Download this free B2–C1 English worksheet PDF for English learners and teachers. This lesson explores one of the most complicated board games ever created, long-term commitment and what motivates people to continue demanding hobbies for decades.
The article follows James Purcell and Andy Taeger from Newcastle, who have decided to take on The Campaign for North Africa, a detailed 1979 war game recreating the desert campaign of 1940–43.
Students read about the game’s extraordinary complexity. Players must keep track of aircraft, supplies, water and around 1,600 pieces spread across a three-metre map. The rules are so detailed that they even include the extra water required by Italian troops to boil pasta.
Before starting, the friends had to read up on military logistics and get to grips with seven rule books. They then tested the system with a six-turn practice game, which took 18 months to complete.
The pair paid £970 for their copy and now believe the full campaign could take 20 to 30 years. Their podcast, War With a Mate, documents their progress and gives them a public reason to stick with the project when motivation begins to fade.
The worksheet also explores the psychological side of such a long commitment. The friends know they may never reach the final turn, and even a small mistake could have consequences years later. They must decide whether they can follow through, make time for the game and accept that the journey itself may matter more than completion.
The discussion section develops these ideas through questions about perseverance, hobbies, money, friendship, unfinished projects and when a hobby can become an obligation or obsession.
Level: B2–C1
Date: 5 November 2026
Focus: Reading comprehension, phrases, vocabulary and discussion about hobbies, perseverance and long-term commitment
This free worksheet includes:
- A three-paragraph article about The Campaign for North Africa and a possible 30-year board game project
- Eight True/False reading-comprehension questions
- A Phrase Match activity with 10 useful expressions
- A Synonym Match exercise with 10 vocabulary items
- A Use the New Language activity requiring students to write their own sentences
- 16 discussion questions divided between Student A and Student B
- Speaking topics including perseverance, hobbies, friendship, money and long-term goals
- A complete answer key
- Example sentences showing the target phrases in natural contexts
Useful phrases from the worksheet include take on, keep track of, read up on, get to grips with, set out to, stick with, follow through, come to terms with, give up and make time for. Students also practise vocabulary such as intricate, absurd, daunting, commitment, perseverance, document, remarkable, monotonous, consequences and obligation.
A central classroom point is whether completing a long-term project matters more than enjoying the process. The worksheet encourages students to discuss why people devote years to difficult hobbies and whether public commitment, friendship and shared goals can help people continue.
Worksheet preview
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