Teacher's Notes
Speaking ActivityFirst Conditional
Activity Type
Speaking Activity
Focus
Forming first conditional sentences spontaneously
Aim
Students build a chain of connected first conditional sentences around the class.
Level
A2–B1
Time
15–20 minutes
Preparation
Print the starter sentences or write them on the board.
Procedure
Explain the game: the first student reads a starter sentence. The next student must take the result and turn it into a new if-clause.
Demonstrate: "If I win the lottery, I'll buy a house." → "If you buy a house, I'll come and visit you." → "If you visit me, we'll have a barbecue."
Start with the first prompt. Go around the class.
If a student cannot continue within 5 seconds, they sit down and the chain restarts with a new starter.
The goal is to keep the chain going as long as possible.
Record the longest chain and try to beat it with the next starter.
After the activity, students write down their favourite chain from memory.
Casa ESL — First Conditional — A2–B1
Speaking Activity
Student Materials
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Chain startersChain starters
If I win the lottery, I'll buy a house.
If the teacher cancels class, I'll go to the beach.
If my phone breaks, I'll go to the shop.
If it rains all week, I'll stay home.
If I learn to cook, I'll invite my friends for dinner.
If we get a dog, we'll need a bigger garden.
If I pass my exams, I'll take a holiday.
If the internet stops working, I'll read a book.