Wishes

This is a video-based grammar lesson focusing on WISH. It’s targeted at intermediate and upper-intermediate students. Use it to your heart’s content.

A  Watch video 1, below. Which sentence best summarizes the main message of the GIF?
[  ] Never stop dreaming.
[  ] Remember to help the less fortunate.
[  ] Be grateful for what you have.
[  ] Mobility is important.
Video 1

B  How did the video make you feel? Think of three reasons why. Then share your ideas with a partner or with your teacher.

C  Watch video 2 and complete the missing sentences. Then pause the video and check.

Video 2

In this video, there are examples of I want…/I’d love to…/I wish…/If only. In this lesson, we’re going to focus on I wish… and If only... 

D  Complete the rule:
To imagine a different [present/past], you can use wish or if only followed by a subject (I, he, my school etc.) and the [present/past] form of the verb. 

E  Complete the sentences, taken from authentic videos, with the verbs below in the correct form. Some will be negative.

1. Someone admitting they’re not a food expert
I wish I __________ more about food.
2. Someone answering a long question at the end of a talk
I wish I __________ an extra hour for you.
3. Someone giving a graduation speech
I bring greetings to you from my mother, and she wishes she __________ be here.
4. Someone imagining a different career
Do I wish I __________ taller and playing center in the NBA? Yes!
5.  Someone speaking to a chef
I absolutely love your granola, and I wish I __________ go to the restaurant every week, but I unfortunately don’t have that luxury.
6. Someone giving a talk on parenthood 
When families have young children, they often joke that they wish they __________ an owner’s manual.
7. Someone talking about obligations
You know, there are a whole bunch of things that I’ve got to do that I wish I __________ to do.
8. Webshow about monarchies
Do you see the problems in your country and know how to fix them if only you __________ the power to do so?
9. Someone admitting they’re not good at geography
If only I __________ geography better!
10. Irish people answering random questions on a webshow 
Do you ever wish you __________ Irish?

F  Watch video 3 and check your answers.

G  With a partner or your teacher, create and act out three mini-dialogues ending with the sentences below:
1. “Oh, it’s complicated. I wish I knew the answer.” 
2. “I wish you were here. You would love this place.” 
3. “I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t have to do that, but you’ve left me with no choice.”

H  Complete each question with a verb that makes sense. Check your answers.
1. you __________ older/younger?
2. you __________ read people’s minds?
3. your house/apartment __________ bigger?
4. you __________ in a different country?
5. you __________ for a different company?
6. you __________ so much? (negative)
7. your family __________ so much? (negative)

I  Ask and answer questions 1-7 with a partner or your teacher. Ask for and give more details. Useful language:

J  Now share other wishes with a partner or your teacher. Here are few ideas to help you:

K  Did the animated GIF (exercise A) ever cross your mind as you were doing exercises I and J? Why, do you think? 

Answers:
A – third one
D – present/past
E – check video