This vocabulary game recreates the classic hexagonal board for ESL and English classrooms. Play as a whole class, in pairs, or attempt the solo Gold Run against the clock. British and American spelling both accepted. Based on the original Blockbusters TV quiz show format.
Blockbusters — ESL Vocabulary Game
What is the Blockbusters game?
Blockbusters is based on the classic British television quiz format. Students answer vocabulary questions to claim hexagonal cells on a grid, building a connected path from one side to the other. Questions are given as definitions starting with a specific letter — the initial letter of the answer is shown in each hex. The Gold Run mode is a solo timed challenge for individual students.
Questions are drawn from the ESLe College vocabulary database across Pre-A1 to C2 level, covering all exam-relevant topics. Both British and American spellings are accepted.
How to play
Choose a hexagonal cell and answer the definition question — the answer begins with the letter shown in the hex. Answer correctly to claim the cell for your team. Build a connected path of your team's cells from your side of the board to the other to win. In Gold Run mode, answer as many questions as possible before the timer runs out.
- Filter by level and topic for targeted vocabulary practice
- Each hex shows the initial letter of the answer
- Whole Class, Pairs or Gold Run (solo timed) mode
- British and American spellings both accepted
Why Blockbusters motivates vocabulary learning
The strategic element — choosing which cells to claim to block the opposing team's path — adds genuine game tension to vocabulary practice. Students are motivated to recall words quickly and accurately because wrong answers give the opponent a chance to claim the cell. The letter scaffold lowers the retrieval barrier just enough to keep the game moving at a good pace.