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Expressing Wishes

Expressing Wishes

A role-playing activity where students use a "magic wand" to grant wishes related to categories like appearance, wealth, and happiness. This interactive method aids in understanding the concept better.

'Wish' in English

A wish is always followed by the past tense form but refers to the present. Here are some examples:

  1. After wish we usually use were, for example, "I wish I were taller. = I'm short." But we also use 'I wish I had ... ' and 'I wish I could ...'
  2. We also use wish to say that we regret something for example, "I wish I knew Stefan's telephone number. = I don't know Stefan's telephone number and I want to call him now."

Teaching Expressing Wishes

Here's how I teach expressing wishes. I start off with expressing my own wishes.

  • I don't play the piano. = I wish I could play the piano.
  • I'm going bald. = I wish I had more hair.
  • I'm fat. = I wish I were thin.

Now, I have my students write three things about themselves and then have them use the formula to express them as wishes. I go around the classroom checking and assisting students formulate their wishes.

These are my three wishes.

I wish I could ______________________.


I wish I had _______________________.


I wish I were ______________________.


Now, I give each student a magic wand which allows them to grant wishes pertaining to a specific category. Here are some categories: appearance, wealth, love, happiness, intelligence, and personality. This way they can role-play the dialogue.

Role Playing

Here's the role play.


Student A I wish I were thin. Can you grant me my wish?

Student B Yes, I can. Here's your wish.

Student A Great! Please sign here.

Student B Okay.

Student A Thank you.

Student B You're welcome.


Student A I wish I had more hair. Can you grant me my wish?

Student B I'm sorry. I can't.

Student A Thanks anyway.

Student B Good-luck!

Good-luck to you all!

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