Concentration (also known as Memory, Matching Pairs, Match Up, or simply Pairs) is a classic card game where players turn over two cards at a time in search of matching pairs. It’s simple, fun, and easily adapted into an ESL memory game that students love.
I remember playing a version as a kid that featured cartoon fish—we called it Watch IT! In the ESL classroom, this childhood favourite transforms into a low prep ESL activity that can be played on the whiteboard using just a grid and a bit of teacher preparation. And as a memory game, it’s great for adults too!
Why Use Concentration in ESL?
This activity is perfect for reviewing certain vocabulary or grammar points where there are word pairs, such as irregular verbs. It’s engaging, competitive, and helps students with memory and recall—all while having fun. I use it most often as a warmer after introducing irregular verbs in the past simple.
How to Set It Up
To play Concentration in class, you’ll need:
- A 5×4 grid (20 squares total)
- A list of 10 matching word pairs (e.g., go / went, see / saw)
- A whiteboard
- Teams of 2–5 students
Tip: Prepare a “teacher key” in advance that shows which word is in each square. Students shouldn’t see the answers!
On the board, draw a 5×4 grid and label the rows A–D and the columns 1–5.
How to Play This ESL Memory Game
- In teams, students take turns choosing two squares (e.g., B2 and D4).
- Check your answer key and write the corresponding words in those squares.
- If the words form a correct pair (e.g., eat and ate), leave them on the board and award a point.
- If they don’t match, erase them, and the next team takes a turn.
- When only two squares remain, teams must guess the word in one square and spell it correctly to earn the final point.
Scoring Tip: You can give teams a bonus turn if they make a successful match—just like in the original card game!
Variations – Language You Can Practice
This flexible low prep ESL activity works with almost any language point that comes in pairs. Try using it to review:
- Present and past verb forms (e.g., go / went)
- Base infinitives and past participles (e.g., write / written)
- Opposites (e.g., hot / cold)
- Singular and plural nouns (e.g., child / children)
- Extreme adjectives (e.g., tired / exhausted)
- Synonyms (e.g., begin / start, answer / reply)
- Phrasal verbs and their one word synonyms (look into / research)
- British vs. American English (e.g., flat / apartment)
Classroom Tips
- Allow about 10–15 minutes
- Works well as a quick review at the beginning or end of class
- To save time, you can pre-fill a few matched pairs on the board as a starting example
- You can adapt this game for online classes using PowerPoint or Google Slides
Ready to Play?
Want to try it out? I’ve created some ready-made ESL memory game grids for:
- Regular past tense verbs
- Irregular past participles
Plus, I’ve included a blank editable template so you can create your own version. You can download them for FREE here.
This ESL memory game is quick to set up, easy to explain, and keeps students focused and interacting with target language. Whether you’re reviewing verbs or vocabulary, it’s one of my go-to low prep ESL activities—and students are always thoroughly engaged!
If you find another use for Concentration other than the ones mentioned above, let us know in the comments below!