Looking for a fast-paced, low-prep vocabulary review game that gets your students speaking and thinking in English? Hotseat is a classic ESL vocabulary game that never fails to energize learners. Whether you’re reviewing thematic vocabulary or simply want to inject some fun into your lesson, Hotseat is a go-to tool for any ESL teacher. In this post, we’ll explain how to play Hotseat, how to adapt it for different levels, and how to make it work for certain class compositions.
What Is the Hotseat Game?
Hotseat is a team-based ESL vocabulary game where one student guesses a word while their teammates give clues — without saying the actual word. It’s perfect for revising vocabulary, encouraging communication, and building classroom rapport.
Why Use Hotseat in Your ESL Classroom
•Builds vocabulary recall
•Encourages speaking and listening
•Creates a dynamic classroom atmosphere
•Fosters teamwork and communication
How to Play Hotseat
- Divide students into teams.
- Set up the room: Place one chair for each team (the “hot seat”) facing away from the board or screen.
- One student from each team sits in the hot seat — they cannot see the word on the board.
- Show a word to the rest of the team.
- Teammates give clues to help the hot seat student guess the word.
- The hot seat student guesses until they get it right or time runs out.
- For larger classes with multiple teams playing at once, students should raise their hand (or stand up) when they think they know the answer and say it at the same time. In case of a tie, the first hand up wins.
Top Tips for Managing Hotseat in the ESL Classroom
Works Best in Mixed Nationality Classes
Hotseat is especially effective in multinational classrooms, where students must use English as the shared language. This naturally promotes more authentic language use.
Try to Keep Nationalities Separated
To avoid students using their first language (L1) for clues or answers, mix teams so they aren’t paired with others who speak the same native language.
Minus Point for Speaking in Another Language
Make it clear: only English is allowed. If a student gives a clue or answer in another language, their team gets a minus point — a fun way to reinforce the target language and encourage full participation.
Level Adjustments: Can You Use Hotseat with Beginners?
Yes — but keep it simple:
- Use basic, familiar vocabulary (e.g. food, colors, classroom objects).
- Allow simple clue structures (“It is red.” ‘It’s a fruit.’ “You eat it.”).
- Consider using images instead of words.
- Model the activity first so everyone understands what to do.
- Plan carefully; for each word consider what clues students could give, and whether they have the language skills to do so.
Hotseat Variations to Keep It Fresh
- Silent Hotseat: Students write or draw clues instead of speaking. A great option for beginner levels.
- Category Challenge: Use only words from a specific category.
- Timed Rounds: Use a one-minute timer per team to add excitement.
- Phrase Level: For advanced students, use idioms, phrasal verbs, or full expressions.
Final Thoughts: Why Students Love It
Hotseat isn’t just an ESL vocabulary game — it’s an active, engaging learning experience. It builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and brings energy into the classroom. The competitive element makes it even more appealing to many learners. With a few simple rules and adaptations, it can work for almost any group of learners.
Interested in more review activities for the ESL classroom? Check out this post.