Verb Patterns Pelmanism Game (Intermediate)

Instructions for teachers

Preparation

Photocopy and cut up one pack of cards below per 2 or 3 students. Photocopy one more copy of the worksheet for students to check their answers with and take away as reference (optional).

Language presentation

Give out one pack of cards per group of 2 to 4 students. Get them to arrange the cards into two columns depending on whether they are followed by the –ing form of a verb (e.g. “enjoy” + doing), or the infinitive with to (“want” + to do, etc).

If some groups think they have finished quickly, first tell them that there are an equal number in each column, then point out how many are wrong in each column.

Go through the answers as a class or give out the extra photocopies for them to check their answers with.

Practice – Pelmanism memory game (pairs)

Get students to turn all the cards over face down and spread them over the table. The aim of the game is to find pairs of cards that take the same verb pattern, e.g. two cards that followed by the infinitive with to (“want” and “need”, etc.). If both cards they take are followed by the same verb pattern they get to keep those two cards and score two points. If they get two verbs which are followed by different verb patterns (e.g. “enjoy” and “want”), they have to put them back in the same places they took them from and play passes to the next person.

Extension/ Variation – Personalisation

After or instead of this activity, students can take cards at random and ask each other questions about them, e.g. “Are there any school subjects you can’t stand studying?”

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Cards to cut up

Suggest	Can’t wait	Advise
Imagine	Offer	Expect
Detest	Wish	Encourage
Give up	Promise	Force
Discuss	Afford	Warn
Can’t stand	Be told	Cause
Look forward to	Would prefer	Order
Think of	Prepare	Allow
Practice	Expect	Help
Delay	Seem	Invite
Postpone	Refuse	Teach
Consider	Fail	Tell