Learn English. First Conditional and the Environment. Youtube Video

Hi

Welcome to English Chit Chat. This video teaches how to use the first conditional to talk about possible futures for the environment.

Here's the script of the video:

In this video we will talk about the future of the environment. To talk about possible future events and their results we use the first conditional.

Here is an example of a sentence using the first conditional:
If global warming continues to get worse, sea levels will rise.
If global warming continues to get worse is the possible future.
Sea levels will rise is the result of that situation.

To make first conditional sentences we use if + simple present, comma, will/won't + verb.
If we take showers, we will save water.

We use won't for negative sentences.
If we waste electricity, we won't save the environment.

The if clause can come either first or second in the sentence.
If sea levels rise, polar bears will lose their habitat.
Polar bears will lose their habitat if sea levels rise.

Will/Won't can be replaced by modal verbs such as should/might/can.
If you want to help the environment, you should recycle.
If we don't do something now, it might be too late.
You can save money if you don't waste electricity.

Here is an example of a question using the first conditional:
What will happen if we stop polluting the air?
If we stop polluting the air, we will be healthier.

Here are examples of yes/no questions:
If I use a reusable bag, will it help the environment?
Yes, it will.

Will I save money if I walk to walk?
Yes, you will, and you will help the environment.

The if clause in these sentences describes something that is possible. The if clause can be replaced by different time clauses.
When clauses describe something that is certain to happen.
When technology gets better, we will use more renewable energy.

As soon as is used to say what will happen immediately after something else happens.
I'll buy an electric car as soon as I save enough money.

We use until to say something will or won't happen up to a particular point.
Wildlife will lose their habitat until we start to care about the environment.
Air quality won't get better until we plant more trees.

We use unless to describe a result if something doesn't happen.
The ice caps will melt unless we stop global warming.

Let's play a game about consequences. Can you continue the conversation by saying the consequences of the previous result?
What will happen if we pollute the air?
If we pollute the air, the earth will get hotter.
If the earth gets hotter, the ice caps will melt.
If the ice caps melt...
What do you think will happen if the ice caps melt? Write sentences in the comments.

Here are some more questions which you can answer in the comments section to give you some practice and get you thinking about the environment.

1. What will happen if we pollute the oceans?
2. What will happen if we continue to burn fossil fuels?
3. What will happen if we don't protect the rainforests?
4. What will happen if we don't recycle?
5. What will happen if we plant more trees?
   Answer these questions by putting your answers in the comments section and I'll check your answers.