Past decisions: reflecting on what might have been

Regret and past choices β€” a B2 English lesson. Practise the third conditional and expand vocabulary around reflecting on past events.

Past decisions: reflecting on what might have been
Photo by Juan Rumimpunu / Unsplash

Summary

This ESL lesson for B2 English students explores Regret and past choices. Using a real audio as the basis for discussion, students develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills across a 90-minute class.

The grammar focus is The third conditional. Key vocabulary includes regret (noun/verb), missed opportunity (noun phrase), pivot (verb) and more, all drawn directly from the source material. The practical English section gives students useful phrases for real-life situations: Discussing past decisions and their potential outcomes, expressing regret or relief..

Activities

If I had studied harder for that exam, I would have passed it easily. Then, I wouldn't have had to retake the course. If I had known about the scholarship deadline, I would have applied for it. I might have gotten it, and then my tuition fees wouldn't have been so high. It's a shame I wasn't more organised back then. If only I had listened to my tutor's advice, things would be different now. I really wish I had paid more attention.
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Reflecting on Past Choices
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Vocabulary focus

The vocabulary section introduces B2-level words and phrases related to Regret and past choices. Key terms include regret (noun/verb), missed opportunity (noun phrase), pivot (verb), consequence (noun), hindsight (noun). Students practise using these terms in context through exercises drawn from the source material.

Grammar focus

This lesson focuses on The third conditional. The third conditional is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the past and their imagined results. It describes what 'might have been' if a past event had been different.

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Third Conditional: Reflecting on Missed Opportunities - B2
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