ESL game for describing people using SMS messaging for teens and adults

If you want an ESL game for describing people then what’s the better way than using SMS messaging to “anonymously” describe each other and break some ice as well. Here we have an easy no preparation game that keeps your students closer to each other and creates lots of laughter while learning how to describe people in English

How to PLAY?

For the setup, ask ESL students to write down their phone number on a piece of paper without writing any name or clue. Now put those inside a basket and shuffle well.
Next, everybody takes their phone out and get ready for messaging. So now each ESL student goes to the basket, picks one number and starts writing. The message must be something they like about the owner of this number (they don’t know who the number belongs to and this is what makes this quick ESL game fun). Now you ask them to send. Allow them to check their phones but not read any message. You’ll definitely hear a few laughter if not the whole class.
Now my favorite part is here when students need to send the second message to the same number but this time they write the thing they dislike about the owner of the number (which still is unknown). Click send and now students one by one read the message they received. Teachers should expect some tears in their eyes due to excessive laughter

In case students are concern about their privacy, assign a two-digit number to each ESL student and ask them to write their messages on a small piece of paper

Appropriate age for describing people activity

The messaging game is only suitable for adults and teenagers. These groups of age are better at writing and describing different people as well as expressing their opinions and interests. Also, it’s very likely for kids not to carry a phone to their class

Suitable class size for the ESL game describing people activity

There is no need to say for how many students are able to play as long as everyone has a phone or able to borrow one for the game. Play with any number of students. The more the better.

For more games check out our ESL Games at ESL Archive. Please don’t hesitate to let us know how this activity was in your class in the comment below. have fun with students using the ESL game for describing people!