Lesson 12 of 13 · Intermediate · B1

Imagined choices and improvements

Discuss imaginary situations and explain what you would choose.

1. Grammar: Second conditional: if + past, would + verb

Use if + past simple, would + base verb for an imagined or less likely situation in the present or future. The past form here does not mean past time. Use were for all subjects in the common advice pattern If I were you. Compare a real possibility, If I have time, I will help, with an imagined situation, If I had more time, I would help.

If I + past verb, I would + base verb. → If I had more space, I would grow vegetables.
If I were + noun/adjective, I would + verb. → If I were the manager, I would change the schedule.
What would you do if + past? → What would you do if you lost your phone?
If I were you, I would + verb. → If I were you, I would ask for help.

Model conversation

A: What would you change if you could redesign your neighborhood?

B: If I could redesign it, I would add a library.

A: Why would you choose that?

B: It would give people a quiet place to study.

2. Useful words and verbs

Read each meaning and example. Make your own sentence, then try to use the word during the conversation.

choose

to select one option

I would choose a quieter neighborhood.

improve

to make something better

I would improve the public spaces.

redesign

to plan a new version of something

I would redesign the kitchen.

afford

to have enough money for something

If I could afford it, I would travel more.

opportunity

a chance to do something

I would take the opportunity to study abroad.

flexible

able to change when needed

I would prefer a flexible schedule.

community

people living in one area or sharing something

I would create a space for the community.

benefit

a helpful or positive result

The main benefit would be more free time.

3. Conversation: 15 questions

Use complete sentences and add a reason or example when it fits. Open an answer starter if you need help. You may use imagined details.

If you had an extra hour every day, how would you use it?
Answer starter
If I had an extra hour, I would …
If you could live in another city, which would you choose?
Answer starter
If I could choose, I would live in … because …
If you had a more flexible schedule, what would change?
Answer starter
If my schedule were more flexible, I would …
If you could afford any short course, what would you study?
Answer starter
If I could afford it, I would study …
If you could redesign one room, which would you choose?
Answer starter
If I could redesign a room, I would choose …
If you managed a shop, how would you improve its service?
Answer starter
If I managed a shop, I would …
If you found a lost phone, what would you do?
Answer starter
If I found a lost phone, I would …
If a friend were nervous about an interview, what advice would you give?
Answer starter
If I were my friend, I would …
If you could change one thing about local transport, what would you change?
Answer starter
If I could change it, I would …
If you had the opportunity to work abroad, would you accept?
Answer starter
If I had the opportunity, I would / wouldn’t … because …
If you had a larger clothing budget, what would you buy?
Answer starter
If I had a larger budget, I would …
If you could create a new community space, what would it be?
Answer starter
If I could create one, I would build …
If you could speak another language fluently, which would you choose?
Answer starter
If I could choose, I would …
If you were responsible for a school timetable, what would you improve?
Answer starter
If I were responsible, I would …
Which imagined change would give you the greatest benefit?
Answer starter
If I could …, I would … The main benefit would be …

4. Extend your answer

Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Add a reason with “because,” an example with “for example,” or a contrast with “but.” Ask your partner one follow-up question.