What's Wrong? is a card game that gives students practice with word associations and main idea. Given four words, students will determine which one word does not belong. The game was designed for a small group or entire class divided into teams. The leader reads the words on the card and the student or team gives a response. If the answer is correct the student or team keeps the card. If the answer is incorrect, the card is placed on the bottom of the pile. A winner is decided by the highest number of cards received during play.

Directions:

1. Make a set of cards from posterboard, oaktag, or card stock. Remember to notch one corner so that sorting and straightening are easier.
2. With permanent marker, write the four words on one side of the cards. I like to use a database and label making software so that the cards look professionally done. Don't forget to make one card the title card.
3. Choose all or some of the following sets of words to use on the cards: (answers are in blue)
   • hot dog, roast beef, hamburger, baked beans...roast beef
   • ham. socks, mitten, shirt...ham
   • swim, run, teeth, laugh...teeth
   • devour, food, gulp, eat...food
   • cow, kitten, puppy, chick...cow
   • crimson, scarlet, azure, fire engine...azure
   • pig, duck, lion, hen...lion
   • shoe, sock, hat, slipper...hat
   • happy, sad, joy, excited...sad
   • milk, pop, water, tea...pop
   • mooing, quacking, squeal, barking...squeal
   • glass, box, dish, cup...box
   • sucker, ring, gum, candy...ring
   • red, six, three, one...red
   • sandal, tennis, high heel, thongs...high heel
   • Kelly, Missy, Jenna, Evan...Evan
   • sunshine, sleet, dew, rainfall...sunshine
   • lamp, desk, chair, cap...cap
   • pen, can, pot, box...pen
   • lavender, rosemary, lily, sage...lily
   • cream, ivory, off-white, ebony...ebony
   • legs, feet, arms, toes...arms
   • seal, tiger, monkey, dog...dog
   • despise, hate, dislike, appreciate...appreciate
   • collie, sheltie, Burmese, Pekinese...Burmese
   • potato, apple, plum, kiwi...potato
   • from, outside, cut, in...cut
4. Write the answer on the back of the card with marker.
5. What's Wrong? is ready to use.