Can You Describe It? New Taboo Games Are Here! 🗣️
- Cool English
- Sep 30, 2025
- 2 min read
https://www.coolenglish.net/edu/categories/taboo (fun section)
Hey Cool English Teachers!
Get ready to bring some serious energy to your classroom! This week, we're thrilled to announce two new additions to our super popular interactive game, Taboo. If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced activity that gets every student talking and thinking, this is it! 🎉
What is Taboo?
Taboo is the ultimate word-guessing game. The goal is simple: one student must get their partner or team to say a specific word. The catch? They can't use a list of common, related "taboo" words to describe it! This forces students to get creative with their language.
How to Play 🧠
The game is super intuitive and easy to set up for your online or in-person classes.
Choose a Card: The game board features a set of playing cards. This is also a great way for students to practice their numbers and card suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades)!
Pick a Level: Each card has two difficulty levels.
Level 1: The student must describe the word without using 2 taboo words. Great for beginners or as a warm-up.
Level 2: The challenge increases! The student must avoid 4 taboo words. Perfect for more advanced students.
Start the Timer: Click the 30-second timer and the fun begins! The clue-giver describes the word while their partner (who isn't looking at the screen) tries to guess. (Pro-Tip: You can also play without the timer for a no-pressure game).
Score Points: If the team guesses the word correctly in time, they score a point! But be careful—if the clue-giver says a taboo word, their turn is over.
Why It's an Awesome ESL Activity 🔥
Taboo isn't just fun; it's a powerhouse for language development. This game naturally encourages students to:
Use Synonyms: Can't say "swim" to describe a "pool"? They'll have to think of words like "float," "splash," or "dive."
Explain Definitions: Students practice describing what something is or what it's used for instead of relying on the most obvious words.
Speak Fluently: The timer adds a little pressure that helps students practice thinking and speaking on their feet.
Think Critically: How do you describe a "farm" without saying "cows," "field," "barn," or "land"? It takes some real brainpower!
Our interactive version includes a built-in scoreboard for up to four teams, clear instructions, and even "Sample Answers" if your students get stuck.
Ready to challenge your students and fill your classroom with laughter and learning? Click the link below to check out our full collection of Taboo games!
Happy teaching!
- The Cool English Team 🚀
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