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Thank you to all of the MyEC members who have taken my Writing Challenges in 2011. I enjoy reading and correcting your writing. You inspire me! You should be very proud of what you have accomplished. 

We are coming to the end of a year, and it's time to reflect on the past and prepare for the future. One word that helps us do this in English is the word "if". Do you know how to use this word properly? 

Your Task

1. Review the structure of Conditionals on EnglishClub.com. Take the quiz to check your understanding.  

2. Start a new blog post on MyEC. Use the Title: Writing Challenge #38: "If Only". Choose a theme (such as health, nutrition, education, work) to base your writing on. (Place it in brackets.)

3. Write one sentence for each type of conditional. Check your writing by reviewing the conditionals summary chart. (Optional for higher level learners: Write a brief paragraph after each sentence. See my example.)

4. Come back to this post and leave a link to your "If only" blog post in the comments below. (Alternatively, you could just write your sentences in the comments below as Expector has done.)

5. Read other #38 posts and leave a comment for your fellow writers.  

My Example

IF ONLY (My Writing Life)

First Conditional: Real possibility (future)

If I read a lot in 2012, I will write a new novel. 

I don't feel inspired to write fiction unless I am reading something good. Over the past few months I have experienced "reader's block". I have had a hard time finding a novel that I want to read. My mind has been distracted. This has blocked me from writing fiction of my own. I need to get back into reading before I can get back into writing!

Second Conditional: Unreal possibility (future)

If Oprah interviewed me, I could have more children! 

My husband used to joke that we could have more kids if I got on the Oprah Show to talk about my novel, The Proper Order of Things. Books that Oprah talks about always become bestsellers (raising children is expensive!). The Oprah Show was canceled this year. I didn't get on the show. But you never know!  Maybe I could Skype in for her new Life Class and talk about self-publishing (unreal possibility-like winning the lottery). If Oprah liked my book, I would be rich! 

Third Conditional: No possibility (past)

If I had sold a million books in 2011, I would have found a publisher.

Many writers chose to self-publish in 2011. I was one of them. Some self-published writers sold many books. They received publishing deals from traditional publishers such as Random House. Their hard work paid off. I will have to work harder in 2012 to get my book into the hands of readers. It's hard work being a self-published novelist. 

Zero Conditional: Certainty (any time)

I am happier if I am writing.  (If I write, I am happy.)

Writing makes me happy. I always have a good day if I take time to write (longhand) in my notebook. If I am working on a specific project, I am happy. Blogging makes me happy too. In 2011 I spent a lot of time formatting, publishing, and promoting "The Proper Order of Things". This was necessary work, but not always fun. In 2012 I will make more time for reading and writing new material. 

Note for Writing Challenge Members: #38 is the last Writing Challenge for 2011. In 2012 the Writing Challenges will no longer be numbered. We will practise specific lessons and problems that English learners have, such as this challenge about Conditionals. If you have any requests, please let me know!