DAILY BASIS ENGLISH COURSE

B1 Intermediate

Hypothetical situations

If I had more free time, I would learn another language.
By the end of this class, students will be able to talk about imaginary or unlikely situations, explain possible results, and ask follow-up questions using the second conditional.
Contents

Introduction

A man thinking and studying at home.

Read the hypothetical ideas and think about your own answers.

If I had a month off, I would travel around South America.

If I were the manager, I would change the schedule.

If people worked fewer hours, they might feel less stressed.

These sentences describe unreal or unlikely situations in the present or future.

Choose the correct answer.

1. What would the speaker do with a month off?

2. What would the speaker change as manager?

3. What might happen if people worked fewer hours?

Score: 0 out of 3

Presentation

Laura: If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?

Eric: If I had the chance, I would work four days a week instead of five.

Laura: That sounds nice. What would you do with the extra time?

Eric: I would probably study more and spend more time with my family.

Laura: If I were in your position, I would also use the time to rest more.

Eric: Exactly. I think I would be much more productive.

Language Focus

We use the second conditional for imaginary present or future situations: If + past simple, would + base verb.

Usamos o second conditional para situações imaginárias no presente ou futuro: If + passado simples, would + verbo base.

  • Imaginary plan: If I had more money, I would travel more.
  • Advice from another perspective: If I were you, I would take a break.
  • Possible result: People might feel better if they slept more.
  • Question: What would you do if you had more free time?

Pronunciation + Form

The most common pattern is If I had..., I would.... At this level, If I were you is also very useful.

If Clauses
If I had more time...
If I were the manager...
If people worked less...
Results
...I would travel more.
...I would change the rules.
...they might feel better.
Questions
What would you do if...?
How would you react if...?
If you were me, what would you do?

Practice

1. If I had more time, I
exercise more.
2. If she were the manager, she would
the schedule.
3. If we lived near the beach, we would go there every
.
4. If I were you, I would take a short
.
5. What would you do if you
a free year?
Score: 0 out of 5
Choose the best response.

1. Which sentence is a second conditional sentence?

2. Which phrase gives advice in a hypothetical way?

3. Which response fits the question 'What would you do if you had a month off?'

4. Which sentence sounds hypothetical, not real?

Score: 0 out of 4

Production

Discuss imaginary situations with a partner. Try to give full answers and ask one follow-up question each time.

  • If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
  • If you had a year free from work or study, what would you do?
  • If you were the school director, what would you change?
  • If your city had more parks, how would life change?
Daily Basis English Course