What is a scavenger hunt?
It’s a game where you look for specific things or complete certain tasks. In this case, your mission is to find eight everyday things around New York, take a photo of each one, and write one sentence in English about what you saw or did. It’s simple, engaging and great practice.
The Challenge: What to Find
Find and photograph the following items around New York City. After each photo, write one sentence in English.
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A yellow taxi
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A street sign written in English
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A food truck
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A famous landmark (for example, the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building)
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A menu in English
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A New Yorker walking a dog
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A store window with English words or signs
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A subway station (note which line it is)
Bonus Activity: Write Your Story
Once you have completed your hunt, take a moment to reflect and write a short diary-style paragraph in English (about 100 words). Describe your experience, the things you saw, and how you felt doing the challenge. Try to use the past tense and include at least three new English words you learned.
Why This Activity Works
This activity helps you practise English in a natural and memorable way. You’re not just learning from a book — you’re learning by interacting with the world around you. You’ll build your vocabulary, improve your confidence, and start thinking in English as you explore the city.
For Group Activities
This scavenger hunt can also be completed in small groups, turning it into a team competition. Each group can compare photos and sentences at the end, and even vote for the most creative or funniest photo.
Share Your Experience
Have you already done a scavenger hunt like this in New York? Which item on the list was the most difficult or surprising? Leave a comment and tell us how it went.
New York is your classroom. Learn by living it.