Build critical thinking, vocabulary awareness, and speaking fluency with this engaging set of Odd-One-Out ESL Task Cards. Each of the 40 cards includes four images, and students must decide which one does not belong — and explain why.
This activity encourages students to compare, categorize, justify their reasoning, and listen to others’ ideas. Since there is no single correct answer, students feel confident sharing their thoughts, making this resource perfect for ESL/EFL speaking practice, warm-ups, small groups, and whole-class discussions.
What's Included
- 40 full-color task cards (4 images per card)
Print, laminate, and use them year after year!
How to Use This Resource
After printing, laminate the cards for durability. Use them as:
- Small group speaking prompts
- Whole-class discussion starters
- Fast-finisher activities
- Critical-thinking warm-ups
- Vocabulary review games
Pair It With
For more structured speaking practice, pair these task cards with the Explain & Discuss Sequencing Speaking Prompts from Hot Chocolate Teachables — perfect for extending reasoning and explanation skills.
Perfect for Teachers Searching For:
- ESL speaking task cards
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- Printable ESL warm-up activities
- Small group speaking prompts
- Low-prep ESL discussion cards
- Elementary and middle school ESL resources
- ESL listening and reasoning games
Also Available on Teachers Pay Teachers
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Odd-One-Out Speaking Practice Task Cards

