5.2.3. Alternative Words to 'if'

Conversation about considering a doctor's appointment with alternative words to 'if':

A: Morning!

B: Hi!

A: How have you been?

B: Good is good, and you?

A: I'm feeling a little under the weather.

B: Why?

A: Because I have had diarrhea for two weeks.

B: Golly gosh! When I feel sick, I go to the doctor.

A: But in case I go to the doctor, I will spend a fortune.

B: It doesn't have to cost you an arm and leg if you go to Dr. Simi. Supposing I were you, I would go there.

A: So, you think that unless I had gone there, I would be ill.

B: Of course milord, I'm sure that on condition that you had gone there, you would have got recovered. 

A: Thanks for the advice.

B: Unfortunately as you know I didn't study medicine. However, only if I were a doctor, I would have assisted you.

Listening Exercise

Video

Listening Exercise Worksheet: 

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/Wc8xGm3747Z

Condition Words as alternatives to ‘if’ & Their Usage

 

1. Unless (= “if not”)

• Use when you mean a result will happen except when some condition is true.
• Always with real/likely conditionals (zero or first conditional), not past unreal.
• Example (medical):
  The patient will recover fully unless they develop an infection.
  (i.e. recovery happens except if infection occurs)

 

2. Provided (that) / Providing (that) / On condition (that)

• Use to emphasise a strict requirement the condition must meet (“only if”).
• Formal register, ideal in clinical or policy contexts.
• Example (medical):
  You may be discharged provided that your vital signs remain stable for 24 hours.

 

3. As long as / So long as

• Similar to “provided” but more neutral tone; implies condition is acceptable.
• Use for real conditions with expectation they will be met.
• Example (medical):
  You can start light exercise as long as your blood pressure stays within normal limits.

 

4. When / Once

• Use when the condition is expected to happen — not hypothetical or uncertain.
• Subtle difference from “if”: “when” implies certainty.
• Example (medical):
  Once the biopsy results are available, we will schedule appropriate treatment.

 

5. In case (that) / In the event that

• Indicates preparatory action anticipating a possible (often unlikely) condition.
• Use when you act to prevent harm or be ready.
• Example (medical):
  We will keep oxygen on standby in case the patient’s oxygen saturation drops below 92%.

 

6. Supposing / Suppose

• Use to introduce an imagined/hypothetical scenario — often in speculative, w‑questions.
• A good tool in case‑based teaching/discussion.
• Example (medical):
  Suppose the patient has an allergic reaction—what would be your immediate response?

7. Even if / Whether or not

• Use to stress that the result happens regardless of the condition.
• Example (medical)
  The medication must be administered even if the patient complains of mild nausea. (i.e. regardless of nausea presence)
  Or: Symptom resolution should occur whether or not the patient adheres to dietary restrictions.

 

Collaborative online exercise about the alternative words to if to introduce the condition:

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/108080623

Speaking practice to alternative words to 'if':

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/59807889

Individual Online Exercise of alternative words to 'if':

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/108082672

Speaking Online Game of Conditionals

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/59209979

Questions and answers with the conditionals

 

Zero Conditional

What do you do if it is raining?

If it’s raining, I watch series on Netflix

What do you do if...?

 

First Conditional

What will you do if you stay at school after the English lesson?

I will read my notes if I stay at school after the English lesson.

What will you do if...?

 

Second Conditional

What would you do if you were under arrest?

I would have good behaviour to be free if I were under arrest.

What would you do if...?

 

Third Conditional

What would you have done, if you had killed someone?

If I had killed someone, I would probably have been in jail.

What would you have done if you had...?

 

First Mixed Conditional

What would you do if you hadn’t done your homework yesterday?

If I hadn’t done my homework yesterday, I wouldn’t probably be worried.

What would you do if you had...?

 

Second Mixed Conditional

What would you have done if you were at the doctor’s yesterday?

If I were at the doctor’s yesterday, I would have told him how I was feeling.

What would you have done if you...?

Interviewing a classmate: Write an eight-question interview for a classmate about a disease using the interrogative conditionals.

4.2.2. 🎯 Activity: “Corporate Voices: Showcasing a Company through the Passive”

 🎯 Activity: “Corporate Voices: Showcasing a Company through the Passive”

 

Objective: Students will design and present an infographic about a company or enterprise, demonstrating the correct and varied use of passive voice structures (simple passive, personal passive, impersonal passive, and causative forms) to describe processes, achievements, and corporate actions.

 

Instructions:

1. Choose a Company:
   Select a well-known company or a local enterprise you admire (e.g., Apple, Tesla, Airbnb, or a regional business).
2. Research Key Information:
   Gather data about its history, products or services, innovation, employees, and achievements.
• Company Identification
1. Name of the company or enterprise.
2. Logo and slogan (if available).
3. Industry sector (technology, hospitality, fashion, education, etc.).
4. Headquarters location and year of foundation.

Passive example: “The company was founded in 2010 in California.”

• Founders and History
1. Who founded the company and why it was created.
2. Key milestones (major expansions, acquisitions, or rebranding moments).
3. Significant awards or recognition.

Personal passive example: “It is believed that the brand became successful thanks to its innovation strategy.”

• Products or Services
1. Main products or services offered.
2. How they are produced, delivered, or marketed.
3. Unique features that distinguish the brand from competitors.

Simple passive example: “The new smartphone models are produced in different parts of Asia.”

• Corporate Culture and Values
1. Mission, vision, and core values.
2. Social responsibility or sustainability initiatives.
3. Work environment or employee well-being programs.

 Impersonal passive example: “It is said that the company encourages creativity among its employees.”

• Innovation and Technology
1. Recent technological advances or innovative practices.
2. Research and development projects.

Causative example: “The company had its website redesigned to improve user experience.”

• Global Presence
1. Countries or regions where it operates.
2. International partnerships or franchises.
3. Impact on the global market.

Personal passive example: “It is expected that new branches will be opened in Europe next year.”

• References
1. Searched sources in format APA 7

 

3. Design the Infographic:
   Create a digital or printed infographic including at least six passive constructions, such as:
• Simple Passive: The company was founded in 2004.
• Personal Passive: It is believed that the firm will expand to Asia.
• Impersonal Passive: It is said that the company invests heavily in research.
• Causative: The CEO had the logo redesigned last year.
4. Presentation:
   Present your infographic orally (3–5 minutes). Explain the company’s profile and highlight the passive forms used in your explanation. Use visuals, color coding, and clear structure.

 

Assessment Criteria (Total: 10 points)

Criteria	Description	Max Points
Grammar Accuracy	Correct and varied use of passive forms (simple, personal, impersonal, causative).	3
Content Quality	Relevant, well-organized, and coherent company information.	2
Visual Design	Infographic clarity, layout, color use, and balance between text and visuals.	1
Oral Presentation	Clear pronunciation, fluency, engagement, and confidence during presentation.	2
Language Range	Use of advanced structures, connectors, and precise vocabulary.	2
Total		10

3.2.4. Reported commands and alternative reporting verbs

Reported Commands, Orders, and Requests

🎬 Scene: Family Dinner Preparation

(The family is gathered in the kitchen before dinner.)

 

Mom (direct speech): “Tom, set the table, please.” “Anna, don’t use your phone while we eat.” “Dad, help me bring the dishes.”

 

Dad: “All right. Tom, put the glasses on the table carefully.” “And Anna, don’t forget to wash your hands before dinner.”

 

Tom: “Mom, could you tell Grandma to come downstairs now?”

 

Anna: “Please don’t make me peel the vegetables again!”

 

🎭 Scene 2: Later That Evening – Reported Speech

(Grandma joins them and asks what everyone was told to do.)

 

Grandma:
“What did your parents ask you to do?”

 

Tom:
“Mom told me to set the table and Dad ordered me to put the glasses carefully on it.”
“She also asked Dad to help her bring the dishes.”
“Oh, and she told Anna not to use her phone while eating.”

 

Anna:
“Dad reminded me to wash my hands before dinner and Mom told me not to complain about peeling the vegetables.”

 

Grandma:
“So many instructions! Your parents always know how to keep things running smoothly.”

 

Mom (smiling):
“Well, I just want everyone to cooperate and not start arguing again.”

 

Grandma (reported later to a friend):
“During dinner, my daughter asked everyone to cooperate and told them not to argue again. She sounded like a general, but a loving one.”

 

Collaborative Online Exercise of Reported Commands:

https://www.engblocks.com/grammar/exercises/reported-speech/reported-requests/

Individual Online Exercise of Reported Commands

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/reported-speech-exercise-3.html

Collaborative Online Exercise about Matching the Structures of the Alternative Reporting Verbs:

https://wordwall.net/resource/99420348

Introductory Listening Exercise to Alternative Reporting Verbs:

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/xRCAg_Cy8hU

Individual Exercise 5 on page 25

2.2.3. Reported Wh- questions and commands

🎬 Title: Family Catch-Up

 

Scene 1 – At the Family Dinner (Direct Speech)

(The whole family is seated around the table, eating and chatting.)

Mom: Where are you working now, Anna?

Aunt Carol: What kind of company have you joined?

Grandpa: Why haven’t you visited me recently, Ben?

Grandma: How are you managing with your studies and work?

Uncle Peter: Who taught you to cook that pasta dish, Anna?

Dad: What ingredients did you use for that sauce?

Mom (again, smiling): And when are you planning to settle down, Ben?

(Everyone laughs. The dinner continues with small talk and jokes.)

 

Scene 2 – Later That Night in the Kitchen (Reported Speech)

(Anna and Ben are having coffee after dinner.)

Anna: Dinner was endless! Everyone kept asking me questions.

Ben: Yeah, Mom told me she had asked you where you were working now.

Anna: Exactly. And Aunt Carol wanted to know what kind of company I had joined.

Ben: Grandpa wasn’t any better. He asked me why I hadn’t visited him recently.

Anna: Oh, Grandma also asked how you were managing with your studies and work.

Ben: (Smiling) I didn’t even know she remembered that!

Anna: Uncle Peter wanted to know who had taught me to cook that pasta dish.

Ben: And Dad asked me what ingredients you had used, as if he wanted to copy your recipe.

Anna: (Laughs) Typical Dad! And Mom said she’d asked you when you were planning to settle down.

Ben: (Sighs) Oh yes… that question again. I told her she should ask who would be willing to marry me first!

(They both laugh and clink their coffee mugs.)

  📘 Grammar Chart: Reported Wh-Questions

Reporting verb + wh-word + subject + verb (backshifted)

✅ Example:

Mom asked where I was working.
Aunt Carol wanted to know what kind of company I had joined.

 

🧠 Key Notes

• ❌ No auxiliary do / does / did in reported questions.
• ❌ No question mark.
• 🔁 Backshift the tense one step into the past (if reporting verb is in past).
• 👤 Adjust pronouns and time expressions (now → then, today → that day, etc.).
• 💬 Common reporting verbs: ask, want to know, wonder, say, tell (someone), inquire.

 

Individual Exercise of Reported Wh-  quesitons

https://www.engblocks.com/grammar/exercises/reported-speech/reported-wh-questions-exercise-1/

Individual Online Exercise on Topworksheets.

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/reported-speech-exercise-6.html

🎬 Game: “Interview with a Celebrity — The Reported Questions Challenge”

Level: C1
Focus: Reported wh- and yes/no questions
Skills: Speaking, listening, grammar, note-taking, creativity
Time: 35–50 minutes
Group Size: 10–25 students

🎯 Learning Objectives

• Use reported questions accurately and fluently in context.
• Develop speaking and summarizing skills through interviews.
• Practice backshifting, pronoun adjustment, and indirect word order.
• Encourage spontaneity and role play in authentic communicative settings.

🧑‍🎤 Game Setup

Scenario:
Students are invited to a live talk show where several “famous guests” (played by classmates) are being interviewed. The rest of the class acts as journalists or reporters from different media outlets.

Examples of possible characters:

Type	Examples
🧑‍🎨 Artists	Taylor Swift, Frida Kahlo, Van Gogh, Banksy
⚽ Athletes	Lionel Messi, Serena Williams, Simone Biles
🧠 Scientists	Marie Curie, Elon Musk, Albert Einstein
👑 Historical Figures	Cleopatra, Napoleon, Princess Diana
🎬 Fictional Characters	Harry Potter, Iron Man, Barbie, Sherlock Holmes

🎭 Phase 1 – Direct Question Interview

1. Divide the class into groups of 4–5.
• One student becomes the celebrity.
• The others are journalists.
2. Give 5–10 minutes for journalists to prepare creative direct questions.
• What inspired you to become a scientist?
• Who supported you during your career?
• Are you planning to write another book?
3. Each group conducts a short live interview (3–5 minutes) in front of the class.
   Encourage expressive delivery — like a real TV show! 🎤

✍️ Phase 2 – Reported Question Round

Now comes the key grammar focus.
After each interview:

1. Journalists must report the questions they asked, not the answers.
• “I asked her what had inspired her to become a scientist.”
• “We asked if she was planning to write another book.”
2. The “host” (teacher or another student) checks or awards points for correct grammar and fluency.

💡 Tip: Have each journalist write three correct reported questions to hand in or present orally.

---

🧩 Phase 3 – Press Conference Recap

To consolidate, form new groups.
Each student must summarize what another group asked during their interview — again using reported questions:

“The journalists asked Messi how he had felt after winning the World Cup.”
“They also asked him if he had ever considered retiring.”

This reinforces memory, paraphrasing, and reported speech accuracy.

🏆 Scoring & Feedback

Give points for:

• ✅ Correct grammar in reported questions
• 🎙️ Pronunciation and fluency
• 💡 Creativity of questions
• 🎭 Acting performance (for the “celebrity”)

Optional fun categories:

• “Best Journalist Question”
• “Most Convincing Celebrity”
• “Grammar Detective Award”

✍️ Optional Written Extension

Ask students to write a press article summarizing the interview:

“During the talk show, journalists asked the singer how she had started her career and whether she planned to collaborate with new artists.”

This reinforces written accuracy and advanced transformation skills.

💬 Sample Transformation Chart

Direct Question	Reported Question
“Where were you born?”	The journalist asked me where I had been born.
“Do you like fame?”	They asked if I liked fame.
“What inspired your latest album?”	Someone asked what had inspired my latest album.
“Who helped you in your career?”	The reporter asked who had helped me in her career.

Oral Review Exercise of Reported Questions
https://wordwall.net/resource/11113375/english/reported-questions-yes-no-wh-and-do-did

Reported Commands, orders, and Requests

🎬 Scene: Family Dinner Preparation

(The family is gathered in the kitchen before dinner.)

 

Mom (direct speech):
“Tom, set the table, please.”
“Anna, don’t use your phone while we eat.”
“Dad, help me bring the dishes.”

 

Dad:
“All right. Tom, put the glasses on the table carefully.”
“And Anna, don’t forget to wash your hands before dinner.”

 

Tom:
“Mom, could you tell Grandma to come downstairs now?”

 

Anna:
“Please don’t make me peel the vegetables again!”

 

🎭 Scene 2: Later That Evening – Reported Speech

(Grandma joins them and asks what everyone was told to do.)

 

Grandma:
“What did your parents ask you to do?”

 

Tom:
“Mom told me to set the table and Dad ordered me to put the glasses carefully on it.”
“She also asked Dad to help her bring the dishes.”
“Oh, and she told Anna not to use her phone while eating.”

 

Anna:
“Dad reminded me to wash my hands before dinner and Mom told me not to complain about peeling the vegetables.”

 

Grandma:
“So many instructions! Your parents always know how to keep things running smoothly.”

 

Mom (smiling):
“Well, I just want everyone to cooperate and not start arguing again.”

 

Grandma (reported later to a friend):
“During dinner, my daughter asked everyone to cooperate and told them not to argue again. She sounded like a general, but a loving one.”

 

2.2.2. From Reported to Direct Speech and Reported Questions

🎥 Video Script: “A Weekend at Grandma’s Farm”

(Narrated by the Brother and Sister — Focus on Reported Speech vs. Direct Speech)

🎬 Scene 1 – Living Room, Friday Afternoon

(Soft acoustic music. The camera shows the brother packing his backpack while the family prepares for the trip.)

Brother (in reported speech):
Mom said we were going to visit Grandma on the farm that weekend. Dad said he hadn’t been to the farm for years. My sister said she was excited to see the animals again, and Grandma said she had prepared an apple pie for our arrival.

(He looks at his sister, who joins the narration while folding clothes.)

Sister (in reported speech):
Grandpa said the weather had been perfect for harvesting, and our cousin said he had already packed his camera for the trip. Mom said she thought Grandma’s farm was the most peaceful place on Earth. Dad said he would drive early in the morning to avoid traffic, and my brother said he couldn’t wait to feed the chickens. Grandma said she hoped we didn’t forget our boots this time.

(The siblings laugh. The camera pans to the packed suitcases and the car keys on the table.)

🚗 Scene 2 – Flashback: The Original Conversation (Direct Speech)

(Scene brightens; voices echo from the previous day as each family member speaks their original words.)

Mom: “We’re going to visit Grandma on the farm this weekend!”
Dad: “I haven’t been to the farm for years.”
Sister: “I’m so excited to see the animals again!”
Grandma (on speakerphone): “I’ve prepared an apple pie for your arrival.”
Grandpa: “The weather has been perfect for harvesting!”
Cousin: “I’ve already packed my camera for the trip.”
Mom: “I think Grandma’s farm is the most peaceful place on Earth.”
Dad: “I’ll drive early in the morning to avoid traffic.”
Brother: “I can’t wait to feed the chickens!”
Grandma: “I hope you don’t forget your boots this time!”

(Everyone laughs as the scene fades out to cheerful music and a view of the car driving off into the morning light.)

🌅 Closing (Voice-Over)

(Soft instrumental music returns. The siblings speak alternately.)

Brother (reflective):
That weekend turned out to be one of the best we’d ever had.

Sister (smiling):
And when we told our friends what everyone had said—

Both (together):
—we realized that every word carried a bit of love, laughter, and the smell of Grandma’s apple pie.

(Fade out with gentle countryside sounds and birds singing.)

Introductory Reading Exercise

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/OaM4a9UZkRg

 

From Reported to Direct Speech

Reported Speech	Direct Speech	Tense
She said (that) she liked ice cream.	I like ice cream	Past simple -> present simple
She said (that) she was living in London.	I am living in London	Past continuous -> present continuous
She said (that) she had bought a car OR She said (that) she bought a car.	I bought a car	Past perfect -> past simple
She said (that) she had been walking along the street.	I was walking along the street	Past perfect continuous -> past continuous
She said (that) she hadn't seen Julie.	I haven't seen Julie	Past perfect -> present perfect
She said (that) she had taken English lessons before.	I had taken English lessons before	past perfect*
She said (that) she would see me later.	I'll see you later	Would = Will
She said (that) she would help but...	I would help, but...	would*
She said (that) she could speak perfect English.	I can speak perfect English	Could -> Can
She said (that) she could swim when she was four.	I could swim when I was four	could*
She said (that) she would come later.	I shall come later	Shall*
She said (that) she should call her mother	I should call my mother	should*
She said (that) she might be late	I might be late	might*
She said (that) she must study at the weekend OR She said she had to study at the weekend	I must study at the weekend	Had to -> must

Collaborative Online Exercise from Reported to Direct Speech

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/7WPEmLHB1uy

Individual Online Exercise

https://www.engblocks.com/grammar/exercises/reported-speech/reported-indirect-speech-to-direct-speech-exercise-1/

Reported Questions

Speaking Opening Practice: Talk about a family show you know, what is about?

Discovering who loves Kardashians and how much.

Reported Questions

Direct Questions	Reported or Indirect Yes/No Questions
Are you a huge fan of the Kardashians?	The teacher wondered if we were huge fans of the Kardashians.
Do you love the Kardashians?	The teacher wanted to know whether we loved the Kardashians.
Have you already watched season three of The Kardashians on Hulu?	The teacher asked us if we had already watched season three of The Kardashians on Hulu.
Helping Verb + Subject + (Action Verb +) Complement?	Sender + asked sb/wondered/wanted to know + whether/if + Subject + Verb Structure in Past + Complement.

Collaborative Online Exercise of Reporting Yes/no questions:

https://wordwall.net/resource/17382462

Individual Online Exercise about Reporting Yes/no questions:

https://www.engblocks.com/grammar/exercises/reported-speech/reported-yes-no-questions-exercise-1/

Speaking circle of Yes/No Questions about Series or Movies.

For example: 

A: Have you already watched the last season of Emily in Paris?

B: Yes, I have already watched it. Oscar asked me whether I had already watched Emily in Paris.

Everything We Know About The Kardashians Season Five by Joan Summers

The drama never stops for TV's most famous family

The Kardashians are back on Hulu for season four, and as with every new outing of America’s most infamous family, viewers are already asking: what’s next? Well, at least another 20 episodes of drama, intrigue, and Kim and Kourtney fighting over their salad shakers.

Season four promises more on Kourtney and Kim’s feud over who owns the “la dolce vita” lifestyle, as well as footage from Kourt’s baby announcement at Travis Barker’s Blink-182 concert. But what’s in store for season five? Let’s find out!

Where can we watch The Kardashians?

The Kardashians airs new episodes every week on Hulu or Disney+ with the right subscription package. Each episode releases on Thursday and The Kardashians season four premieres September 28, 2023.

How many episodes will the season five of The Kardashians be?

Each season of The Kardashians is ten episodes. We can expect that season five will be the same.

When was season five of The Kardashians premiere?

The first four seasons of The Kardashians premiered in the summer and fall of each year. Following this trend, the next season of the Hulu series should have returned in June or July 2024.

Who is returning for season five of The Kardashians?

So far, we expect Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner to return to the show. We can also expect appearances from North West, Travis Barker, Kourtney’s kids, and even Khloe and Kylie’s kids.

What will season five of The Kardashians be about?

Season four of The Kardashians is set to cover their lives earlier in 2023, which will include Kourtney and Kim’s ongoing fight over the Dolce & Gabbana feud from the previous season. A teaser trailer also hints at Kourtney’s pregnancy, Khloe’s ongoing on-and-off again relationship with Tristan Thompson, and Kylie Jenner’s recent journey with her body image.

Source: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a45306989/kardashians-hulu-season-5-release-date-rumors/

Text quiz: https://www.magicform.app/q/the-kardashians-season-5-quiz-nce

Direct Question Wh- Question	Indirect or Reported Wh- Question
Where can we watch The Kardashians?	The audience wanted to know where they could watch The Kardashians.
How many episodes will the season five of The Kardashians be?	The audience wondered how many episodes the season five of The Kardashians would be.
When was season five of The Kardashians premiere?	The audience asked Joan Summers when season five of The Kardashians premiere had been.
Who is returning for season five of The Kardashians?	The audience wanted to know who was returning for season five of The Kardashians.
Wh- question word + Helping Verb + (Subject + Action Verb +) Complement?	Sender + wanted know/wondered/asked someone + wh- question word + Subject + (Helping Verb + ) Action Verb  + Complement.

Collaborative Online Exercise about Reported Questions

https://wordwall.net/resource/54681341

Individual Online Exercise about Reported Questions

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/reported_speech/questions.htm

Individual Online Exercise from Reported to Direct Speech

https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-68009.php