WAS THE EXPERIENCE RISKY?

When we talk about something risky, we mean it could be dangerous or unsafe. A risky experience is one that could hurt you, but you do it anyway. In this topic, we talk about how to ask and answer questions about past risky experiences using the past simple tense.

Examples:

Was the experience risky?
Yes, it was very risky.
No, it wasn’t dangerous at all.

We often use was or were in questions and answers when talking about past experiences.

1. GRAMMAR:

1.1 Past Simple: To Be (was/were)

Use was or were to talk about the past.

Structure for questions: Was/Were + subject + adjective/noun?

Structure for answers: Yes/No + subject + was/were (+ not)

Examples:

Was the activity risky? → Yes, it was.
Were they afraid? → No, they weren’t.
It was a dangerous moment.

Short Answers:

Yes, it was. / No, it wasn’t.
Yes, they were. / No, they weren’t.

2. VOCABULARY:

Risky – Possibly dangerous.
Adventure – An exciting and maybe dangerous activity.
Fear – The feeling when you are afraid.
Danger – A situation where something bad can happen.
Experience – Something you did or lived through.
Safe – Not dangerous.
Challenge – Something hard that tests you.
Exciting – Causing great interest or emotion.
Cliff – A high rock next to the sea or mountain.
Regret – To feel sorry for something you did.

3. USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:

Was it risky?
It didn’t feel safe.
I wasn’t scared.
That was a close call!
I think it was a bad idea.
Luckily, nothing bad happened.

4. SENTENCES:

4.1 Positive Sentences

The experience was risky but exciting.
It was a real challenge.
They were very brave.

4.2 Negative Sentences

It wasn’t very safe.
She wasn’t ready for that experience.
They weren’t afraid at all.

4.3 Questions

Was the experience risky?
Were you afraid?
Was it your first time?

4.4 Answers

Yes, it was risky.
No, we weren’t scared.
It was new and exciting!

5. CONVERSATION:

Leo: Hi Mia! I heard you went zip-lining this weekend. Was the experience risky?

Mia: Hi Leo! Yes, it was a little risky, but it was fun too.

Leo: Weren’t you afraid?

Mia: I was nervous at first, but the guide helped me a lot.

Leo: Was it your first time?

Mia: Yes, it was. I almost didn’t do it, but I’m glad I tried.

Leo: That’s brave! Would you do it again?

Mia: Yes! It was a great experience.

6. READING:

Anna and her brother Jake went hiking last weekend. During the hike, they saw a narrow bridge over a fast river. Jake wanted to cross it. Anna said, “Is this safe?” Jake said, “Don’t worry. It’s fine.” They crossed the bridge slowly. The wind was strong, and it moved the bridge a little. Anna felt scared, but they made it across safely. Afterward, Anna asked Jake, “Was the experience risky?” Jake smiled and said, “Yes, but I liked it!”