Logic Puzzle Task

Students solve a logic puzzle (e.g., "Who did what? Where?") using clues, then explain their reasoning to other pairs and compare strategies.

Procedure

1. Present a short puzzle text with clues (e.g., three people, three places, three activities — match them up).
2. Pairs work together to solve the puzzle, optionally using a grid.
3. Pairs write one true sentence about each person/item.
4. Pairs explain to another pair how they solved it — compare strategies.
5. Optional: listen to a recording of fluent speakers solving the same puzzle and compare approaches.

Example

Peter, Mary, and John all went away last weekend. One went to Birmingham, one to Manchester, one to London. One went to the theatre, one to see a relative, one to buy a computer. Clues: one went to London to visit her mother. John bought a computer but not in Manchester.

Tips

• If the cognitive load is too high, students will struggle to compose language while solving — give thinking time first.
• The "explain how you solved it" stage is where the richest language production happens.
• Students can create their own puzzles for other groups — excellent writing practice.
• Show learners how to use an elimination grid if they're unfamiliar with logic puzzles.