This is a great song that is easy for students to follow along with and it gives you the chance to introduce some questions using “If.” This is good practice because they can practice using modals to answer hypothetical questions and talk about unreal situations. If I were you I would start doing this right away!
But I am not you so let me first explain how you should do this activity. Let students listen to the song altogether as a class. It’s fairly slow but you might have to play it once or twice. After they have listened and filled in the blanks try go over the answers.
Then break them into small groups of three or four and have them ask each other the hypothetical questions. Here is the video for the song on YouTube. Play it first then hopefully it will get them talking. I used the clearer version of the song with just the lead singer and not so much instrumental to mask the words.
If by Bread
If a picture paints a _________ ________ then why can’t I paint you?
The ________ ______ ________ show, the you I’ve come to know.
If a face could launch a ________ __________ then where am I to go?
There’s no one ______ _____ _______; you’re all that’s left me, too.
And when my love for life is running dry, you come and ________ _________ on me
If a man could be ________ __________ at one time I’d be with you
Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way
If the world should stop revolving, _____________ slowly down to die
I’d spend the end with you, and when the world was through
Then one by one the _________would all go out, and you and I would simply fly away
The Answers
If a picture paints a thousand words then why can’t I paint you?
The words will never show, the you I’ve come to know.
If a face could launch a thousand ships then where am I to go?
There’s no one home but you; you’re all that’s left me, too.
And when my love for life is running dry, you come and pour yourself on me
If a man could be two places at one time I’d be with you
Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way
If the world should stop revolving, spinning slowly down to die
I’d spend the end with you, and when the world was through
Then one by one the stars would all go out, and you and I would simply fly away
If (Hypothetical) Questions
- If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?
- If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
- If they made a movie about your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?
- If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be and why?
- What’s your favorite cartoon character, and why?
- If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?
- If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be…
- If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?
- If I could be anybody besides myself, I would be…
A Nice Short Song, Perfect for Class
I hope that this song gives you a nice break for the book or whatever you might be doing in class. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Leave a comment down below if you have any questions or suggestions for other ways to use this in class.
Have a great day and always remember that Teaching English is Fun!
Jim
