LESSON OVERVIEW

In this lesson about hypothetical situations in the past, students learn the Third Conditional in English and practise its structure through a variety of written and oral activities.

WARM-UP & INTRODUCING THE THIRD CONDITIONAL

The lesson starts with three pictures showing buttons, pyramids and a remote control. Students look at them, say where they can find them and what they are used for. Then, they read three sentences including the Third Conditional structure and decide which of the things in the pictures they refer to. The next task is meant to help students understand the meaning of the Third Conditional by asking them further questions about the three sentences. Then, students focus on its form and complete the rules for creating Third Conditional sentences.

PRACTISING THE THIRD CONDITIONAL

Once the meaning and form have been explained, students get the opportunity to practise the Third Conditional. At first, they read three pairs of sentences including the new structure and have to choose the one in each pair that makes the most sense, explaining their choice. Then, they focus on six gapped sentences and complete them with the correct Third Conditional forms of the verbs given in brackets (affirmative and negative). 

VIDEO & DISCUSSION

The following task involves an animated video. Students watch it and complete the list of the events from the story with one word each. Then, they need to use the events and the Third Conditional form to create four sentences about the story. To personalise the use of the new form, in the next task students are encouraged to finish six sentences, so they’re true for them. Students then work in pairs, read their sentences to each other and ask follow-up questions about them. The lesson finishes with a discussion about the possible past consequences of some hypothetical situations (e.g. dinosaurs didn’t die out). Students talk about them using the Third Conditional and justify their opinions.