Here’s another fun online game. But this one has a purpose: To help end world hunger.
FreeRice has a custom database containing thousands of words at varying degrees of difficulty … FreeRice automatically adjusts to your level of vocabulary. It starts by giving you words at different levels of difficulty and then, based on how you do, assigns you an approximate starting level. You then determine a more exact level for yourself as you play. When you get a word wrong, you go to an easier level. When you get three words in a row right, you go to a harder level. This one-to-three ratio is best for keeping you at the ‘outer fringe’ of your vocabulary, where learning can take place.
There are 50 different levels, but it’s supposedly quite rare for anyone to make it past level 48.
To get started, it’s easy…
Try to guess the definition of the word listed, using the handful of choices below.
I guess I’m not the only one who was skeptical at first… But according to Steve Bass, “believe it or not, the site really does donate rice to the United Nations World Food Program.”
Yep, you can see exactly how many grains of rice were donated each day!
For its first seven weeks, FreeRice gave 10 grains of rice for each correct answer. On November 28, 2007, we were able to increase this to 20 grains. We hope to be able to increase this again in the future. Here is how we look at it: Your part is to play and donate the rice. Our part is to increase the amount you can donate!
— Source
Play free rice now.
…This sure would’ve come in handy when I was studying for the GRE to get into grad school!
I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” ideas that most wouldn’t think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I’m truly passionate about. I’ve worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo — to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
