MAKING MISTAKES
12.2
VOCABULARY
COLLOCATIONS (4)
5
a
Find words in the text that go with the nouns below.
1
find fault
2
blind spot
3
faulty information
4
internal processing
5
noticeable problems
5
b
Complete the sentences with phrases from Exercise 5a.
1
We only made a mistake because you sent us
.
2
Essays are never perfect, so anyone can
with
them.
3
The computer crashed because there was a problem with
its
.
4
I didn’t see you when I was in my car. You were in
my
.
5
It might not be perfect but I’m not aware of any issues,
so there are no
.
GRAMMAR
THIRD CONDITIONAL
6
a
Look at these examples and answer the questions.
1
If they
had done
the job more quickly, they
would
have left
in time.
a
Did they do the job quickly?
b
Did they leave in time?
2
If I
had wanted
to, I
could have become
a top
businessman.
a
Did he want to become a top businessman?
b
Did he become a top businessman?
3
If I
had learnt
to listen when I was a kid, I
wouldn’t
have failed
my exams.
a
Did he learn to listen?
b
Did he fail his exams?
4
I
might have tried
harder if I
hadn’t been
tired.
a
Was she tired?
b
Did she try harder?
GRAMMAR TIP
We use the third conditional to talk about unreal
situations in the past, i.e. situations that are contrary
to the facts.
6
b
Look at the examples of the third conditional in
Exercise 6a and complete the rule.
We form the third conditional with
if
+ past
,
would(n’t)
+
participle. We can also
use
or
might
in the main clause.
Ê
Language reference and extra practice pages 148–149
7
Complete the sentences using the correct form of
the verbs in brackets. Use
could
or
might
if possible.
1
If they
(plan) the meal better,
they
(enjoy) it.
2
If the doctors
(act) more quickly,
they
(prevent) the infection.
3
If he
(not drive) so fast, he
(not have)
an accident.
4
The mistake
(not happen) they
(be)
more careful.
5
We
(not tell) him if you
(not tell) us.
8
Make a conditional sentence beginning with
if
for
each of the situations below.
1
The technician did not fix my computer quickly. The
computer died.
2
The manager did not act decisively. The company failed.
3
Mr Wesley did not apologise. Mrs Wesley was
not satisfied.
4
Brian forgot to take a map. He got lost.
5
The thief did not run fast. The police caught him.
6
His parents bought him a new bicycle. He injured
himself.
SPEAKING
9
a
Read the following statements. Decide if you
agree or disagree with each statement. Make notes to
support your position.
•
Some mistakes are impossible to avoid.
•
Most people make more mistakes when they are
young.
•
Accidents happen!
•
It is always a mistake to act without thinking.
•
Some people never make mistakes.
•
It’s better to regret something that you haven’t done.
9
b
In small groups, discuss the statements above.
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