Homework That Feels Impossible
Our teacher assigned us the task of creating a crossword puzzle, but it’s turning out to be quite a challenge. Here are the instructions:
- Use 12 words from Set A for the “across” clues and 12 words from Set B for the “down” clues.
- Number each word accordingly, just like in the sample crossword puzzle. The grid should be 16 boxes wide and 16 boxes tall.
- Shade the boxes that aren’t used.
- No two students are allowed to have the same crossword puzzle.
- Follow the structure of the sample puzzle provided.
Here are the words we need to include:
Across:
– Sumerian
– Cretan
– Babylon
– Hindu
– Egyptian
– Buddha
– Islam
– Garden
– Africa
– Indus
– Microscope
– Telescope
Down:
– Japan
– Persia
– Spain
– Arab
– Marcos
– Arroyo
– Romans
– Bronze
– Iron
– Silver
– Aquino
– Fifth
I’ve spent hours trying every combination possible, but it feels like this puzzle isn’t solvable. My classmates agree that it’s nearly impossible. Some have suggested adding extra rows and columns, but I really believe that a 16×16 grid just won’t work.
If anyone manages to solve it, please share your solution here—I could really use some help!
It sounds like you’re feeling really frustrated with your crossword puzzle assignment! Creating a crossword with specific words can definitely be a challenge, especially with the constraints you’ve been given. The 16×16 grid can seem limiting when trying to accommodate all those words and ensure that no two students have the same puzzle.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you with your puzzle:
Word Placement: Start by placing the longest words first (like “microscope” and “telescope”) since they take up more space and leave less room for adjustment.
Overlap Words: Look for opportunities to have words share letters. This can save space and help fill the grid more efficiently. For example, if “Arab” is placed down, it can intersect with “Cretan” if they share an ‘A’.
Use Crossword Tools: There are online crossword puzzle generators where you can input your words and check if they fit within a specified grid. This may save you some time and provide a solution without manually trying every combination.
Consider Letter Count: Make sure that the total number of letters and the arrangement allow for the words to fit without exceeding the grid size. Adjust the words as needed while making sure to respect the original instruction set if possible.
Consult Your Teacher: If you genuinely believe that the task is impossible, it might be a good idea to talk to your teacher. Explain your challenges and see if they could provide additional guidance or make adjustments to the assignment.
If anyone has successfully tackled this puzzle, sharing their solved version might provide you a helpful reference or inspire new ideas! Don’t lose hope—sometimes wrestling with a problem leads to an unexpected solution. Good luck!