Puzzles and Games to improve your English

Puzzles & Games to improve your English

It is often difficult to find fun things to do that can help you learn English. Puzzles and games to improve your English really help – but how do you know which ones are appropriate for your level?

We have many years’ experience in the field of English as a second language education. Our qualified staff know exactly what grammar and what vocabulary is needed at each level of your learning journey. We have created this resource as a service to English language learners. All these puzzles and games are 100% free, and they are graded for difficulty.

We have created puzzles and games for learners at each level, and because we are experienced professionals, you can rest assured that if you are doing a beginner level puzzle, the grammar and vocabulary you need to learn at that level is what the puzzle will help you learn and remember. This a great way to learn because you can have fun at the same time as learning new words and grammar. We hope that you enjoy this free resource and tell your friends about it.

Puzzles & Games to improve your English cover

A1 - Beginner

These fun puzzles test all the grammar, vocabulary, language functions and real-life tasks that you need to pass your A1 assessment. If you can get them all right, it will show that you have passed the beginner stage of your learning.

The A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the beginner level. At this stage, you are expected to understand and use basic phrases and expressions in everyday situations. Here’s a summary of the grammar, vocabulary, language functions, and topics you need to know to pass an A1 language exam:

1. Grammar

1.1 Nouns and Articles

  • Singular and Plural Nouns: Recognize the difference between singular (one item) and plural (more than one item) nouns.
  • Definite and Indefinite Articles: Use “the” for specific items (definite article) and “a/an” for non-specific items (indefinite articles).

1.2 Pronouns

  • Personal Pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, we, they.
  • Possessive Pronouns: my, your, his, her, its, our, their.

1.3 Verbs

  • To Be: Learn to conjugate “to be” in the present simple (I am, you are, he/she/it is, we are, they are).
  • To Have: Understand the conjugation of “to have” (I have, you have, he/she/it has, we have, they have).
  • Present Simple Tense: Use the present simple tense to talk about routines and habits (I work, you study, she plays).
  • Basic Regular and Irregular Verbs: Learn common verbs in their basic forms (work, go, eat, drink).
  • Modal Verbs: Use “can” for ability and “permission” (I can swim, Can I go?).

1.4 Adjectives

  • Basic Adjectives: Learn adjectives for describing people, places, and things (big, small, hot, cold, happy, sad).

1.5 Adverbs

  • Basic Adverbs: Learn simple adverbs of frequency (always, sometimes, never).

1.6 Prepositions

  • Basic Prepositions of Place: Learn prepositions to describe where things are (in, on, under, next to, between).

1.7 Conjunctions

  • Simple Conjunctions: Use “and” and “but” to connect simple sentences (I like apples and oranges, She is tired but happy).

2. Vocabulary

2.1 Everyday Vocabulary

  • Greetings and Introductions: Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, sorry.
  • Numbers and Prices: Numbers 1-100, basic prices (How much does it cost?).
  • Days, Months, and Seasons: Days of the week, months of the year, basic seasons (summer, winter).
  • Basic Colors: Red, blue, green, yellow, etc.
  • Common Objects: Learn words for everyday items (pen, book, phone, table, chair).
  • Family Members: Mother, father, brother, sister, etc.
  • Food and Drink: Basic foods (bread, milk, water, apple).
  • Parts of the Body: Head, arm, leg, etc.
  • Clothing: Shirt, pants, shoes, dress, etc.

3. Language Functions

3.1 Introducing Yourself and Others

  • Basic phrases to introduce yourself (My name is… I am from…).

3.2 Asking and Answering Simple Questions

  • Use simple question forms (What is your name? How old are you? Where do you live?).

3.3 Expressing Likes and Dislikes

  • Say what you like and don’t like (I like pizza, I don’t like fish).

3.4 Giving Personal Information

  • Share basic personal information (I am a student, I have a brother).

3.5 Describing People, Places, and Things

  • Use simple adjectives to describe (She is tall, The car is red).

3.6 Talking About Daily Routines

  • Talk about your everyday activities (I go to school, I eat breakfast).

3.7 Making Simple Requests

  • Use polite phrases to ask for things (Can I have…? Could you…?).

3.8 Telling the Time and Dates

  • Learn to tell the time and ask about the time (It’s 3 o’clock, What time is it?).

3.9 Giving Simple Directions

  • Use basic directions to help others find places (Go straight, Turn left).

4. Topics

4.1 Personal Information

  • Basic details about yourself (name, age, nationality).

4.2 Family and Friends

  • Simple information about your family members and friends.

4.3 Daily Life

  • Describe your daily routines and activities.

4.4 Free Time and Hobbies

  • Talk about your hobbies and what you like to do in your free time.

4.5 Shopping

  • Learn vocabulary and phrases for shopping, asking prices, and buying things.

4.6 Home and Living

  • Basic words and phrases to describe your home and rooms.

4.7 Places in Town

  • Learn the names of common places in a town or city (bank, park, school).

4.8 Weather

  • Basic weather vocabulary (sunny, rainy, hot, cold).

By mastering these elements, you’ll be well-prepared to pass your A1 CEFR language exam. Practice using simple sentences and phrases in everyday situations, and gradually build up your confidence in communicating in the new language.

A2 - Elementary

The next level is A2 – elementary. You need many more words and more advanced grammar to pass this level. These fun puzzles test all the grammar, vocabulary, language functions and real-life tasks that you need to pass your A2 assessment. 

To pass an A2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) language exam, you need to build on the basics learned at the A1 level. At this level, you should be able to handle simple, everyday communication in familiar situations. Here’s a summary of the grammar, vocabulary, language functions, and topics you need to know for the A2 level:

1. Grammar

1.1 Nouns and Articles

  • Countable and Uncountable Nouns: Understand the difference between countable (e.g., apples) and uncountable nouns (e.g., water).
  • Quantifiers: Use words like “some,” “any,” “a lot of,” “many,” and “much” to talk about quantities.

1.2 Pronouns

  • Possessive Pronouns: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs.
  • Demonstrative Pronouns: this, that, these, those (e.g., This is my bag. Those are your keys).
  • Reflexive Pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.

1.3 Verbs

  • Present Continuous Tense: Use it for actions happening now (e.g., I am eating, She is studying).
  • Past Simple Tense: Talk about completed actions in the past (e.g., I went to the store, He saw a movie).
  • Future Simple Tense with “will” and “going to”: Use “will” for decisions made at the moment and “going to” for planned actions (e.g., I will call you later, I am going to visit my aunt next week).
  • Modal Verbs: “Can,” “could,” “must,” “should,” “have to,” “might” (e.g., You should eat more vegetables, You have to finish your homework).
  • Imperatives: Give simple commands and instructions (e.g., Open the window, Please sit down).

1.4 Adjectives and Adverbs

  • Comparative and Superlative Adjectives: Compare things and express the highest degree (e.g., bigger, the biggest, more interesting, the most interesting).
  • Adverbs of Frequency: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never (e.g., She often reads books, They never eat out).

1.5 Prepositions

  • Prepositions of Time: at, in, on (e.g., at 5 pm, in June, on Monday).
  • Prepositions of Movement: to, from, into, out of, up, down (e.g., He went to the park, She came out of the room).

1.6 Conjunctions

  • Simple Conjunctions: Use “because” and “so” to explain reasons and results (e.g., I stayed home because it was raining, She is happy so she is smiling).

2. Vocabulary

2.1 Everyday Vocabulary

  • Common Adjectives: friendly, expensive, boring, interesting, difficult, easy.
  • Places and Directions: Learn more places (museum, library, airport) and how to give directions (go straight, turn right, go past the bank).
  • Food and Drink: Broaden your vocabulary with more food items (pasta, juice, salad).
  • Personal Items and Clothing: More vocabulary for items you use or wear (wallet, sunglasses, gloves, jacket).
  • Hobbies and Leisure Activities: Learn vocabulary related to common hobbies (reading, playing sports, watching movies).

2.2 Everyday Situations

  • Travel and Transport: Vocabulary for booking tickets, asking for directions, and describing travel plans (bus, train, airport, platform, ticket).
  • Health and Fitness: Basic vocabulary for health and parts of the body (doctor, hospital, headache, exercise, healthy, fit).
  • Shopping and Services: Vocabulary for shopping (cash, credit card, discount, receipt) and using services like a post office or bank.

2.3 Describing People and Places

  • Physical Appearance and Personality: Words to describe how people look (tall, short, young, old) and their personalities (kind, funny, serious, lazy).

3. Language Functions

3.1 Giving and Asking for Personal Information

  • Share more detailed personal information, like your job, hobbies, and where you live.

3.2 Making Simple Plans and Arrangements

  • Use phrases to make plans with friends (Let’s meet at 6 pm, Shall we go to the cinema?).

3.3 Describing Past Events

  • Talk about your experiences and what you did yesterday or last week (I visited my grandparents last weekend, We went to the beach).

3.4 Expressing Preferences, Likes, and Dislikes

  • Use more complex structures to talk about your preferences (I would rather eat pizza than pasta, I don’t mind watching that movie).

3.5 Giving Simple Opinions and Reasons

  • Say what you think about something and explain why (I think this book is interesting because it has a great story).

3.6 Making and Responding to Invitations and Suggestions

  • Invite someone or respond to invitations (Would you like to come to my party? Yes, I’d love to. No, thank you, I’m busy).

3.7 Asking for and Giving Directions

  • Use specific phrases to ask for and give directions (Can you tell me how to get to the station? Turn left at the next corner).

3.8 Ordering Food and Drinks in a Restaurant

  • Practice phrases for ordering (Can I have the menu, please? I would like a coffee).

3.9 Describing Daily Routines and Habits

  • Use the present simple and adverbs of frequency to describe what you do regularly (I usually go to bed at 10 pm, We often eat out on weekends).

4. Topics

4.1 Personal Information and Family

  • Talk more in detail about yourself, your family, and your relationships.

4.2 Daily Life and Routines

  • Describe your day-to-day activities in more detail, including your work or studies.

4.3 Free Time and Leisure

  • Discuss what you do in your free time, including hobbies and sports.

4.4 Travel and Holidays

  • Share your travel experiences, plans for vacations, and describe different places.

4.5 Shopping

  • Talk about your shopping habits, favorite stores, and buying experiences.

4.6 Health and Well-being

  • Discuss your health, exercise routine, and any visits to the doctor or dentist.

4.7 Weather and Seasons

  • Talk about the weather in different seasons and how it affects your activities.

4.8 Work and Study

  • Give simple information about your job or studies, including daily tasks and future aspirations.

By mastering these grammar points, vocabulary, language functions, and topics, you’ll be well-prepared to pass your A2 CEFR language exam. The key is to practice speaking and writing in everyday situations, using simple but clear language to communicate effectively.

B1 - Intermediate

Reaching B1 level is a great achievement! Once you pass this level, you can start really doing things in English. You could even get a basic job in an English speaking country. These fun puzzles test all the grammar, vocabulary, language functions and real-life tasks that you need to pass your B1 assessment. 

To pass a B1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) language exam, you need to be able to handle everyday situations more confidently and express yourself on a range of familiar topics. You should be able to describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. Here’s a summary of the grammar, vocabulary, language functions, and topics you need to know for the B1 level:

1. Grammar

1.1 Tenses

  • Present Simple and Continuous: Talk about routines, habits, and actions happening right now or around the current time (e.g., I study every day; I am reading a book).

  • Past Simple and Continuous: Use for actions completed in the past and for describing past actions in progress (e.g., I went to the park yesterday; I was watching TV when she called).

  • Present Perfect Simple: Talk about experiences, actions that have happened at an unspecified time, and actions that started in the past and continue to the present (e.g., I have visited Paris; I have lived here for three years).

  • Present Perfect Continuous: Describe actions that started in the past and are still continuing, focusing on the duration (e.g., I have been studying for two hours).

  • Future Forms: Use “will” for spontaneous decisions and predictions, “going to” for plans and intentions, and present continuous for arrangements (e.g., I will call you later; I am going to start a new job; I am meeting her tomorrow).

1.2 Modals and Semi-modals

  • Modal Verbs: Learn modals for ability, permission, advice, obligation, and possibility (e.g., can, could, must, should, have to, might, may, ought to, need to).

  • Modals in the Past: Learn the past forms of modals (e.g., could have, should have, would have).

1.3 Conditionals

  • First Conditional: Use for possible future situations (e.g., If it rains, I will stay home).

  • Second Conditional: Use for hypothetical or unlikely situations (e.g., If I had a car, I would drive to work).

1.4 Passive Voice

  • Present and Past Simple Passives: Use passive voice to focus on the action or the object rather than the subject (e.g., The cake was eaten by John; English is spoken here).

1.5 Reported Speech

  • Statements and Questions: Learn to report what someone said (e.g., She said she was tired; He asked if I was coming).

1.6 Relative Clauses

  • Defining and Non-defining Clauses: Use clauses to give additional information about a noun (e.g., The book that you gave me is great; My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us).

1.7 Gerunds and Infinitives

  • Gerund (verb + ing) and Infinitive (to + verb): Learn the difference and use them correctly (e.g., I enjoy swimming; I want to go home).

2. Vocabulary

2.1 Everyday Life and Routine

  • Expanded Vocabulary: Learn more words related to daily activities, chores, and routines (e.g., household tasks like vacuuming, ironing, and cooking).

2.2 Work and Study

  • Job and Education Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary about different professions, workplaces, and educational systems (e.g., manager, internship, degree, assignment).

2.3 Travel and Holidays

  • Travel-related Vocabulary: Learn vocabulary related to booking travel, describing trips, and talking about cultures and experiences (e.g., itinerary, accommodation, sightseeing, customs).

2.4 Health and Fitness

  • Health Vocabulary: Know more about body parts, illnesses, treatments, and healthy lifestyles (e.g., fever, prescription, surgery, nutrition).

2.5 Technology and Media

  • Technology Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with words related to modern technology, internet use, and social media (e.g., smartphone, app, website, upload, download).

2.6 Environment and Nature

  • Environmental Vocabulary: Learn words related to nature, wildlife, and environmental issues (e.g., pollution, recycling, endangered species, ecosystem).

2.7 Describing People and Places

  • Detailed Descriptions: Use a wider range of adjectives and adverbs to describe appearance, personality, and locations (e.g., confident, shy, crowded, spacious).

3. Language Functions

3.1 Giving Opinions and Reasons

  • Expressing Opinions: Share your thoughts and explain your reasoning (e.g., I think that…, In my opinion, it’s because…).

3.2 Agreeing and Disagreeing Politely

  • Agree/Disagree: Learn phrases for agreeing and disagreeing in discussions (e.g., I agree with you, I see your point, but…, I’m not sure about that).

3.3 Making Suggestions and Recommendations

  • Suggestions and Advice: Use phrases to make suggestions and give advice (e.g., How about…? Why don’t you…? You should…).

3.4 Describing Experiences and Events

  • Narrative Skills: Describe personal experiences, events, or stories in detail (e.g., Last year, I went to…, I remember when…).

3.5 Expressing Hopes, Dreams, and Ambitions

  • Future Plans and Desires: Talk about what you hope to achieve and your future plans (e.g., I hope to become…, I would like to travel to…).

3.6 Apologizing and Making Excuses

  • Apologies: Learn how to apologize and explain reasons for mistakes or delays (e.g., I’m sorry for…, I apologize for…, I didn’t mean to…).

3.7 Asking for and Giving Permission

  • Requests and Permission: Use polite phrases to ask for and grant permission (e.g., Could I…? May I…? Yes, you can. No, I’m afraid you can’t).

3.8 Explaining and Clarifying

  • Explanations: Learn how to explain something more clearly or ask for clarification (e.g., What I mean is…, Could you explain that again?).

3.9 Discussing Pros and Cons

  • Advantages and Disadvantages: Learn how to discuss the pros and cons of different options or decisions (e.g., On the one hand…, On the other hand…).

4. Topics

4.1 Personal Life and Relationships

  • Deeper Discussions: Talk about friendships, family relationships, and personal values in more detail.

4.2 Work and Career

  • Career Choices: Discuss job satisfaction, career goals, and experiences at work.

4.3 Education and Learning

  • Learning Experiences: Talk about past education, favorite subjects, and plans for further study.

4.4 Travel and Culture

  • Cultural Differences: Discuss travel experiences, compare cultures, and talk about traditions.

4.5 Health and Lifestyle

  • Healthy Living: Discuss ways to stay healthy, share opinions on diet and exercise, and talk about personal health.

4.6 Technology and Society

  • Impact of Technology: Discuss how technology affects our lives, both positively and negatively.

4.7 Environment and Sustainability

  • Environmental Issues: Talk about pollution, climate change, and what individuals can do to help.

4.8 Hobbies and Free Time

  • Detailed Descriptions: Discuss hobbies in more detail, explain why you like certain activities, and talk about new skills you want to learn.

By mastering these grammar points, vocabulary, language functions, and topics, you’ll be well-prepared to pass your B1 CEFR language exam. Practice speaking and writing about these topics, using more complex sentences and a wider range of vocabulary to express your thoughts clearly and confidently.

B2 - Upper-Intermediate

Coming Soon – B2 or upper-intermediate is the level you need to get a good job in an international company or to be accepted as a student at English language universities. These fun puzzles test all the grammar, vocabulary, language functions and real-life tasks that you need to pass your B2 assessment. 

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