Adding Variety to Test Review

At the end of a semester, many secondary classrooms begin reviewing content for tests and final exams. Jeopardy is a common review game. But have you tried Family Feud, Pyramid, or Millionaire? These test-prep contests are spin-offs to popular game shows and were outlined in the November 2006 issue of Scholastic Instructor magazine.

Family Feud: If your subject matter includes lots of facts to be memorized (e.g., state capitals, bodies of water, elements on the periodic table, etc.), then this game concept will work well for you.

1. Write multiple categories on index cards, with five specific items or "answers" under each category.
2. Divide the class into two "families."
3. Announce the category for the first round and ask one member from each family to give a response. If the response is one of the five on the card, then award the team 20 points.
4. Continue asking the same question to persons from the same "family."
5. For every incorrect answer given (an answer that does not appear as one of the "five" answers for the category), then the team earns a strike. Three strikes and the question goes to the other family for the "steal."
6. If the other team can name one of the remaining answers, then they get all the points for that round. If they cannot guess one of the remaining answers, then the original family keeps their points.
7. Teams alternate going first in each round.
8. The first to earn 300 points wins.

1. Number six index cards, 1 through 6.
2. On the backside of each card, write a specific topic or fact of study. For example, if the subject matter was "solar system," then the backsides might include Earth, Saturn, Milky Way, Sun, Asteroid, Mars.
3. Layout the cards to form a pyramid.
4. Have the Team 1 select a card by number.
5. Then, one player reads the card silently and gives his teammate clues about the word or phrase.
6. If the teammate answers correctly, in three or fewer tries, the team earns one point.
7. If not, the correct answer is revealed and no point is earned. Then Team 2 takes a turn.
8. Teams take turns, with different people giving clues and answers until all cards have been used.
9. Teams add and compare their points at the end of the game.

1. Create a question bank in which four answers are provided for each question (with only one correct).
2. Then write the point scale on the board.
3. To play, read a question to the first player on Team 1. If he chooses the correct answer, the team is awarded the first level of point.
4. If the player is unsure of the answer, he may choose a "lifeline."
   1. In a "Team Survey," team members vote on the answer they think is correct.
   2. In a ""50/50," reveal two incorrect answers.
   3. In "Ask a Teammate," the player selects one teammate to help choose the answer.
5. Each lifeline can be used only once by the team during that round.
6. Players take turns answering questions.
7. If incorrect, the team's turn ends and it receives the last point value earned.
8. Then the next team takes a turn.