Collaborative crosswords, also known as half-crosswords, are an engaging pair-work speaking activity that challenges students to give clues to their partner to help them complete their half crossword. This exercise improves confidence, builds vocabulary, and increases fluency as students find synonyms and get creative in their communication.
Collaborative Crosswords and Vocabulary Picture Matching Sheets
Now available as a free ebook.
Expanding the activity
You could also separate the class into two halves (or smaller groups). Give one half of the class a copy of the down crossword and ask them to come up with clues for the down puzzle. Give the other half the across crossword half and have them produce clues for the across puzzle. Each student will need to make a copy of the set of clues. Then the groups swap their clues (not their puzzles) and then individually or in pairs have to attempt to complete their crosswords. This would also make a good homework activity with students having to come up with the clues on their own.