Speaking:
What If…?
Grouping:
Time:
Pairs → Small groups (3–4 students)
15 minutes
Aim
Students will practice forming mixed conditional sentences by speculating about past and present situations.
Materials
• Set of “What if…?” scenario cards (e.g., What if you had studied another language? / What if you lived in another country?).
• Whiteboard for examples.
Preparation
• Write examples of mixed conditionals on the board:
• If I had studied more, I would be a doctor now. (Past → Present)
• If she were more confident, she would have spoken up in the meeting. (Present → Past)
Activity Breakdown
1. Students take turns picking a “What if…?” card.
2. They answer using a mixed conditional sentence.
3. Their partner must respond by adding another consequence.
4. The conversation continues for a few exchanges.
Instructions
1. Pick a card and read the question.
2. Answer using a mixed conditional sentence.
3. Your partner adds another consequence.
4. Continue for at least three turns.
5. Swap roles and repeat.
Concept Checking Questions
• “Does this conditional mix two different times?” (Yes).
• “Which part of the sentence talks about the past?” (The if clause in some cases).
• “Which part talks about the present/future?” (The result clause).
Examples
• If I had woken up earlier, I wouldn’t be late now.
• If she were taller, she would have joined the basketball team.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students create their own “What if…?” scenarios.
• Easier: Provide sentence starters to complete.
Error Correction
• Teacher monitors and notes errors for group discussion at the end.
Writing:
Regrets & Hopes
Grouping:
Time:
Individuals → Peer review
20 minutes
Aim
Students will write a personal reflection using mixed conditionals about past regrets and present consequences.
Materials
• A worksheet with sentence starters (e.g., If I had studied harder, I…).
• A model paragraph.
Preparation
• Provide examples of personal regrets using mixed conditionals.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students write a short paragraph about past choices and current outcomes.
2. They exchange papers and give peer feedback.
Instructions
1. Think of a past decision you regret.
2. Write a paragraph using mixed conditionals.
3. Check your sentences.
4. Swap with a partner and give feedback.
5. Revise and improve your writing.
Concept Checking Questions
• “Are we talking about real or hypothetical situations?” (Hypothetical).
• “Can we use will in these sentences?” (No).
Examples
• If I had taken the train, I wouldn’t be stuck in traffic now.
• If he were more responsible, he wouldn’t have missed the deadline.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Write a longer story.
• Easier: Provide a fill-in-the-blanks worksheet.
Error Correction
• Teacher provides targeted feedback on structure.
Listening:
News Analysis
Grouping:
Time:
Pairs → Whole class discussion
15 minutes
Aim
Students will listen to real-world scenarios and form mixed conditional sentences to analyze possible outcomes.
Materials
• Short audio clips of news stories (e.g., A city experiences flooding due to poor drainage).
• Worksheet with questions about consequences.
Preparation
• Write an example on the board:
• If the government had prepared better, people wouldn’t be suffering now.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students listen to a short news story.
2. They discuss in pairs: What could have been done differently?
3. They write one or two mixed conditional sentences.
4. They share their ideas with the class.
Instructions
1. Listen to the news story.
2. Discuss possible causes and effects.
3. Write a mixed conditional sentence.
4. Compare with your partner.
5. Share with the class.
Concept Checking Questions
• “Which clause talks about the past?” (The if clause).
• “Does this sentence describe reality or speculation?” (Speculation).
Examples
• If the company had invested in safety, the accident wouldn’t have happened.
• If he were more responsible, he wouldn’t have lost his job.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students write a paragraph analyzing the situation.
• Easier: Provide sentence frames.
Error Correction
• Teacher reviews sentences and provides correct structures.
Reading:
Alternative Timelines
Grouping:
Time:
Pairs → Small groups
15 minutes
Aim
Students will read short texts about past events and discuss alternative outcomes using mixed conditionals.
Materials
• A worksheet with short texts (e.g., A musician who almost gave up before becoming famous).
Preparation
• Highlight key sentences in the text where conditionals can be formed.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students read a short text.
2. They identify points where the outcome could have changed.
3. They write mixed conditional sentences discussing alternatives.
Instructions
1. Read the text carefully.
2. Underline key moments where events could have changed.
3. Write sentences using mixed conditionals.
4. Compare with a partner.
5. Discuss as a group.
Concept Checking Questions
• “Which part of the sentence describes the past?” (If clause).
• “Which part describes the present/future?” (Result clause).
Examples
• If she had accepted the first job, she wouldn’t be famous now.
• If he were more confident, he would have spoken to the manager.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students create their own story.
• Easier: Provide sentence starters.
Error Correction
• Teacher highlights common errors for group correction.