I AM LESS LIKELY TO WIN, BUT I STILL TRY

 “I am less likely to win, but I still try” is a sentence that shows self-awareness and determination. Less likely means there is a smaller chance of winning, but I still try shows that we make an effort anyway. This is a very positive attitude. It means we don’t give up, even when the situation is difficult.

Examples:

• I am less likely to pass the test, but I still study every day.

• She is less likely to win the race, but she keeps running.

• He is less likely to finish first, but he wants to try.

This topic helps students use comparatives, modal verbs, and future forms to talk about effort, possibility, and personal motivation.

---

🔹 GRAMMAR

1. Comparatives

• I am less likely to win than my friend.

• She is less prepared than the others.

2. Present Simple and Present Continuous

• I try every day. (Present Simple)

• I am working hard for the competition. (Present Continuous)

3. Modal verbs (can / can’t / should / must)

• I can still try.

• You shouldn’t give up.

• We must always try our best.

4. Future with “will” and “going to”

• I will do my best tomorrow.

• She is going to try again next week.

5. Adverbs of frequency

• I often try new strategies.

• He rarely gives up.

---

🔹 VOCABULARY

1. Likely – probable, expected

2. Less – a smaller amount or degree

3. Try – to make an effort

4. Effort – physical or mental energy to do something

5. Challenge – a difficult situation

6. Determination – the quality of not giving up

7. Success – a good result or victory

8. Motivation – reason or inspiration to act

9. Improve – to get better

10. Confidence – belief in oneself

---

🔹 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• I might not win, but I’ll try.

• There is still a chance.

• Trying is more important than winning.

• I won’t give up.

• Let’s keep going.

• Winning isn’t everything.

• I can improve.

• Practice makes perfect.

• I feel less confident, but I will try.

• It’s okay to fail if you try.

---

🔹 SENTENCES

Positive:

• I try even if I am less likely to win.

• She can do it if she works hard.

• They are going to give it their best shot.

Negative:

• He isn’t likely to finish first.

• We can’t always win.

• I don’t feel very confident today.

Questions:

• Are you going to try again?

• Can I still win?

• Did she try her best?

Answers:

• Yes, I will try again.

• Yes, you can still win.

• Yes, she did her best.

---

🔹 CONVERSATION

Maya: Are you nervous about the math contest?

Ben: A little. I know I am less likely to win, but I still try.

Maya: That’s a good attitude. You studied a lot.

Ben: Yes, I practiced every day. I’m not the best, but I improved.

Maya: That’s what matters. Trying and learning.

Ben: Right. And maybe I will do better than I think!

Maya: Exactly! Believe in yourself and do your best.

Ben: Thanks, Maya. I’ll give it my best shot.

---

🔹 READING

Trying Even When It’s Hard

Sofia loves playing chess. She is part of her school team. There is a big tournament next week. Many students think Sofia will not win because the other players are very strong.

Sofia says, “I am less likely to win, but I still try.” She practices every afternoon and watches videos to learn new moves.

At the tournament, Sofia plays with confidence. She doesn’t win first place, but she finishes in the top five. Her coach is very proud of her. He says, “You worked hard, and that’s more important than winning.”

Questions:

1. What does Sofia like to play?

2. Why do people think she won’t win?

3. What does Sofia do to prepare?

4. What place does she finish in?

5. What does the coach say?

Answers:

1. Chess.

2. Because the other players are strong.

3. She practices and studies chess.

4. In the top five.

5. “You worked hard, and that’s more important than winning.”