1. I would if I could, but I can’t, so I won’t.
Write it on the board in alphabetical order, and see if anyone can put it together.
but can’t could I I I I if so won’t would
2. IF ONLY,
a) I had gotten to know him (her) better, I would (wouldn’t) have…
b) You had told me sooner, I (we)…
c) I had arrived sooner (later)…
Have the students create their own “Looking Back” situations by writing down three things they have done in the past and now regret, and three things they have done in the past and are now glad they did. I instruct them to make their sentences interesting, even make them humorous. For example: a) If only I had gotten to know him better, I would have cut his hair more carefully. b) If only you had told me sooner, I wouldn’t have married him. c) If only I had arrived sooner, I would have eaten the whole cake.
3. If (this) then (that)…
a) If I don’t pass this examination…
b) If we finish early today…
c) If you help me…
d) If I were a millionaire…
e) I would stand on my head if…
f) We will all become ill if…
g) Our teacher will be delighted if…
h) I would be much happier if…
Why might you…
jump out of the window?
steal money?
deliberately break the glass?
pretend to be someone else?
take off all your clothes in a public place?
set fire to your house?
cheat on an exam?
paint yourself green?
kiss an unknown man (woman) in the street?
By Olga Komarova.