ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

  • Warm-Up
  • Listen
  • Read
  • Speak
  • Write
  • Jobs
  • Podcast

in Listening· Reading· Speaking· Writing

Second Conditional Activities, Games, Worksheets & Questions

If you’re looking for everything teaching the second conditional, you’re in the right place. We have 2nd conditional games, activities, lesson plans, and worksheets. You can also see some second conditional sentences and questions. Keep on reading!

Second conditional activities

2nd conditional activities and games

What is the Second Conditional?

In case you need a small review about what the second conditional is, it’s used to imagine a present or future situation that is impossible or unlikely.

For example, “If I won the lottery, I’d buy a big house.” Winning the lottery is very unlikely to happen!

The structure can change slightly, depending on the situation but is usually: if + past simple —> would + infinitive.

Second Conditional ESL Activities and Games

Let’s get into the best ESL 2nd conditional games to use in class with all ages.

#1: Concentration

A nice option for a fun game related to this grammar point is concentration. It’s a serious memory game.

Make cards, each with one half of a corresponding 2nd conditional sentence. Students play in small groups and have to match the cards to see who can get the most points. Check it out:

ESL Concentration Game.

#2: Is That Sentence Correct?

This is a nice activity when the grammar in terms of conjugations and word order is a little bit tricky. Students have to decide if the statement or question is incorrect. If correct, they leave it. If incorrect, they can change it to make it correct.

To level up the difficulty, they can answer the question or write the corresponding statement to a question. Find out more:

Is that Sentence Correct? 

#3: Vocabulary Auction

#4: Man/Woman on the Street Interview Activity

This activity takes something usual (talking with a partner) and makes it way more interesting and fun. Students can cone up with some questions using the target vocabulary and then get to interviewing. Find out more about it:

Man/Woman on the Street Interview.

#5: Dictogloss

This is a nice activity for higher-level students. Find, or write a passage with some examples of the target grammar.

Put students into pairs and read it out at a fast pace for the level of the students. They can take notes and then compare what they have with a partner. The goal is to recreate what they just heard. Read it again and students do the same. Finally, they can compare what they have with the original version. Check it out:

Dictgloss.

#6: Fill in the Blank Games

The grammar of these kinds of sentences can be a wee bit tricky. That’s why it’s ideal to use some fill in the blank activities and games until students learn the ropes a little bit. Take a look at some of my top options:

Fill in the Blank Games.

#7: Plan an ESL Speaking Lesson for the 2nd Conditional

#8: Survey

Just ask my students and they’ll tell you how much I love surveys! They work perfectly for the 2nd conditional. Find out howe easy it is to make your own here:

ESL Survey Activity.

#9: Journalling

There are lots of nice 2nd conditional questions that students could write about in a journal entry. For example, what they’d do if they won the lottery, or what they’d change about themselves. Check out this activity:

ESL Journalling.

#10: Mixed Up Sentences

This is a nice option when there is some tricky things in terms of word order when making a grammatically correct sentence. Mix up some sentences and students have to race to unscramble them. Check it out:

ESL Mixed Up Sentences.

#11: Flyswatter

Write down some clauses from the second half of a 2nd conditional sentence on the board. Then, say the first half of the sentence and students have to race to be the first person to slap the correct one from the whiteboard.

It’s the ultimate activity for creating some fun and excitement in the class. Learn more about it:

Flyswatter ESL Game.

#12: Running Dictation

#13: Finish the Sentence

Give students some hypothetical sentence starters using the target grammar and have them finish the sentence. This makes a really nice homework assignment, or for an exam.

#14: Use a Reading Lesson Plan

It’s easy to make your own reading lesson to target just about any grammar point, including this one! Find a passage with plenty of examples of the second conditional, and then design an entire lesson around it. It really isn’t that difficult! Check out all the steps right here:

How to Plan an ESL Reading Lesson.

#15: Solve a Problem

Think about some hypothetical situations are unlikely to happen. For example, you’re on a deserted island with cans of food but no can opener. Then, students have to work together in groups to come up with a solution. The class can vote on their favourite one.

#16: If I Were President…

Have students make a short presentation about what they’d do if they were the president of your country. The class can vote on who would do the best job.

#17: Agony Aunt

Have students think about a small problem and then get some advice from their classmates. People can start off the advice with, “If I were you, I would . . .”

#18: What Would You Do?

Present various hypothetical situations to students and ask them to discuss what they would do if those situations occurred. For example, “What would you do if you won a million dollars?” This activity promotes critical thinking and encourages students to use the second conditional to express their responses.

#19: Picture Prompts

Show students a series of pictures depicting different scenarios. Ask them to create sentences or short stories using the second conditional based on the images. This activity helps develop storytelling skills and reinforces the use of the second conditional in context.

#20: Problem-Solving Scenarios

Provide students with problem-solving situations, and ask them to come up with solutions using the second conditional. For example, “If you missed the bus, what would you do?” This activity encourages creative thinking and promotes language production.

#21: If I Had a Time Machine” Writing

Ask students to imagine having a time machine and write a paragraph or short essay about where they would go and what they would do if they had the opportunity. This activity allows students to practice using the second conditional in a written format.

#22: Conditional Chain Game

Have students sit in a circle. Start with a conditional statement using the second conditional, such as “If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.” The next student must build upon that sentence, using the second conditional, and so on. This game fosters fluency and creativity in constructing conditional sentences.

#23: Song Lyrics Analysis

Choose a song that contains examples of the second conditional. Provide the lyrics with the conditional sentences removed and ask students to fill in the missing parts. Then, play the song and have them listen and sing along while paying attention to the correct conditional usage.

Second Conditional Worksheets

If you’re a teacher, then you already know how much time it can save to use materials that others have created. Here are some fo the top picks for 2nd conditional worksheets.

ISL Collective

Live Worksheets

ESL 2nd Conditional Lesson Plans

Have a look at some of my favourite options for 2nd conditional ESL lessons for all ages.

Lingua House

Games 4 ESL

ESL Brains

Second Conditional Questions

Here are some conversation questions for the second conditional.

  • If you could change once thing about yourself, what would you chance?
  • If you changed your name, what would you choose?
  • If you could go back in time, what era would you go to?
  • If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

Second Conditional Sentences

Here are some example sentences using the 2nd conditional.

  • If I won the lottery, I’d buy a Ferrari.
  • I’d go out way more often if I lived in a bigger city.
  • If I were rich, I’d travel the world.
  • She would probably pass her driving test, if she practiced.
  • If I had his phone number, I’d call him to ask him out on a date.

If you’re looking for more conditionals, have a look here: Zero Conditional Activities.

ESL second conditional

ESL 2nd conditional

FAQs

There are a number of questions that people have about teaching conditionals. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

How do you teach the second conditional?

To teach the second conditional, first set the context. For example, winning the lottery. Then, show students the forms related to this. Do some controlled and then some freer practice.

How do you explain the second conditional?

To explain the second conditional, you can tell students that it deals with a present or future situation that is very unlikely to ever happen. For example, meeting a famous person randomly on the street.

What’s the difference between the first and second conditional?

The main difference between the first conditional and the second conditional is how likely the thing is to happen. If it’s likely, use the 1st conditional. If unlikely, use the 2nd.

What’s the difference between the second and the third conditional?

The second conditional deals with present or future things that are unlikely to happen. The third conditional refers to past consequences.

More Ideas for Teaching English Grammar

39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Grammar Activities and Games: For English Teachers of Teenagers and Adults...
39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Grammar Activities and Games: For English Teachers of Teenagers and Adults...
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Bolen, Jackie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 112 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date)
Check Price on Amazon

The key to better English classes is a wide variety of engaging and interactive games and activities. This book will help you get there in style: 39 No-Prep, Low-Prep ESL Grammar Activities, and Games.

Pick up a copy of the book today and get ready for better English classes tomorrow!check-price-on-amazon

Tips for Teaching the Second Conditional

Teaching conditionals to ESL students can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can become engaging and effective. Here are some tips to help you teach conditionals.

Start with Real-Life Examples

Begin by introducing conditionals using real-life situations that students can relate to. Use examples that illustrate the cause-and-effect relationship, such as “If it rains, we will stay indoors” or “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.” This helps students understand the concept in a practical context.

Use Visuals and Realia

Utilize visual aids, real objects, or pictures to support the understanding of conditionals. Use timelines or flowcharts to visually represent the structure of different conditional forms. Visual representations can make abstract concepts more concrete and easier to comprehend.

Present One Conditional Form at a Time

Teach each conditional form (zero, first, second, third) separately, focusing on its structure and usage. Introduce the specific verb tenses, such as present simple, will + base verb, or past simple, associated with each conditional form.

Provide Clear Explanations

Offer clear explanations of the rules and structures of each conditional form. Break down the components, including the if-clause (condition) and the result clause (consequence). Highlight the differences between the forms and when to use them.

Practice with Contextualized Activities

Engage students in contextualized activities that require the use of conditionals. Create situations or scenarios where students have to apply the correct conditional form. This can include role-plays, problem-solving tasks, or discussions about hypothetical situations.

Use Authentic Materials

Incorporate authentic materials, such as songs, videos, news articles, or short stories, that contain examples of conditionals. This exposes students to the language used in real contexts and helps reinforce their understanding of conditionals.

Provide Structured Practice

Offer structured exercises and worksheets for students to practice forming and using conditionals. Include a variety of practice activities, such as gap-filling exercises, sentence transformations, or completing dialogue exercises. Gradually increase the complexity of the exercises as students become more comfortable with the conditional forms.

Offer Error Correction and Feedback

Monitor students’ use of conditionals and provide corrective feedback. Address common errors and misconceptions to help students improve their accuracy. Encourage peer review and self-correction to foster independent learning.

Encourage Speaking and Writing Activities

Provide ample opportunities for students to practice using conditionals in speaking and writing tasks. Assign discussion topics or writing prompts that require the use of conditionals to express opinions, make predictions, or discuss hypothetical situations.

Review and Reinforce

Regularly review previously taught conditional forms to reinforce students’ understanding. Incorporate quick review activities, quizzes, or games to keep the concepts fresh in their minds.

Teaching the 2nd Conditional: Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for teaching conditionals? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder, 67 ESL Conversation Topics,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at:
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram

« ESL Flashcard Games & Activities For Kindergarten, Children & Adults
Fill in the Blank Games and Activities for ESL | Fill-in-the-blanks »
Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners and Teachers (Teaching...
Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners and Teachers (Teaching...
Check Price on Amazon
103 Low-Prep ESL Speaking Games & Activities for Kids, Teenagers, and Adults: The Ultimate Book for...
103 Low-Prep ESL Speaking Games & Activities for Kids, Teenagers, and Adults: The Ultimate Book for...
Check Price on Amazon
67 ESL Conversation Topics with Questions, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts & More: For English Teachers...
67 ESL Conversation Topics with Questions, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts & More: For English Teachers...
Check Price on Amazon
Sale 1001 English Expressions and Phrases: Common Sentences and Dialogues Used by Native English Speakers...
1001 English Expressions and Phrases: Common Sentences and Dialogues Used by Native English Speakers...
Check Price on Amazon

Search this site

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What does this mean? I recommend products (only ones that I like) and if you purchase a product through that link, I earn some money.

Sale 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults
39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults
Check Price on Amazon
Sale 39 Task-Based Language Teaching and Learning Activities: A Very Practical Guide to Using TBL in the...
39 Task-Based Language Teaching and Learning Activities: A Very Practical Guide to Using TBL in the...
Check Price on Amazon
ESL Classroom Management

ESL Classroom Management Tips and Tricks | Teaching ESL

last day of school games

Last Day of School Ideas for Games, Activities & More

giving-instructions-esl-classroom

Giving Instructions: Tips for Teachers | Teaching ESL Abroad

things that come in pairs chart

Things That Come in Pairs: List, Pictures & Chart of Pairs of Things

ESL role playing ideas

Role Play Topics and Ideas for ESL | ESL Role Playing Activity

Sale 101 ESL Activities: For Teenagers and Adults
101 ESL Activities: For Teenagers and Adults
Check Price on Amazon
  • About + Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Top Selling ESL Activity Book

39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults (Teaching ESL Conversation and...
39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults (Teaching ESL Conversation and...
Check Price on Amazon

Search

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More ESL Activities and Games

buy-nothing-day-esl

Buy Nothing Day ESL Activities, Games, Lessons & Worksheets

English for academic purposes book

English for Academic Purposes: Learn English Inside & Outside Class

teach-english-online-activities

Teach English Online: The Best ESL Activities for ESL Lessons Online

christmas expressions and idioms

Christmas Expressions & Idioms | Phrases for the Holidays

About, Contact, Privacy Policy

Best-selling author and English teacher Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL activities and games since 2015. The goal is to bring you the best ideas, lesson plans, and activity recommendations for your TEFL classes.

Get in touch: About + Contact

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Email: jb.business.online@gmail.com

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

YouTube

LinkedIn

Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada

Copyright © 2025 Jackie Bolen + ESL Activities. All rights reserved.