[Vocabulary] relax, rock, rejuvinate

[englishhobby]

Here's an assignment I found in the internet. I'd like to use something of the kind in class (when talking about spending free time), but I'm not sure if the instructions are given in good and natural English. Are they? Could you rephrase them to sound more natural to be used in the classroom?

1. List three activities that relax you, rock you, rejuvenate you now.
2. List three activities that relaxed, rocked or rejuvenated you when you were 5-6 years old.

 

[emsr2d2]

I would probably use "these days" rather than "now". "Now" sounds like you mean "right now, at this exact moment in time". It will work as long as your students understand what "to rock" means in this context and also that it's still (at least in BrE) somewhat non-standard and probably shouldn't be used in an exam situation.
Also, I'm not sure most people would be able to claim that anything relaxed, rocked or rejuvenated them when they were only 5 years old!

 

[englishhobby]

Can I use "excite you" instead of "rock you"? What "neutral" word can one use?

 

[Tarheel]

Can I use "excite you" instead of "rock you"? What "neutral" word can one use?

Yes, "excite you" would be better understood. Also, it could be considered a neutral term (although usually with positive connotations). I think you might say:

Name two or three things that relax you. On the other hand, name two or three things that excite you.

​

 

[Raymott]

Name two or three things that relax you. On the other hand, name two or three things that excite you.​

​

And what about 'rejuvinate'? In understood that the OP wants three actions which relax, rock and rejuvinate respectively.

 

[MikeNewYork]

And let's not forget "rejuvenate".

 

[Raymott]

Exactly! Four actions respectively!

 

[Esredux]

Yes! If only something could rejuvenate five-year-olds then it's for English teachers to dicover it.

 

[emsr2d2]

I don't know any five-year-olds who are in need of rejuvenation. If you think about the definition of the word, you are hoping to make five-year-olds feel younger!

 

[Rover_KE]

I'd avoid 'rejuvenate' altogether. Give them something to write about that's more within their experience, like 'sadden', annoy', 'frighten'.

I can think of only one thing that makes me feel younger.

(Don't ask.)

 

[englishhobby]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! I think I'll do without rejuvEnate and use the suggested instructions.