Sometimes, things don’t work out way we hope. Other times, things go according to plan.
Whether your activity goes well or poorly, providing honest feedback is always an essential part of an activity wrap up.
Activity 1: Vocabulary
Activity 2: Grammar: Past modals
Activity 3: Capsule & comprehension questions
Activity 4: Reading
Activity 5: Speaking
Vocabulary
Make sure you understand the highlighted vocabulary by answering the questions.
Grammar
Understanding and using past modals and third conditionals will improve your English skills.
Let’s look at past modals first:
Would have + past participle: I would have gone with him.
Should have + pp: I should have gone with him.
Could have + pp: I could have gone with him.
Might have + pp: I might have gone with him.
Must have + pp: She must have gone with him.
Do you know the difference in meaning?
All of those structures refer to actions in the past that can no longer be changed. The meaning differs depending on the modal.
Example:
- I should have waited – I am expressing regret that I did not wait.
- He could have prepared the presentation – he had the possibility to prepare it.
- She isn’t here. She must have missed the train – We suppose that she missed the train.
Sometimes we hear people say, “I should’ve waited.” That expression is correct. However, we also see that people write, “I shoulda waited.” That is incorrect in the written form.
Third conditional review
We use the third conditional form to refer to something in the past that cannot be changed but that we might express regret about OR feel relief about.
- If I had booked my ticket earlier, I would have gotten a better price. (I didn’t book my ticket early enough, so I didn’t get a good price.)
- If Richard had arrived at the train station on time, he might have seen Anna go into the building with her brother. (He arrived late, so he didn’t see her.)
- I am so relieved! If I hadn’t found my passport, I would have had to cancel my trip! (I found my passport, so I was able to go on my trip.)
We sometimes hear people say, “If I would have booked my ticket, I would have gotten a better price.” – INCORRECT.
Watch the capsule
Answer the comprehension questions that follow.
Reading
Read the steps in planning a complete press conference
- Planning & Objectives
- Define the purpose: Why are you holding the press conference? (announcement, crisis response, launch, etc.)
- Identify key messages you want the media and public to take away.
- Choose a spokesperson (or panel) who will speak and answer questions.
- Timing & Scheduling
- Pick the best date and time (avoid conflicts with major news events or competitor announcements).
- Allow enough lead time for media to plan coverage (at least a week in advance if possible).
- Aim for mid-morning or early afternoon for good attendance.
- Venue & Logistics
- Select a convenient, accessible location (hotel conference room, company HQ, public space, or virtual platform).
- Ensure technical needs: microphones, cameras, lighting, Wi-Fi, projectors/screens.
- Arrange seating and a backdrop with branding (logo, banners).
- Prepare media kits (digital or printed).
- Media Outreach
- Create and send a media advisory (“save the date”) at least a week ahead.
- Follow up with a press release closer to the event.
- Personally invite key journalists, influencers, or stakeholders.
- Confirm RSVPs and prepare a press list.
- Preparation of Materials
- Draft press kits: press release, fact sheets, bios, contact info, visuals.
- Prepare the spokesperson with talking points, key messages, and Q&A practice.
- Anticipate tough or sensitive questions.
- On the Day of the Event
- Arrive early to check setup, test all equipment, and organize sign-in/registration.
- Welcome journalists, distribute materials, and guide them to seating.
- Start on time with opening remarks, announcement, and visuals.
- Allow time for questions; keep responses clear and concise.
- After the Press Conference
- Provide additional information (photos, video, press release) to attendees and those who could not attend.
- Monitor coverage across media outlets and social media.
- Thank journalists for attending and follow up if necessary.
- Debrief with your team: what worked, what to improve.
Speaking