Mixed Lang/Pragmatics Group | Baamboozle - Baamboozle

Emma raced to the bus stop, her backpack bouncing and her shoes untied. She looked at her watch and frowned. Why do you think Emma was running? What clues tell you that?

She was late for the bus. Clues: racing, backpack bouncing, untied shoes, looking at watch, frowning.

Jason’s hands were shaking as he held the microphone. He looked at the crowd and took a deep breath. How might Jason be feeling? What clues help you guess?

Nervous or anxious. Clues: shaking hands, deep breath, microphone, crowd.

The puppy whimpered and hid under the table when it heard thunder. Its ears were down and its tail was tucked. How do you think the puppy feels? What clues tell you that?

Scared or anxious. Clues: whimpered, hid, ears down, tail tucked, thunder.

During the science fair, Lily stood next to her project with her arms crossed and her eyes on the floor. When the judge approached, she barely spoke and didn’t make eye contact. Question: How do you think Lily feels about her project or the

She might be nervous, embarrassed, or unsure of herself. Clues: Arms crossed, eyes down, not speaking much, avoiding

Marcus stared at the empty shelf where his favorite book used to be. He checked under the table, behind the couch, and even inside his backpack. His eyebrows furrowed and he sighed loudly. Question: What do you think Marcus is feeling, and

He’s likely frustrated or disappointed because he can’t find his book. Clues: Searching everywhere, furrowed eyebrows, sighing.

Ben opened the gift box and saw the video game he had wanted for months. His eyes lit up and he smiled from ear to ear. How do you think Ben felt? What clues tell you that?

Excited and happy. Clues: smiled, video game he wanted, eyes lit up.

Sara heard a loud crash in the living room. She looked down and saw the broken vase. She quickly picked up the pieces and hid them behind the couch before her mom came in. Why do you think Sara hid the vase?

She was trying to avoid getting in trouble. Clues: broken vase, hiding it, mom coming in.

During lunch, you tell someone, “You talk too much.” That might sound rude. How can you say it in a friendlier way?

: “Can I have a turn to talk too?” or “Let’s take turns so everyone can share.”

Your friend asks if you want to play, but you don’t feel like it. You say, “I don’t want to play with you.” What’s a more polite way to say that?

: “I’m feeling tired right now, maybe we can play later?” or “I want to play something else right now, but maybe we can play together later.”

You’re working on a group project and someone’s drawing doesn’t look very good. You say, “Your drawing is bad.” How could you say that in a kinder way that won’t hurt their feelings?

“Maybe you could add more color—it’s a good start!” or “I like how you tried something new. Want help making it even better?”

Tom was trying to keep a surprise party secret, but he accidentally told his sister. “Oops,” he said, “I spilled the beans.” What does “spilled the beans” mean?

A) Dropped food

B) Told a secret

C) Made a mess

At the party, no one was talking. Then Mia told a funny joke and everyone laughed. “She really broke the ice,” said her friend. What does “broke the ice” mean?

A) Started a conversation

B) Broke something cold

C) Made a mess

In a race, the cheetah ran ahead of all the other animals. It was very fast. What’s another word that means the same as “fast”?

quick, speedy, rapid

Imagine you’re outside in the winter and it’s freezing. The weather is very cold. What’s the opposite of “freezing”?

hot, warm

You’re reading a story where the main character is feeling very joyful because she won a prize at school. Can you think of another word that means the same as “joyful”?

happy, cheerful, delighted