Odd One Out exercises
An example vocabulary activity from Prepare for Discussion.
These exercises introduce and practise vocabulary through comparison, contrast and discussion. Learners choose the word or phrase they think is the "odd one out" and explain their reasons.
Example: Education
There may be more than one answer. Give your reasons.
| No. | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | single sex | mixed | coeducational |
| 2. | compulsory | voluntary | optional |
| 3. | independent school | public school | state school |
| 4. | nursery | primary | secondary |
| 5. | grammar school | comprehensive school | non-selective school |
| 6. | streaming | mixed ability grouping | ability grouping |
| 7. | continuous assessment | final examinations | intelligence testing |
Possible answers
The purpose of the exercise is not simply to identify an answer. Learners should explain why they have chosen it. Words can be related according to different aspects of meaning, so in some cases there may be more than one possible answer.
Single sex is the "odd one out" because, in the context of education, mixed and coeducational both refer to the schooling of girls and boys together.
Compulsory is the "odd one out" because it means that you must do something. When something is voluntary or optional, you can choose whether to do it or not.
State school is the "odd one out" because, in the UK, independent schools and public schools are both fee-paying schools in the private sector.
Nursery is the "odd one out" because nursery education is generally voluntary, whereas attendance at primary and secondary school is compulsory.
Grammar school is the "odd one out" because entry depends on selection, traditionally involving an examination. Comprehensive schools and non-selective schools do not select pupils on the basis of academic ability as a condition of entry.
Mixed ability grouping is the "odd one out" because it means putting pupils of different abilities together in the same class. Streaming and ability grouping involve grouping pupils according to ability.
Continuous assessment is the "odd one out" because it means checking progress throughout a course of study. Final examinations and intelligence testing involve a more formal test at a particular time.
How and why use "Odd One Out" exercises?
These exercises can be used to introduce and reinforce core vocabulary and to encourage learners to define and distinguish between terms. They provide a useful starting point for oral work, particularly discussion in pairs or small groups.
Given a choice of three words or phrases, learners use comparison and contrast to identify the "Odd One Out". Words can be related according to different aspects of meaning, so there may sometimes be more than one possible answer.
The class can then come together to discuss the answers. The important point is that learners should be able to give reasons for their choices. There are not necessarily simply right and wrong answers: some explanations are more convincing than others.
The activity therefore provides an opportunity not only to learn vocabulary, but also to practise explaining, comparing, contrasting and defending an idea.
Odd One Out is one of the exercise types in Prepare for Discussion.
The book contains 28 such exercises covering a wide range of discussion topics.