20 Questions

The following is an abridged transcription of about 45 minutes worth of English class today. We’re working on our critical thinking skills…

Me: Today we’re going to play a game called “20 Questions.” [Explanation of game] Now I’m writing the secret word in my notebook. [Writes “rice”] Who wants to ask a question?

Student: Is it a person?
Me: No.
Student: Is it dark?
Me: No.
Student: Is it bigger than a marker?
Me: No. Well, one piece is not.
Student: Is it bigger than a house?
Me: No…
Student: Is it bigger than me?
Me: No… I already told you it is not bigger than a marker, so it is also not bigger than a house or you. Please ask a different question.
Student: Is it bigger than a bag?
Me: No, I told you already. It is smaller than a marker. Please ask a different kind of question. Don’t ask about the size.
Student: Is it bigger than a pin?
Me: Yes. Well, one piece is shorter than a pin but fatter than a pin. Instead of comparison questions, ask a question using an adjective.
Student: Is it bigger than a pencil?
Me: Please ask a different kind of question. No… It’s not bigger than a pencil.
Student: Is it bigger than a nail?
Me: No…! It is smaller than a nail but bigger than a pin. [Draws nail and pin on board so that other students can understand, gestures with hand to show exactly how big a grain of rice is]
Student: I know in Khmer, but I don’t know in English. [Shows me a piece of string he found on the ground]
Me: No.
Student: Oh, hair!
Me: No. Nine questions left. Think about it. It’s small and not dark. You can ask questions about how you use it…
Student: Is it older than you?
Me: No, it is fresh when you use it.
Student: Is it older than me?
Me: No… it is new when you use it.
Student: Is it white?
Me: Yes! It is small and white. Ask me about how you use it.
Student: Do you use it for comfortable?
Me: I don’t understand your question… [Doesn’t count question toward 20]
Student: Is it a bad man?
Me: No… You already asked me if it is a person. I said, “No.” [Slightly frustrated] Ask me how you can use it.
Student: Is it quiet?
Me: Ask me if you can eat it.
Student: Is it…
Me: [Interrupting] Ask me if you can eat it!
Student: [Unhappily] Can you eat it?
Me: Yes! Now think about it! It’s small, white, and something you eat… every day. What is it?
Student: Is it quiet??
Me: Yes, very quiet.
Student: [After a long thoughtful pause] It is rice.