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B2 · Unit 5
Conditionals II · regret & alternate outcomes
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Conditionals II (Third & Mixed)

In this unit, students learn how to express regret, critique, and alternate outcomes using third conditionals and mixed conditionals. The focus is on writing and discussion (academic tone, clear logic).

Objectives Forms Meaning Model Texts Writing Task Discussion Editing Exit Ticket Materials

SWBAT (Objectives)

  • Form third conditional sentences accurately (if + past perfect → would have + V3).
  • Use mixed conditionals to link a past cause to a present result (and vice versa).
  • Express regret, critique, and “what-if” outcomes in a formal style.
  • Write a short reflective paragraph using third/mixed conditionals and clear reasoning.
  • Edit common errors (wrong tense, missing “have”, incorrect V3, mixed logic).

Forms (Grammar)

Third conditional (past regret)

If + past perfect, would have + V3
• If we had left earlier, we would have arrived on time.
• If she had studied, she would have passed.

Mixed (past cause → present result)

If + past perfect, would + base
• If I had taken that job, I would live abroad now.
• If they had invested earlier, they would be ahead today.

Mixed (present condition → past result)

If + past simple, would have + V3
• If I were more careful, I wouldn’t have made that mistake.
• If he had a license, he would have driven.

Common B2 errors

• ❌ If I had known, I would told you. → ✅ If I had known, I would have told you.
• ❌ If we would have left earlier… → ✅ If we had left earlier…
• ❌ If I had took… → ✅ If I had taken… (V3)

Form Guide (PDF) Irregular V3 Review (PDF)

Meaning: Regret, Critique, Alternate Outcomes

Regret (personal reflection)

“If I had…, I would have…”
Used to reflect on past mistakes or missed opportunities.

Critique (professional / academic)

“If the team had…, the project would have…”
Useful in reports, case studies, and lessons learned.

Alternate outcomes (what-if)

Mixed conditionals connect past choices to today’s reality:
“If we had…, we would be… now.”

Meaning & Use Handout (PDF)

Model Texts (Academic Tone)

Model 1: “Lessons learned” (third conditional)
If the timeline had been reviewed earlier, several delays would have been avoided. In addition, if clearer responsibilities had been assigned, the final stage would have progressed more smoothly. Overall, better planning would have reduced risk and improved communication.
Model 2: mixed (past cause → present result)
If the company had invested in training last year, staff would feel more confident today. As a result, fewer errors would occur in daily operations, and customer satisfaction would be higher.
Model Texts Pack (PDF)

Writing Task: Reflection or Critique (140–180 words)

Choose ONE prompt
  • A travel problem that could have been avoided
  • A team project that did not go well
  • A personal decision you would change
  • A system failure (missed deadline, wrong booking)
Requirements
  • Use 3 third conditionals
  • Use 2 mixed conditionals
  • Use 3 linkers (however/therefore/as a result)
  • Maintain an academic / professional tone
Suggested structure

1) Situation (2–3 sentences)
2) What went wrong + third conditionals
3) Impact now + mixed conditionals
4) Conclusion (“lesson learned”)

Writing Template (PDF) Checklist (PDF)

Discussion (Small Groups)

Discussion questions
  • What decision do people often regret?
  • What small change would have improved a recent event?
  • If your city had invested more in ___, what would be different today?
  • How can teams prevent repeating the same mistakes?
Academic sentence frames

• If ___ had happened, ___ would have ___.
• If ___ had been done, ___ would be ___ now.
• In retrospect, it would have been better if…

Turn-taking rules
  • Each person gives 1 example + 1 follow-up question
  • Use polite critique language (“It might have been better if…”)
  • Summarize your group’s best idea at the end
Discussion Cards (PDF)

Editing Focus (Accuracy + Logic)

Spot the problems (example)
If we would have checked the address, we would have delivered on time. If I had more patience, I would have said nothing yesterday.

Fix: tense choice + conditional logic (what is past vs present?).

Editing checklist
  • Third conditional: had + V3 / would have + V3
  • Mixed conditional: does the time match the meaning?
  • No “would” in the if-clause (standard form)
  • V3 accuracy (taken, written, sent, driven)
  • Clear cause → result logic
Editing Worksheet (PDF) Common Mistakes (PDF)

Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

  1. Write 1 third conditional about a missed opportunity.
  2. Write 1 mixed conditional (past cause → present result).
  3. Write 1 mixed conditional (present condition → past result).
  4. Correct: “If we would have known, we would have come earlier.”
Exit Ticket (PDF)

Materials & Downloads

  • Unit 5 Slides — PPTX
  • Form Guide — PDF · Meaning & Use — PDF
  • Model Texts Pack — PDF
  • Writing Template — PDF · Checklist — PDF
  • Discussion Cards — PDF
  • Editing Worksheet — PDF · Common Mistakes — PDF
  • Exit Ticket — PDF

Swap placeholders with real file paths. Keep links consistent: /levels/b2/assets/.