B1 • Lesson 38
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
Based on a suggested idea or theory rather than real facts; an imaginary situation.
"Let me suggest a hypothetical: What if we had twice the budget?"
A described situation or set of circumstances; an imagined sequence of events.
"Consider this scenario: the company loses its largest client. What would happen?"
To suppose something is true; to accept as true for the purpose of discussion.
"Assume for a moment that this technology becomes available next year. How would we use it?"
A circumstance or requirement; something that must exist or happen.
"Under these conditions, the plan should succeed."
A result or effect; what happens as a result of something.
"What would be the consequences if this policy changed?"
A condition or set of facts affecting an event or situation.
"In different circumstances, we might make a different decision."
Used to introduce a hypothetical situation.
"What if the project deadline was moved up by three months?"
Used to introduce an assumed situation for discussion.
"Let's suppose we had more resources. How would we use them?"
Used to ask someone to picture a hypothetical situation.
"Imagine that you were in the customer's position. How would you feel?"
Used to discuss what would happen in a hypothetical situation.
"In that case, we would need to hire additional staff."
Used to discuss what would happen given certain hypothetical conditions.
"Under those circumstances, I would recommend postponing the decision."
Used to explain the result of a hypothetical situation.
"The consequence would be increased costs and reduced efficiency."
Hypothetical thinking—imagining what would happen if circumstances were different—is a powerful tool for discussion and problem-solving. By exploring "what if" scenarios, people can anticipate problems, test ideas, and prepare for unexpected situations. This skill is particularly valuable in business, planning, and strategic decision-making.
Hypothetical discussions often start with questions like "What if the market changed?" or "What if we had different resources?" These questions encourage creative thinking and help people explore possibilities without the pressure of dealing with real consequences. They create a safe space for discussing risky ideas and challenging assumptions.
Good hypothetical thinking requires clear language. You need to establish the conditions of your imaginary situation clearly so everyone understands the scenario. For example: "Suppose we lost our main supplier. Under those circumstances, what would we do?" This clarity ensures that everyone is discussing the same scenario.
Hypothetical discussions are also useful for understanding different perspectives. When you say "Imagine you were the customer," you help people see situations from another viewpoint. This develops empathy and can lead to better decisions that consider multiple stakeholder perspectives.
Finally, exploring hypothetical scenarios helps people prepare for real situations. By thinking through "what if" situations in advance, teams can develop contingency plans and respond more effectively when unexpected situations actually occur. This proactive thinking can make a significant difference in professional and personal decision-making.
~310 words • B1 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson. You don't need to write answers—just consider your thoughts.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "Do you enjoy thinking about hypothetical situations, or do you prefer to focus on current reality?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Can you think of a hypothetical scenario that helped you prepare for a real situation?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "What "what if" question about your future would you most like to explore?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes