The document expresses regret over not taking a language class in secondary school. It describes several situations where not knowing a foreign language caused problems, such as not being able to communicate with romantic interests, missing out on career opportunities and promotions, and misunderstandings with clients or while traveling abroad that led to negative outcomes. The common theme is the lost opportunities and difficulties that resulted from not gaining foreign language skills earlier in life.

1. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… She’s so beautiful. The woman of my dreams. I wish I could speak to her in her own language, then maybe I’d have a chance….

2. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… I can’t believe she got the pay rise instead of me! And all because she can speak French to the people at our Paris offices……

3. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… I just can’t believe I didn’t get into the university I wanted to go to. I didn’t realise they’d want me to have a languages GCSE. Now what am I going to do??

4. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… We missed our train because I couldn’t understand what the announcement said. Now I’ll never make that meeting in Hamburg. The contract will go to our rivals this time for sure.

5. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… Doh! If I’d have been able to read the instructions then I’m sure I’d never have blown up the brand new stereo I had imported……

6. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… My boss wanted to send someone to night classes to learn a new language. He said it’d help the company welcome our new employees from abroad. I really wanted to do it, but he picked him . All because he’d done a language before……

7. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… I just wish I’d been able to understand my client when she told me what haircut she wanted. Then she wouldn’t have ended up with those awful highlights I gave her.

8. If only I’d taken a language at GCSE……… If my boss had seen me working on that brand new Audi R8 he’d have definitely promoted me. Shame I didn’t understand what the owner wanted me to do………