PLAY THE GAME

Welcome to Word Ladders, a game where you can test your vocabulary and strive to create the longest ladder possible!

PLAY ON THE WORD LADDER demo SIMULATOR AND read scientific information on word processing and on the cognitive benefits of playing linguistic games

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Here's how to play: 

The goal is to construct a ladder by adding words on each step. However, not all words will earn you points, so choose wisely! 

Begin by adding increasingly more general words above the given prompt. Let's say the starting word is "APPLE." Above "APPLE," you can add a word like "FRUIT."

Then, above "FRUIT," you can add "FOOD." Finally, above "FOOD," you can add "OBJECT." Remember, you're thinking, "The word that I just put describes a type of..." 

Each word you add should be more general than the previous one. In our example, APPLE is a type of FRUIT, which is a type of FOOD, which is a type of OBJECT. 

On the steps below the initial word, you can be more specific and precise. For instance, you can add "GRANNY SMITH," which is a specific type of apple, below "APPLE." 

The longer your ladder, the more points you earn! So, challenge yourself and your friends to build the longest ladder you can. 

To help you come up with good words, think about the category or type that the word you just placed belongs to. 

If you're unsure about how to play, check out the graphic tutorial above. It will guide you through the gameplay and give you a better understanding of the rules.