“Fortunately/Unfortunately” is a lively ESL game aimed at teaching the simple past tense through storytelling, while fostering creativity and active participation. No materials are needed, and it can be played with 2 to 10 participants for a duration of 5 to 15 minutes. Initially, the terms 'fortunately' and 'unfortunately' are introduced to the students. The class is then divided into two teams: Optimists and Pessimists. Optimists are tasked with beginning sentences with 'fortunately', portraying a positive outlook, while Pessimists start their sentences with 'unfortunately', showing a negative perspective.

The teacher initiates a story based on a past event, and the teams take turns to expand on it, adhering to their positive or negative roles, using the simple past tense. The story building continues until one team is unable to respond appropriately, at which point a new story can be started, or the activity concluded. Through this interactive and imaginative exercise, students get ample opportunity to practice, understand, and enjoy using the simple past tense.