Intermediate120 min
Conditionals with conjunctions
Zero conditional
We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always or generally true.
We form the zero conditional with if/when + present simple + present simple.
When you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
First conditional
We use the first conditional to talk about the future consequences of a present situation.
We form the first conditional with if + present simple + will/won’t or could/can/may/might.
We might go to the cinema if there’s a good film showing.
Second conditional
We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary or unlikely situations in the present or future.
We form the second conditional with if + past simple + would/wouldn’t.
If I was a billionaire, I’d buy a private island.
In the second conditional, we can use were instead of was when the subject is singular. This is slightly more formal.
If I were taller, I’d be better at basketball.
Third conditional
We use the third conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the past.
We form the third conditional with if + past perfect + would/wouldn’t have.
If we’d left on time, we wouldn’t have been late.
Conjunctions
We use provided (that), providing (that) and as long as/so long as to mean only if.
I’ll buy the food as long as you do the cooking.
(I’ll only buy the food if you do the cooking.)
We’ll be there in ten minutes provided that the traffic is OK.
(We’ll only be there in ten minutes if the traffic is OK.)
The car will last for years providing you maintain it properly.
(The car will only last if you maintain it properly.)
We use on condition that with a similar meaning. The meaning is stronger, and it is often used to talk about rules.
You can work from home on condition that you attend online meetings.
(We agree that you can work from home, but only if you attend online meetings.)
Unless means if not.
We’ll miss our flight unless we leave at 6.
(We’ll miss our flight if we don’t leave at 6.)
I won’t go to the party unless you go with me.
(If you don’t go with me, I won’t go to the party.)
We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always or generally true.
We form the zero conditional with if/when + present simple + present simple.
When you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
First conditional
We use the first conditional to talk about the future consequences of a present situation.
We form the first conditional with if + present simple + will/won’t or could/can/may/might.
We might go to the cinema if there’s a good film showing.
Second conditional
We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary or unlikely situations in the present or future.
We form the second conditional with if + past simple + would/wouldn’t.
If I was a billionaire, I’d buy a private island.
In the second conditional, we can use were instead of was when the subject is singular. This is slightly more formal.
If I were taller, I’d be better at basketball.
Third conditional
We use the third conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the past.
We form the third conditional with if + past perfect + would/wouldn’t have.
If we’d left on time, we wouldn’t have been late.
Conjunctions
We use provided (that), providing (that) and as long as/so long as to mean only if.
I’ll buy the food as long as you do the cooking.
(I’ll only buy the food if you do the cooking.)
We’ll be there in ten minutes provided that the traffic is OK.
(We’ll only be there in ten minutes if the traffic is OK.)
The car will last for years providing you maintain it properly.
(The car will only last if you maintain it properly.)
We use on condition that with a similar meaning. The meaning is stronger, and it is often used to talk about rules.
You can work from home on condition that you attend online meetings.
(We agree that you can work from home, but only if you attend online meetings.)
Unless means if not.
We’ll miss our flight unless we leave at 6.
(We’ll miss our flight if we don’t leave at 6.)
I won’t go to the party unless you go with me.
(If you don’t go with me, I won’t go to the party.)
Quiz
Question 1 of 15
Choose the correct zero conditional sentence:
If it rains, the ground gets wet.
If it will rain, the ground gets wet.
If it rained, the ground will get wet.
World Issues and the Importance of Creative and Critical Thinking
In today's interconnected world, understanding global issues requires not only awareness but the ability to think creatively and critically. Scientific research, especially the latest studies, plays a crucial role in helping us tackle challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and resource scarcity.
Climate change is one of the most pressing problems we face. According to the latest scientific consensus, rising temperatures are causing more extreme weather events, threatening ecosystems and human livelihoods. However, creative and critical thinking can lead to innovative solutions. For example, scientists are developing renewable energy technologies that harness the power of the sun and wind more efficiently than ever before. This progress is not just about adopting new gadgets but rethinking how societies consume energy and resources.
Public health is another area where scientific insights guide decision-making. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches to disease control and prevention. Creative thinking has led to rapid vaccine development and digital health tools that monitor outbreaks in real-time. Yet, critical thinking is equally important to evaluate information sources carefully, recognizing the difference between credible research and misinformation.
Resource scarcity, including water and food shortages, demands both innovative and analytical minds. Latest studies show that sustainable agriculture practices and water conservation strategies can mitigate these problems. For instance, precision farming uses technology to optimize irrigation and fertilization, reducing waste and improving crop yields. Such approaches demonstrate how blending science with creativity can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Idioms such as "think outside the box" and "connect the dots" describe the kind of thinking needed to address these complex issues. It means looking beyond traditional methods and finding links between different areas of knowledge. Developing critical thinking skills allows individuals to analyze data, question assumptions, and make informed decisions, which is essential in navigating the vast amount of information available today.
Moreover, fostering creativity encourages brainstorming and experimentation, which can lead to breakthroughs that science alone might not achieve. The synergy of creative and critical thinking promotes a balanced approach where imagination is grounded in reality, and facts are interpreted with an open mind.
In conclusion, dealing with world issues effectively requires a mindset that embraces both the latest scientific opinions and the power of creative and critical thought. By combining these strengths, we can develop practical solutions that not only address immediate concerns but also ensure long-term sustainability for future generations.
Climate change is one of the most pressing problems we face. According to the latest scientific consensus, rising temperatures are causing more extreme weather events, threatening ecosystems and human livelihoods. However, creative and critical thinking can lead to innovative solutions. For example, scientists are developing renewable energy technologies that harness the power of the sun and wind more efficiently than ever before. This progress is not just about adopting new gadgets but rethinking how societies consume energy and resources.
Public health is another area where scientific insights guide decision-making. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches to disease control and prevention. Creative thinking has led to rapid vaccine development and digital health tools that monitor outbreaks in real-time. Yet, critical thinking is equally important to evaluate information sources carefully, recognizing the difference between credible research and misinformation.
Resource scarcity, including water and food shortages, demands both innovative and analytical minds. Latest studies show that sustainable agriculture practices and water conservation strategies can mitigate these problems. For instance, precision farming uses technology to optimize irrigation and fertilization, reducing waste and improving crop yields. Such approaches demonstrate how blending science with creativity can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Idioms such as "think outside the box" and "connect the dots" describe the kind of thinking needed to address these complex issues. It means looking beyond traditional methods and finding links between different areas of knowledge. Developing critical thinking skills allows individuals to analyze data, question assumptions, and make informed decisions, which is essential in navigating the vast amount of information available today.
Moreover, fostering creativity encourages brainstorming and experimentation, which can lead to breakthroughs that science alone might not achieve. The synergy of creative and critical thinking promotes a balanced approach where imagination is grounded in reality, and facts are interpreted with an open mind.
In conclusion, dealing with world issues effectively requires a mindset that embraces both the latest scientific opinions and the power of creative and critical thought. By combining these strengths, we can develop practical solutions that not only address immediate concerns but also ensure long-term sustainability for future generations.
interconnected (adjective) - Connected with each other in a complex way; mutually dependent
consensus (noun) - General agreement among a group of people, especially experts
harness (verb) - To control and use the force or strength of something effectively
mitigate (verb) - To make something less severe, serious, or painful; to reduce negative effects
optimize (verb) - To make something as effective or functional as possible
foster (verb) - To encourage the development or growth of something
synergy (noun) - The combined effect that is greater than the sum of individual effects
embrace (verb) - To accept or support willingly and enthusiastically
Technical and Scientific Terms
evidence-based approaches (noun phrase) - Methods or decisions based on scientific proof and research
precision farming (noun phrase) - Agricultural method using technology to monitor and optimize crop production
renewable energy technologies (noun phrase) - Methods of generating power from naturally replenishing sources
real-time monitoring (noun phrase) - Continuous observation and tracking as events happen
sustainable agriculture (noun phrase) - Farming practices that maintain productivity while protecting the environment
water conservation strategies (noun phrase) - Planned methods to reduce water waste and preserve water resources
Complex Collocations
tackle challenges - To deal with and attempt to solve difficult problems
pressing problems - Urgent issues that require immediate attention
extreme weather events - Severe weather conditions that are unusual or destructive
credible research - Studies and investigations that are trustworthy and reliable
analytical minds - People who can examine information systematically and logically
informed decisions - Choices made after careful consideration of relevant information
breakthrough solutions - Revolutionary answers or methods that represent major advances
long-term sustainability - The ability to maintain practices or conditions over extended periods
Sophisticated Descriptive Language
vast amount (noun phrase) - An extremely large quantity
crucial role (noun phrase) - An extremely important function or position
innovative solutions (noun phrase) - Creative, original approaches to solving problems
balanced approach (noun phrase) - A method that considers multiple aspects fairly
immediate concerns (noun phrase) - Problems that need attention right now
Academic Phraseology
According to the latest - Phrase used to introduce recent research or findings
However, [subject] can lead to - Transition showing contrast and potential outcomes
For instance - Formal way to introduce specific examples
Such approaches demonstrate - Phrase used to explain what examples show or prove
Moreover - Advanced connector meaning "in addition" or "furthermore"
Idiomatic Expressions
think outside the box - To think creatively and unconventionally
connect the dots - To understand relationships between different pieces of information
pave the way - To create conditions that make something possible in the future
grounded in reality - Based on practical facts rather than just theory
open mind - Willingness to consider new ideas and different perspectives
Formal Transitions and Connectors
not only... but (also) - Structure emphasizing that there are multiple important aspects
Yet - Formal connector showing contrast (stronger than "but")
In conclusion - Formal phrase to introduce final summary thoughts
By combining - Phrase showing how different elements work together
consensus (noun) - General agreement among a group of people, especially experts
harness (verb) - To control and use the force or strength of something effectively
mitigate (verb) - To make something less severe, serious, or painful; to reduce negative effects
optimize (verb) - To make something as effective or functional as possible
foster (verb) - To encourage the development or growth of something
synergy (noun) - The combined effect that is greater than the sum of individual effects
embrace (verb) - To accept or support willingly and enthusiastically
Technical and Scientific Terms
evidence-based approaches (noun phrase) - Methods or decisions based on scientific proof and research
precision farming (noun phrase) - Agricultural method using technology to monitor and optimize crop production
renewable energy technologies (noun phrase) - Methods of generating power from naturally replenishing sources
real-time monitoring (noun phrase) - Continuous observation and tracking as events happen
sustainable agriculture (noun phrase) - Farming practices that maintain productivity while protecting the environment
water conservation strategies (noun phrase) - Planned methods to reduce water waste and preserve water resources
Complex Collocations
tackle challenges - To deal with and attempt to solve difficult problems
pressing problems - Urgent issues that require immediate attention
extreme weather events - Severe weather conditions that are unusual or destructive
credible research - Studies and investigations that are trustworthy and reliable
analytical minds - People who can examine information systematically and logically
informed decisions - Choices made after careful consideration of relevant information
breakthrough solutions - Revolutionary answers or methods that represent major advances
long-term sustainability - The ability to maintain practices or conditions over extended periods
Sophisticated Descriptive Language
vast amount (noun phrase) - An extremely large quantity
crucial role (noun phrase) - An extremely important function or position
innovative solutions (noun phrase) - Creative, original approaches to solving problems
balanced approach (noun phrase) - A method that considers multiple aspects fairly
immediate concerns (noun phrase) - Problems that need attention right now
Academic Phraseology
According to the latest - Phrase used to introduce recent research or findings
However, [subject] can lead to - Transition showing contrast and potential outcomes
For instance - Formal way to introduce specific examples
Such approaches demonstrate - Phrase used to explain what examples show or prove
Moreover - Advanced connector meaning "in addition" or "furthermore"
Idiomatic Expressions
think outside the box - To think creatively and unconventionally
connect the dots - To understand relationships between different pieces of information
pave the way - To create conditions that make something possible in the future
grounded in reality - Based on practical facts rather than just theory
open mind - Willingness to consider new ideas and different perspectives
Formal Transitions and Connectors
not only... but (also) - Structure emphasizing that there are multiple important aspects
Yet - Formal connector showing contrast (stronger than "but")
In conclusion - Formal phrase to introduce final summary thoughts
By combining - Phrase showing how different elements work together
- Discuss the impact of climate change on your local community and possible solutions.
- Explain how creative and critical thinking can help solve everyday problems.
- Talk about a time when you had to use critical thinking to make an important decision.
- Describe the importance of renewable energy and how it can benefit the environment.
- Discuss ways individuals can reduce misinformation in social media.
- Explain the challenges of resource scarcity and how technology can help.
- Talk about the role of scientific consensus in shaping public policies.
- Describe how brainstorming can lead to innovative ideas in your workplace or school.
- Discuss the balance between imagination and facts in problem-solving.
- Share your opinions on the importance of long-term sustainability for future generations.
Stress in Conditional Sentences
In English, sentence stress—the emphasis placed on certain syllables or words—plays an important role in making the meaning of conditional sentences clear. How we stress words in these sentences can change the focus, clarify intention, or even alter meaning.
General Rules
- In most conditional sentences, the main stressed words are the subjects, main verbs, and key modifiers (adjectives, adverbs, or negation words like "not").
- The words "if" and "when" are usually unstressed since they function as conjunctions.
- Important information, such as the result or the condition, may be stressed to bring out its significance.
Examples
1. **If** IT rains, the GROUND gets WET.
- “If” is unstressed. “It”, “rains”, “ground”, “gets”, and “wet” receive stronger emphasis.
2. **If** you STUDY hard, you WILL pass the exam.
- Notice the stress on the key action (study), key result (pass), and the auxiliary verb “will” for clarity.
Shifting Emphasis
Changing word stress can shift which part of the sentence is most important:
- If YOU study hard, you will pass. (Emphasizes who should study.)
- If you STUDY hard, you will pass. (Emphasizes the action of studying.)
- If you study hard, YOU will pass. (Focuses on the person who will pass, not someone else.)
Contrast and Correction
- In speech, stress is often used to correct or contrast information:
- “If it rains, WE'LL stay home.” (As opposed to someone else.)
- “If it RAINS, we'll stay home.” (Contrasting with another condition, such as “If it snows…”)
Intonation
- Conditional sentences often use a rising intonation for the “if” clause and a falling intonation for the result clause:
- “If you HEAT ice, (rising) it MELTS.” (falling)
Stress in Spoken English
- Proper use of stress helps listeners understand which part of the condition is most important, assists in distinguishing between different types of conditional sentences, and makes speech sound more natural.
General Rules
- In most conditional sentences, the main stressed words are the subjects, main verbs, and key modifiers (adjectives, adverbs, or negation words like "not").
- The words "if" and "when" are usually unstressed since they function as conjunctions.
- Important information, such as the result or the condition, may be stressed to bring out its significance.
Examples
1. **If** IT rains, the GROUND gets WET.
- “If” is unstressed. “It”, “rains”, “ground”, “gets”, and “wet” receive stronger emphasis.
2. **If** you STUDY hard, you WILL pass the exam.
- Notice the stress on the key action (study), key result (pass), and the auxiliary verb “will” for clarity.
Shifting Emphasis
Changing word stress can shift which part of the sentence is most important:
- If YOU study hard, you will pass. (Emphasizes who should study.)
- If you STUDY hard, you will pass. (Emphasizes the action of studying.)
- If you study hard, YOU will pass. (Focuses on the person who will pass, not someone else.)
Contrast and Correction
- In speech, stress is often used to correct or contrast information:
- “If it rains, WE'LL stay home.” (As opposed to someone else.)
- “If it RAINS, we'll stay home.” (Contrasting with another condition, such as “If it snows…”)
Intonation
- Conditional sentences often use a rising intonation for the “if” clause and a falling intonation for the result clause:
- “If you HEAT ice, (rising) it MELTS.” (falling)
Stress in Spoken English
- Proper use of stress helps listeners understand which part of the condition is most important, assists in distinguishing between different types of conditional sentences, and makes speech sound more natural.