THE PRISON CELL

In this mingling activity students are given different roles as inmates in a prison cell, each of
whom has committed a different crime. In this first part of the activity they must talk to all the
other inmates and find out the reason why everyone is there. Once the students have all
spoken to one another, they then work in pairs to connect each inmate with a crime, after
which they match each crime with its meaning.

Preparation:

PART 1

After writing the word “inmate” on the board and clarifying the meaning. Tell them that they
are all inmates in a prison cell and that each of them have committed a different crime. Explain
the different crimes by showing a presentation. They are then given different role cards, as well
as a copy of a chart. They must fill in their own information in it after which they have to walk
around the room, talking to each of the other classmates asking two questions: “What is your
name?” and “What did you do?”, writing down the information on their chart.

PART 2

Once students have spoken to all other inmates, they must work in pairs, compare their chart
and finish it.

PART 3

They must rank the crimes in order of seriousness. Then, we can organise a debate and talk
about crimes and punishments.
 BURGLARY ROBBERY FRAUD

ARSON SHOPLIFTING MURDER

TAX EVASION BRIBERY HIJACKING

PICKPOCKETING SMUGGLING VANDALISM

BURGLARY ROBBERY FRAUD

ARSON SHOPLIFTING MURDER

TAX EVASION BRIBERY HIJACKING

PICKPOCKETING SMUGGLING VANDALISM

NAME WHAT THEY DID

CHARACTER INFORMATION