“Would you rather?” is a game where players choose between two words. The intent is not to choose words that ‘describe the player’, but to use meaning to argue which word is ‘better’ or more useful with reasons.
Each pair is built around the same base/root with different prefixes added. These words are not necessarily antonyms! The goal is then to convince the 'opposition' to change sides with strong reasons.
It is a simple but fun way to have your students think more carefully about how morphemes change the meaning of words.
This resource includes 48 printable task cards with the word choices on one side, and the definitions on the other. It can be played as a whole class, or small groups.
The game is most suited to years 4 and 6 students (or lower secondary students) who have learned a bank of prefixes and know how they change the meaning of the base.
So, would you rather 'inflate' or 'deflate'?
Player 1: I choose deflate because it is much easier to deflate pool toys than it is to blow them up.
Player 2: I would rather inflate because I can’t play football with a deflated ball.
Player 3: Definitely deflate because I hate it when ballons pop unexpectedly.
Player 4: Inflate. You can’t ride a bike with flat tires.
