This handout offers learners a substantial practice of adjective formation using a range of common and uncommon adjective suffixes. The learners, working in pairs, make adjectives by choosing the appropriate suffix for a range of nouns and verbs.
1. Copy one handout for each individual student. Put the learners into pairs and give out the handouts one between two (to ensure better pair work).
2. Focus learners' attentions on the instructions and the different adjective suffixes. The aim of this activity is for the learners to have their awareness of adjective formation raised by doing a language discovery activity. Explain that the learners need to match the various adjective suffixes in the boxes with the words in the middle. Use the first word as an example; decide (verb) → decisive (adjective).
3. Monitor the students, and when appropriate provide any necessary vocabulary input or clarification.
4. For feedback, elicit the answers on the board or handout the answer sheet. Clarify the meaning of any of the adjectives should any questions arise.
5. Draw students' attentions to any appropriate adjective formation patterns and drill any words the learners have difficulty pronouncing. Why not test the learners later in the lesson or during the next lesson by revisiting the activity?