The Bad Advice Game

Play in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class.

For individual lessons, play with the student, encouraging them to explain their bad advice and why it would have unexpected consequences.

1. Each participant takes turns drawing a card or being assigned a situation (e.g., “You’re going on a job interview,” “You’re meeting your partner’s family for the first time”).

2. The participant gives a piece of terrible advice for that situation, trying to be as funny, creative, or ridiculous as possible.

3. After giving the bad advice, the participant explains why it would be a bad idea to follow it, describing what might happen or why it could make things worse.

4. Other participants respond to the advice, sharing additional thoughts, laughing, or even suggesting their own ideas for bad advice.

5. The game continues until all participants have had a turn giving advice for different situations. If time allows, participants can play additional rounds with new scenarios.

6. At the end, discuss as a group what makes advice helpful or unhelpful, and how to give good advice in real situations.