Chunk chain

This is a variation of the popular language game Word Chain, where players take turns saying words, with each new word starting with the last letter of the previous word. In this Gen.AI-assisted version, students will take turns competing against Gen. AI (this time I will be using Claude) with a focus on language chunks.

The student starts with a chunk, such as “to get off the beaten track”, then the computer/tablet/phone will choose any word from the chunk and generate another chunk that includes that word, eg. “one-track mind”, and then the student will link that new chunk to another chunk containing any word from it, eg. “mind your business”, and so on.

This is a possible prompt for this game:

I am going to write a language chunk, for example “sweet sixteen”. Then you must choose any word from that chunk and say another chunk that contains the word, for example “sweet and sour”. Then I choose any word from your chunk and write another chunk that contains that word, and so on. If I don’t know a chunk you have written, I will ask you to explain it to me. If I can’t think of a chunk to keep on playing, I will let you know, and you can suggest one so that we can keep going. Here’s my first chunk: “nice try”.

And here’s my interesting language exchange with Claude.

– I understand the game. From your chunk “nice try”, I’ll choose the word “nice” and offer this chunk:

“nice and easy”

This chunk is often used to describe a relaxed, unhurried way of doing something. It’s your turn now – please choose a word from “nice and easy” and provide a new chunk containing that word.

– easy going

– Great choice! From your chunk “easy going”, I’ll select the word “going” and offer this chunk:

“going places”

This expression is often used to describe someone who is likely to be successful or achieve a lot in the future. For example, “That new employee is really talented – she’s going places.”

Now it’s your turn. Please choose either “going” or “places” and provide a new chunk containing that word.

– going, going, gone

– Excellent choice! That’s a classic auction phrase. From your chunk “going, going, gone”, I’ll select the word “gone” and offer this chunk:

“gone with the wind”

This phrase is the title of a famous novel and film, but it’s also used idiomatically to describe something that has disappeared or passed quickly, often unexpectedly.

Now it’s your turn again. Please choose a word from “gone with the wind” and provide a new chunk containing that word.

– I can’t think of a chunk. Can you suggest one?

– No problem! I’ll suggest a chunk using the word “wind” from the previous phrase. Here’s a new chunk:

“second wind”

This expression refers to a renewed energy or strength that allows someone to continue an activity after they had been tired. For example, “I was exhausted halfway through the marathon, but I got my second wind and managed to finish strong.”

Now it’s your turn. Please choose either “second” or “wind” and provide a new chunk containing that word. If you can’t think of one, just let me know, and I’ll be happy to suggest another.

– second thoughts

– Excellent choice! From your chunk “second thoughts”, I’ll select the word “thoughts” and offer this chunk:

“food for thought”

This expression is used to describe an idea or topic that is worth thinking about seriously or considering carefully.

Now it’s your turn again. Please choose either “food” or “thought” and provide a new chunk containing that word. If you can’t think of one, feel free to ask for a suggestion.

It’s a welcome bonus that Claude will actually provide an explanation of the chunk it plays. However, its reminder about what course of action is needed next is dispensable. We could clarify that we don’t need this reminder or simply leave it as it is.

Now it’s your turn to you to choose either “food” or “thought”.