Read the two answers to the same IELTS Speaking Part 3 question: "If you could change one thing about your city's public transport, what would it be?"
1.2 Which answer sounds more like a native speaker discussing a complex policy issue?
2.1 Complete the rule box:
| Structure | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If + Past Simple, ... would + V | If I were the mayor, I would prioritise cycling. | |
| If + Past Perfect, ... would have + V3 | If they had invested, traffic would have improved. | |
| If + Past Perfect, ... would + V | If I had studied IT, I would earn more now. | |
| Had I known / Were I to | Had I known, I would have taken the train. |
2.2 Match the sentence (1–6) with the function it performs (A–F). Click a number, then a letter.
3.1 Choose the correct option (A, B or C).
1. If I ___ more time, I would learn Japanese.
A) haveB) hadC) would have
2. She would have passed the exam if she ___ harder.
A) studiedB) would studyC) had studied
3. ___ I known about the meeting, I would have attended.
A) IfB) HadC) Have
4. We won't finish the project on time ___ we get extra funding.
A) unlessB) ifC) provided that
5. If he had caught the earlier train, he ___ here by now.
A) would beB) would have beenC) will be
6. ___ you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A) HadB) ShouldC) Were
7. I wouldn't be so tired today if I ___ to bed so late last night.
A) didn't goB) haven't goneC) hadn't gone
8. You can borrow my car as long as you ___ it carefully.
A) driveB) will driveC) would drive
4.1 Match the beginning of each sentence (1–8) with the correct ending (A–H). Click a number, then a letter.
5.1 Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verb in brackets or the appropriate linker.
1. If I (not / eat) so much junk food last year, I would be much healthier now.
2. (be) I in your position, I would accept the offer immediately.
3. The project would have been a success if the manager (listen) to our advice.
4. I wouldn't be speaking to you right now if you (not / tell) me the truth yesterday.
5. that we secure the contract, we will expand to three new countries. (Linker: Provided)
6. If they (build) the road last year, we wouldn't be stuck in traffic every morning.
7. She would have become a doctor if she (not / fail) her biology exam.
8. you change your mind, just give me a call. (Linker: Should)
6.1 Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets. Do not change the meaning.
1. If I had known you were in town, I would have invited you to dinner. (KNOWN)
→ Had
2. If the government doesn't lower taxes, small businesses will suffer. (UNLESS)
→
3. If I were you, I would apologise to her immediately. (PLACE)
→ If I
4. If you finish your homework, you can watch TV. (AS LONG AS)
→
5. If it hadn't rained, we would have gone to the beach. (BUT FOR)
→
6. If you need any help, just ask me. (SHOULD)
→
7. If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now. (WERE)
→ Were
8. If he didn't speak three languages, he wouldn't get the job. (DID)
→
7.1 Each sentence has one mistake. Click the wrong word to mark it. Three sentences are correct — for those, click "✓ No mistake".
8.1 Rewrite the sentences using inversion (removing "if"). Make them sound formal.
1. If you require further information, please contact our support team.
→
2. If I had realised the consequences, I would have acted differently.
→
3. If the government were to raise interest rates, the housing market would crash.
→
4. If you should see Mark, tell him I'm looking for him.
→
9.1 Read the short text about environmental policy. Click the correct conditional structure for each gap.
10.1 Complete the sentences with true information about yourself. Use the structure shown in brackets.
1. If I could live anywhere in the world, I . (2nd Conditional)
2. If I had studied a different subject at university, I . (Mixed Conditional)
3. Unless I , I feel stressed. (Negative condition)
4. Had I known about , I would have . (Inversion)
5. I would have if . (3rd Conditional)
6. Provided that , I will . (Strong condition)
7. If I were the leader of my country, I . (Hypothetical)
8. As long as I , I am happy. (Condition)
11.1 Answer the questions below. Rule: each answer must contain at least TWO complex conditional structures.
1. If you could change one law in your country, what would it be and why?
2. How would your life be different if you had chosen a different career path?
3. What would happen if all cars were banned from city centres?
4. If you had been born 100 years ago, how would your daily life differ?
5. What would the education system look like if exams were abolished?
6. If you were given a million dollars to solve one global problem, which would you choose?
12.1 Write one body paragraph (80–100 words) for the following essay question:
Requirements:
Before moving to Step 4, tick what you can do confidently:
Score: ___ / 7 → if 5+, move to Step 4: +1 COMPLEX SENTENCES (1)
14.1 Writing. Find an IELTS Task 2 "Problem/Solution" or "Direct Question" prompt. Write a full essay (250+ words). Rule: use at least 5 complex conditional structures to discuss hypothetical outcomes of proposed solutions. Highlight them.
14.2 Listening. Watch a TED Talk or a YouTube video about "What if..." scenarios. Write down:
14.3 Speaking. Record yourself answering 3 IELTS Part 3 hypothetical questions. Listen back. Did you automatically use would in the if-clause? (Common mistake!). Did you use Mixed Conditionals? If not — record again.