WISHES – PRACTICE TEST No. 1

WISHES – PRACTICE TEST No. 1
A. WISH/IF ONLY
We use different structures with “wish/if only”, depending on exactly what we want to express.
Use
Structure
Example
Expressing wishes about the wish/if only + past simple/past I wish I was studying history of
present, future or generally
continuous
fashion instead of biology!
Expressing wishes about the past
wish/if only + past perfect/past If only I’d known Burton’s was
perfect continuous
having a sale last week.
Criticising other people or wish/If only + would
If only Henry would get a
complaining about a situation
haircut!
now, in the future or generally
Expressing hypothetical ability or wish/if only + could
I wish I could fit into these jeans.
permission now, in the future or
generally
Expressing desires in a formal wish + to V
I wish to try on this ball gown.
way
Notes:
- We don’t usually say “if only/ I wish I would….”
E.g.: If only/I wish I had enough money to buy these shoes.
If only/I wish I could afford these shoes.
NOT: If only/I wish I would have enough money to buy these shoes.

- To express desires about the future, we often use “hope”
E.g.: I hope I will have enough money to buy these shoes next week.
I hope to have enough money to buy these shoes next week.
NOT: I wish I will have enough money to buy these shoes next week.
B. WOULD RATHER/SOONER
For current, general or
Jan would rather/sooner we bought a house than carried on renting.
future preference
Would you rather/sooner I was begging in the streets?
For past preference
We’d rather/sooner you hadn’t lent Kurdip the money.
would rather/sooner +Vinfi =
She’d rather not borrow any money from you.
would prefer + to V
She’s prefer not to borrow any money from you.
C. IT’S (HIGH/ABOUT) TIME
To suggest that sth should be done now or in the It’s (high/about) time I got a mortgage.
immediate time.
It’s (high/about) time we were leaving.
- We can use “+ to V” after “It’s time”, but not after “It’s high/about time”. “It’s time to think
about getting a loan.”
D. IMAGINE/WHAT IF/SUPPOSE/SUPPOSING
Supposing you were given ten million euros, what
To consider hypothetical or unlikely current, future
would you spend it on?
or general situations.
What if you were walking down the street and you
suddenly found a wallet? Would you hand it in?
Supposing you had won the lottery last night. What
would you have done?

To consider hypothetical or unlikely past situations
Imagine you’d been working there for 40 years.
What kind of pension would you have got?
Note:
We can also use a present tense instead of past simple or past continuous after these words or phrases.
This indicates that the situation is more likely to happen.
- Supposing you become a millionaire, how will it change your life? (more likely)
- Supposing you became a millionaire, how would it change your life? (less likely)
E. AS IF/AS THOUGH
For current future or general untrue, hypothetical
She acts as if/though she was a millionaire.
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comparisons
For past untrue, hypothetical comparisons
Notes
Clause 1
Present/present perfect tense

Present/present perfect tense

Past tense

Colin acts as if/though he was making a million
pounds a month.
Tony looks as if/though someone had just handed
him a million euros.

It’s almost as if/though they’d been working for free.
as if/though Clause 2
Past tense (that we know aren’t true )
She behaves as if she were really wealthy.
(She’s not really wealthy)
Present/Present perfect tense (that are
possible)
She looks as if she’s really wealthy. (= It’s
very possible that she is wealthy.)
Past tense (either true or hypothetical)
She looked as if she was really wealthy (but I
knew she wasn’t/so maybe she was.)

Exercise 1. Underline the most suitable verb form in each sentence.
1. I wish Peter doesn’t live/didn’t live/wouldn’t live so far away from the town centre. We’ll have to
take a taxi.
2. I feel rather cold. I wish I brought/had brought my pullover with me.
3. What a pity. I wish we don’t have to/didn’t have to/wouldn’t have to leave.
4. I wish you tell/told/had told me about the test. I haven’t done any revision.
5. I wish the people next door hadn’t made/wouldn’t make/couldn’t make so much noise. I can’t hear
myself think!
6. Darling, I love you so much! I wish we are/had been/would be/could be together always!
7. I’m sorry I missed your birthday party. I really wish I come/came/had come/would come.
8. I like my new boss but I wish she gave/would give/could give me some more responsibility.
9. Having a lovely time in Brighton, I wish you are/were/had been here.
10. This car was a complete waste of money. I wish I didn’t buy/hadn’t bought it.
Exercise 2. Put each verb in brackets into a suitable verb form.
1. This train journey seems endless! I wish we (go)
by car.
2. I wish I (have)

the money to buy some new clothes, but I can’t afford any at
the moment.
3. I wish the government (do)
something about the pollution in the city.
4. I’m getting really soaked! I wish I (not forget)
my umbrella.
5. I wish you (not do)
that! It’s a really annoying habit.
6. That was a lovely meal, but I wish (not eat)
so much.
7. I wish I (study)
harder for my exams. I’m not going to pass.
8. I wish you (not leave)
your dirty shoes in your bedroom!
9. I’m afraid I have no idea where Diana has gone. I wish I (know)
.
10. I really enjoyed our trip to the theatre. I wish we (go)
more often.
Exercise 3. Each of the words or phrases in bold is incorrect. Rewrite them correctly.
1. I wish I know how to set the timer on this video. Where are the instructions?
2. “If only I listened to Hilary,” said Warren sadly. “No it’s too late.”
3. I wish you did shut up for five minutes!
4. If only Charlie can get tomorrow off work.
5. Do you wish you went with Jack to the concert tomorrow night?
6. Excuse me, I wish speaking with the manager of this establishment immediately.
7. Albert wishes like anything that he was driving more slowly that night.
8. I wish I would feel well enough to eat something.
9. I wish I’ll get my exam results sooner rather than later.
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10. If only you to listen to what your teachers tell you!
Exercise 4. Complete the sentences so that the meaning remains the same.
1. I don’t like your criticizing me all the time.
→I wish
2. It’s awful – Sam doesn’t know how I feel about him!
→If only
3. I’d love to be with you in Switzerland right now.
→I wish
4. Frank regrets not taking the job when he had the chance.
→Frank wishes
5. Wouldn’t you like us to be standing in the middle of Times Square right now?
→Don’t you wish
6. It’s a shame I can’t play chess as well as Steve.
→I wish
7. What would you do if you had a million euros?
→Suppose
8. I don’t really want you to smoke in here.
→I’d rather
9. It’s time for them to go to bed.
→It’s high time
Exercise 5. Fill in the sentences below with the correct form of “hope” or “wish” and the words in
brackets.
1. He’s going to take an exam. I (he/pass)
.
2. I (I/work)
harder for the exam. I’m sure I’ve failed.
3. I (I/come)

with you, but I’ll be working all next week.
4. I (I/not have to)
work! Why is life so hard?
5. Good luck! We (you/win)
first prize.
6. Milena comes back from holiday today. I (she/enjoy)
it.
7. Be quiet! I (you/stop)
whistling all the time!
8. She left work half an hour ago so I (she/arrive)
in time for the performance.
Exercise 6. Are these sentences right or wrong? Correct those which are wrong, and put a tick(√) next to
the correct sentence.
1. He’s not mean. On the contrary, he’s very generous.
2. If we move we can buy a bigger house. On the other hand, we’ll lose touch with our friends.
3. Our objectives are at first, to recover from last year’s losses.
4. According to me, we should get more public holidays.
5. A new terminal could be useful. On the contrary, it could be very noisy.
6. Firstly, check the prices of the hotels, then book the cheapest.
7. According to Dr Su, animals shouldn’t be kept in zoos.
8. Firstly, Karim was very shy, but he soon settled in.
Exercise 7. Complete the sentences with a preposition.
1. She’s looking forward
starting her new job.
2. I read about the earthquake
the newspaper.
3. He promised that he would write
her every week.
4. I’m interested
the special offer I saw

your advertisements.
5. I explained
Angela that she would have to send in a written application.
6. Amy’s taking lessons
flamenco dancing so she can impress everyone.
7. Could you stop daydreaming and listen
me please?
8. Can you describe
me what she looks like so I’ll recognize her?
Exercise 8. Complete the second sentences so that it means the same as the first, using the words in
brackets. Use between two and five words.
1. The first time I tried smoked salmon I wasn’t keen on it. (like)
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→At
smoked salmon.
2. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go back to college. (my)
→In
a good idea for you to go back to college.
3. Please stop asking so many questions! (wish)
→I
so many questions!
4. He’s very eager to see her again. (forward)
→He’s
her again.
5. I trust you enjoyed your evening. (hope)
→I

a good time.
6. Before doing anything else, preheat the oven to 180 degrees. (of)
→First
to 180 degrees.
7. However, joining the EU could also have some disadvantages. (other)
→On
, joining the EU could also have some disadvantages.
8. I should have worked harder at school! (wish)
→I
at school!
Exercise 9. Are these sentences right or wrong? Correct those which are wrong, and put a tick(√) next to
the correct sentence.
1. I saw the course advertised in the newspaper.
2. He’s taking a course of Spanish and French.
3. The election results are on all the newspapers!
4. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
5. I’ve explained James that he needs to check with you first.
6. We’ve booked a restaurant where we can listen jazz music.
7. I saw a very cheap flight on that advertisement!
8. I’m looking forward some peace and quiet when the kids go.
Exercise 10. Complete each sentence with an appropriate word.
1. First
all you need to finish your degree, then you can think about traveling around
Thailand.
2.
to the notice, the station is closed tomorrow.
3. I
Jonathon passes his driving test.
4. Tara is looking forward
starting her new job.

5. I
my mother would stop calling me every day!
6. It’s freezing! I
our train arrives soon!
7. Tarik is very interested
modern art.
8. We
you will be very happy in your new home.
Exercise 11. Complete the letter with one appropriate word in each space.
Dear Sam,
I (1.)
you are well. Thank you for the invitation to your wedding next month. I saw the
announcement (2.)
the newspaper.
I (3.)
I could come, but unfortunately I will be attending a course (4.)
public
speaking
that week. I explained (5.)
my manager that I would really benefit from it, especially since (6.)
to him I need practice in giving presentations. I’m not looking forward (7.)
it!
Anyway, I (8.)
you and Muriel will be very happy together!
Exercise 12 . Are the sentences in the flier right or wrong. Correct those which are wrong.
1. Southsea Language Centre runs courses of English every summer.
2. You can see our adverts on all the newspapers.
3. Many students write us to say how much they enjoyed it.
4. Successfully passing the course is not difficult, in the contrary, it’s easy with our excellent tuition!
5. If you are interested in our courses, contact us on 01354 225334.

6. To apply for the course on July, you need to book now! We look forward hearing from you very
soon.
Exercise 13. Circle the extra word in each sentence.
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1. My mum often makes for the old lady who lives next door some soup.
2. I won’t tell to anyone your secret.
3. Sing to us a song!
4. Could you bring for me some crisps when you come?
5. I think I’ll buy for Carl a computer game for his birthday.
6. That CD cost to me fifteen euros.
7. Dan showed to me his autograph book.
Exercise 14. Rewrite the sentences with the direct object at the end.
1. I owe ten euros to Danny.
→
2. Susan hasn’t bought a birthday present for her mum yet.
→
3. You should show your new guitar to Mike.
→
4. Did you give that CD to Liz?
→
5. I’d like to teach English to young teenagers.
→
6. Are you going to write a letter to your grandparents?
→
7. Could you take this magazine to your dad?
→

Exercise 15. Rewrite the sentences with the indirect object at the end.
1. I’m going to read the kids a story.
→
2. Could you pass Ed the potatoes?
→
3. Throw the dog that bone!
→
4. Why are you sending Aunty June those clothes?
→
5. Steve sang us his new song.
→
6. I’ll lend Doug the money.
→
7. I’ve never told my mum a lie.
→
Exercise 16. Write one word in each gap. If no word is necessary, put a dash (-)
1. My mum is going to write a letter
the editor.
2. I paid the money
the shop assistant and then left.
3. Let’s get a birthday card
your dad.
4. I’m not going to tell
you the answer!
5. I’ve made some sandwiches
you.
6. We’ll bring
you that DVD tonight.
7. Tony has bought a book
Jake.

8. A prize was given
the best student.
Exercise 17. If a line is correct, put a tick (√). If there is an extra word in a line, write the word.
MY NEW HOBBY
1.
My uncle loves astronomy. It’s his hobby. My aunt recently bought for
2.
him a new telescope for his birthday, so he gave his old one to me! It’s a
3.
very good telescope. When he bought it, it cost to him over two hundred
4.
euros! Last weekend, he taught to me the basics. He showed me how to
5.
look through it, and told to me the names of all the planets. He said he’ll
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6.
bring to me a book with more information about the night sky next time
7.
he comes. Now astronomy is my hobby too. I think I’m going to enjoy it.
Exercise 18. Complete using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
1. I wish I (have)
a million euros! I’d buy lots of great things.
2. I wish we (live)
in a bigger house. This one is too small.
3. Becca wishes she (be)
old enough to drive a car.

4. Do you wish you (feel)
more confident about the exam tomorrow?
5. I wish my computer (not/be)
broken. I can’t check my e-mail.
6. I wish I (not/like)
chocolate so much! I eat three bars a day!
7. Grant wishes he (not/make)
so many mistakes all the time.
8. Look what they’re wearing! I bet they wish they (not/look)
so silly!
Exercise 19. Complete using the correct form of the verbs in the box. You may have to use some negative forms.

feel
give
have
live
spend
wear
1. I wish I
in the countryside. The city is so noisy!
2. Tracy has got curly hair but she often wishes she
straight hair.
3. I wish our teachers
us less homework every day, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
4. I wish I
so scared, but I do!
5. Do you wish you
contact lenses or are you happy with glasses?
6. Jake’s mum wishes he
so much money on clothes whenever he goes shopping.

Exercise 20. The words in bold in each sentence are wrong. Write the correct word or phrase.
1. I wish I can speak German, but I never learnt it at school.
2. I wish you will put your toys away! It’s not difficult!
3. Do you sometimes wish you can fly?
4. I wish you won’t lie to me all the time!
5. I wish the neighbors won’t make so much noise.
6. If only she will ask me to go to the disco with her!
7. If only you can come with us!
Exercise 21. Choose the correct answer.
1. I wish I
an MP3 player.
A. have
B. had
C. would have
2. We all wish Tim
with the housework.
A. helps
B. will help
C. would help
3. I wish I
to buy a lottery ticket last night.
A. remember
B. remembered
C. had remembered
4. I wish you
live so far away.
A. don’t
B. didn’t
C. won’t
5. I wish they

keep changing the time of this programme.
A. couldn’t
B. wouldn’t
C. don’t
6. Do you wish you
to help Michael in the shop last weekend?
A. hadn’t offered
B. didn’t offer
C. haven’t offered
Exercise 22. Circle the correct word or phrase.
26th April 3500
I wish today (1. has/had) never happened! If only I (2. could/would) start the day again, I’d do every
differently. Why did I forget to set the alarm last night? I really wish I (3. haven’t/hadn’t) done that! I also
wish I (4. live/lived) nearer the earth. It takes such a long time to get there from Mars – especially when the
traffic is bad. (5. If only/ Only if) I (6. have/had) a faster spaceship. Anyway, the point is, I was late for my
job interview. The first question they asked me why I wanted to be an Environmental officer on the moon.
Do you know what I said? Because I really wanted to look at the aliens in the Super Alien Zoo. Oh, I wish I
(7. didn’t say/hadn’t said) that. Why am I so stupid? I (8. wish/hope) now that I’d never applied for the job
in the first place. I’m sure I won’t get the job. I just (9. wish/hope) tomorrow is better than today was.

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Exercise 23. Complete using the words in the boxes.
climate
forecast
heatwave
lightning

shower
thunder
1. Have you heard what the weather
is for tomorrow?
2. Britain is experiencing a
at the moment. It’s unusually hot and it hasn’t rained fro several
weeks.
3. It’s not going to rain much, but there might be the occasional
.
4. During the thunderstorm, the
was so loud I hid under the bed!
5.
hit a tree in the garden during the thunderstorm and a branch came off.
6. I wish I lived in a country with a warmer
.
insect
mammal
reptile
species
wildlife
7. I don’t see a lot of
because I live in a big city.
8. It’s very unusual to see this
of bird round here at this time of year.
9. If it’s got six legs, it’s probably a/an
.
10. Humans and monkeys are different types of
.
11. Snakes and lizards are different kinds of
.

Exercise 24. Write one word in each gap. The first letter is given to help you.
1. If we all r
our paper, fewer trees would be cut down.
2. The castle is perfectly p
, so it’s just like it was four hundred years ago.
3. If only we could go to the c
to get some fresh air.
4. Many plants and animals are in danger of becoming e
. If they do, we’ll never see them again.
5. Zoos give us the opportunity to see w
animals up close.
6. The weather is quite m
here, even in the winter. It rarely snows.
7. The l
weather forecast is usually much more accurate than the national one.
8. I wish you wouldn’t drop your l
on the ground. Put it in the bin!
9. Scientists have n
the new planet “Sedna”.
10. Looking down at the Earth from space must be an a
experience.
11. It’s f
in here! Let’s put the heating on.
12. The wildlife park is l
15 km outside the town.
13. If you get lost in the desert, there will be no one around to r
you!
14. Climate change is a g
problem. Every country in the world is affected.
Exercise 25. Each of the words in bold is in wrong sentence. Write the correct word.

1. The sun is at the centre of the solar origin.
2. The Earth is the satellite that we live on.
3. The moon goes round the Earth so it’s a/an planet.
4. The system on the moon is very different to the one on Earth.
5. Scientists aren’t sure of the environment of the moon, but they think that maybe it was once part of
the Earth.
Exercise 26. Match to make sentences.
1. They’re going to blow
a. up a sign to tell people not to drop any litter.
2. Let’s clear
b. down and then I’ll help you with the tent.
3. I’m going to put
c. up the old bridge with dynamite.
4. There was a sign saying “Keep
d. up a lot round here over recent years.
5. How long did it take to put
e. Out” on the gate.
6. I’ll just put this box
f. up this rubbish and put it in the bin.
7. The traffic has built
g. out unless we put some more wood on.
8. The fire will go
h. out the forest fire?
Exercise 29. Compete using the word given. Write between two and four words.
1. A beautiful golden eagle was sitting
the tree. (top)
2. I could just see the top of the mountain
. (distance)
3. It will take an hour
to pick up this rubbish. (most)

4.
, there are over eighty different types of animal in the zoo. (total)
5.
, I didn’t think I’d enjoy camping in the snow, but it was actually great
fun! (beginning)
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6. There are lots of strange fish
the sea. (bottom)
Exercise 30. One of the words in each sentence is in the wrong form. Write the correct word.
1. This path looks a bit danger to me.
2. This submarine only goes to a deep of 500 metres.
3. Scientists worry about the destroying of the Amazonian rainforests.
4. Garden must be a very interesting hobby.
5. Air pollute is a serious problem, especially in cities.
6. What’s it like living in centre London?
7. We should let animals live in their nature environment rather than keep them in zoos.
8. It’s so fog that I can’t see where I’m going.
9. What would you do if there was an invade of the Earth by aliens?
10. The island is almost completely circle.
Exercise 31. Write one word in each gap.
EARTHWATCH
The environmental organization that cares.
Are you worried (1.)
our planet?
We at EarthWatch care about the damage that’s being done (2.)
our environment. We’re

aware (3.)
the problems that this damage will causes in the future, and we believe that we’re
extremely short (4.)
time. If we don’t act soon, it will be too late!
There’s been an increase (5.)
all kinds of pollution in the past hundred years. This pollution is
destroying the ozone layer, and creating global warming. We’ve got to prevent people (6.)
polluting the planet further. It’s not going to be easy to save the Earth (7.)
destruction, but we
have to try.
If you’re afraid (8.)
what might happen if we don’t all change our ways, if you’re serious
(9.)
helping to save the world, if you’re enthusiastic (10.)
fighting for the only
planet we’ve got, then we want to hear from you!
Think (11.)
it! You can’t escape (12.)
the facts. The Earth is in danger and it’s
going to take every single one of us to help save it. Join us today!
Exercise 32. Complete using the words in the box.
extinct
freezing
global
local
mild
wild
1. Britain generally has very
winters. It never gets very cold.
2. It’s

! Do you think it might snow tonight?
3. Save the polar bears before they become
!
4. A
problem is a problem that affects the whole world.
5. There are several large forests in the
area.
Exercise 33. Complete by changing the form of the word in capitals.
1. They closed the airport because it was so (fog)
.
2. High winds can be very (destroy)
.
3. Lots of (nature)
things are poisonous to humans.
4. Air (pollute)
isn’t really a serious problem where we live.
5. Isn’t (garden)
a bit of a boring hobby?
6. The submarine went down to a (deep)
of 200 metres.
7. The island isn’t square – it’s almost completely (circle)
.
8. Is it (danger)
to swim in that lakes.
Exercise 34. Complete each second sentence using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the
first sentence. Write between two and five words.
1. Not more than a thousand people live in the village. (most)
→A thousand people
live in the village.
2. In the film, the car explodes and we don’t know if Murray is alive or not. (up)

→In the film, the car
and we don’t know if Murray is alive or not.
3. There are lots of strange fish on the sea bed. (bottom)
→There are lots of strange fish
the sea.
4. The fire stopped burning in the middle of the night. (out)
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→The fire
in the middle of the night.
5. Could you help me hang this “DO NOT LITTER” sign? (up)
→Could you help me
this “DO NOT LITTER” sign?
6. We need to increase people’s awareness about the environment. (build)
→We need to
people’s awareness about the environment.
7. One small sign isn’t going to stop people from entering the wood! (keep)
→One small sign isn’t going to
of the wood!
8. Please extinguish that cigarette right now! (out)
→Please
that cigarette right now!
9. Are you okay carrying that box or do you want to stop carrying it for a while? (down)
→ Are you okay carrying that box or do you want to
for a while?
10. Let’s tidy these clothes before Mum gets home. (clear)
→Let’s

before Mum gets home.
Exercise 35. If the word or phrase in bold is correct, put a tick (√). If it is wrong, write the correct word or phrase.

1. Could you show to me your book about the moon?
2. Do you sometimes wish you have a bigger boat?
3. I wish people didn’t cause so much damage to the environment.
4. Harry wishes that he has studied astrophysics instead of Latin when he was at university.
5. I wish you wouldn’t throw rubbish out of the car window!
6. Laura sometimes wishes she can breathe underwater for hours.
7. I bought a new telescope for my dad.
8. I wish it snows during the night!
Exercise 36. If a line is correct, put a tick (√). If there is an extra word in a line, write the word.
SAVING THE RAINFORESTS OF SOUTH AMERICA
1.
Everyday, thousands and thousands of trees are cut down in the Amazonian
2.
rainforest. This does enormous damage to the local environment, and also
3.
possibly affects the world’s climate. But how can we save up the rainforests
4.
from destruction? First of all, we have to make the local people aware that of
5.
the damage to they’re doing. Secondly, there need to be more police in the
6.
area preventing people from cutting down trees. A lot of the people who cut
7.
them down do it illegally. If they were more afraid for of getting caught, they
8.
might stop. It’s a very serious about problem, and there’s no easy solution,
but we’re short of time. It won’t be long before the rainforests disappear completely.

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