Definition of Games Games for Teaching Vocabulary

10 Active vocabulary means the stock of word that a person actually uses in his own speech or writing. It is used in oral or written expression by the student. b. Passive vocabulary Passive vocabulary means the words that the students recognize and understand them when they occur in a context or students need someone to say something that help them recall the word meanings. The students usually find passive vocabulary in listening or reading materials. They will find the meaning of the word when they real the words in a text and will know the meaning of the unknown word, on the text.

2.1.5 Definition of Games

Then Wright 1989 : 34 stated that “Games with rules capture some of the essential spirit of children engaged in scientific activity”. It means that games can bring influences emotional, spirit and encourage of children in natural environment. Through challenges of the game, they are not only just playing but also learning unconsciously. Language game is exactly same but it is governed with clear linguistics rules in which all participants in the activities must conform. Dealing with the explanation above, Rodges in Sri Muliani 2003 : 10 divides that there are some characteristics of game as well as follow: • Gaming are competitive. ‘Compe titive’ may be: Against another direct participant Against time Universitas Sumatera Utara 11 Against your own best performance Against a special goal • Gaming is a governed rule. There are a limited number of specific and well defined rule that all participants know about and understand. There rules cover every possibleplay ; define play acceptability or non-acceptability and grade plays in terms of some game value. • Gaming is goal defined. There are a limited number of specific and well defined activities for gaming which participants recognize and agree upon. • Gaming has closure. There is some pre-determined point at which a game is said to be finished. Whether players have achieved the goals of game or not. • Gaming is engaging. Games engages and challenges participants. Sometimes a game is fun, sometimes it is motivating, sometimes it is merely attention focusing. But like an automotive transmission, a game requires players to engage their mental and physical gears.

2.1.6 Games for Teaching Vocabulary

Games are activities that become institutionalized. They are in fact of play with rules. The rules which govern a game give it a form with a definite beginning an ending. The rules ensure that the play takes more or less the same from each time. Language games have become more widely used. They are probably used for two reasons, those are : ‘to building students’ motivation in learning foreign language in the classroom and ‘to practice their memorizing word’ in classroom. Universitas Sumatera Utara 12 There are so many games that can be used in connection with language teaching and learning, but not all are applicable for all levels. Some are suitable for the beginner and some are for the others. This is relevant with the ability of the students of each level. There are some of games that can be applied in elementary level in building their vocabulary: In this research, the writer chooses one kind of the game “ guessing game” as a technique for this research. The technique of game is considered suitable for elementary students by the writer. It can improve their memorizing, capability in communicating, bravery, competition, and cooperation. And in this game, the writer will provide the procedures of playing the game into a team work. And the procedure has been considered by the writer particularly for the students .

2.1.7 Principles of Game Selection