of the class.
Give each player a compound adjective card with related vocabulary.
The players must describe the compound adjective using alternative words and physical gestures.
- They cannot say any part of the adjective, its first letter, or any rhyming words.
- They cannot use the related vocabulary provided on the card.
The team must guess the compound adjective based on the given clues.
The first team to correctly guess the adjective scores a point.
Rotate players and repeat the process with new words.
The first team to reach seven points wins!

Example Compound Adjectives

Here are some popular compound adjectives you can use in this game:

✅ Well-known
✅ Brand-new
✅ Old-fashioned
✅ High-quality
✅ Short-tempered
✅ Cold-hearted
✅ Hard-working
✅ Long-lasting
✅ Tightly-knit
✅ Fast-paced

Variations & Extensions

🔹 Use timers to add a challenge—players must guess within 30 seconds.
🔹 Award bonus points for the most creative descriptions.
🔹 Incorporate writing exercises—students can use compound adjectives in sentences.
🔹 Create a story challenge where students must include multiple compound adjectives in a short story.

Download Your Free Printable PDF Worksheet

Make lesson planning easier! Download the free printable Compound Adjective Catchphrase worksheet with pre-made cards to use in your ESL classroom. Click below to get instant access:

Final Thoughts

Compound Adjective Catchphrase