Mastering Basic Conditionals (Zero & First) for IELTS Speaking & Writing Band 6
Understanding and correctly using basic conditionals—especially zero and first—will lift your IELTS Speaking and Writing to Band 6 by helping you talk about real-life facts, express future possibilities, and make your ideas sound logical and accurate. This interactive module brings the entire lesson to life with quizzes, vocabulary checks, and scenario practice—100 % faithful to the original article.
Table of Contents
- What Are Conditionals?
- Zero Conditional: Definition, Form & Usage
- First Conditional: Definition, Form & Usage
- Why Basic Conditionals Are Crucial for IELTS Band 6
- Detailed Rules, Patterns, and Examples
What Are Conditionals?
Conditionals are sentences that express a condition (the “if” part) and a result (the main clause). They are often called “if sentences” because the word if usually introduces the condition.
Key Examples
- If it rains, I take an umbrella. (Zero conditional – fact)
- If I study, I will pass the exam. (First conditional – real possibility)
Quick Check 1
Which sentence below is a first conditional?
Zero Conditional: Definition, Form, and Usage
What Is the Zero Conditional?
The zero conditional is used to talk about facts, routines, rules, and things that are always true. It is perfect for describing scientific facts, general truths, habits, and instructions.
Examples:
- If you heat water to 100 °C, it boils.
- If it rains, the grass gets wet.
Zero Conditional Structure
Form: If + present simple, present simple
The order can be reversed:
Present simple + if + present simple
Tip: In zero conditionals, you can often replace if with when because the result is always true.
More Examples
- If people eat too much, they get fat.
- People get fat if they eat too much.
When to Use the Zero Conditional
- Facts: If you drop ice in water, it floats.
- Habits: If I wake up late, I feel tired.
- Instructions: If you press this button, the machine starts.
- Rules: If the light is red, you must stop.
- Scientific truths: If water freezes, it turns to ice.
Quick Check 2
Choose the sentence that is NOT a correct zero conditional.
First Conditional: Definition, Form, and Usage
What Is the First Conditional?
The first conditional is used for real and possible future situations. It helps you talk about things that might happen, promises, offers, warnings, and plans.
First Conditional Structure
Form: If + present simple, will + base verb
You can reverse the order for emphasis:
Will + base verb + if + present simple
Examples:
- If I save enough money, I will buy a new laptop.
- You will see amazing views if you climb that mountain.
- We won’t finish the project on time if we don’t work this weekend.
When to Use the First Conditional
- Real Possibilities: If she studies, she will pass.
- Promises: I will call you if I arrive early.
- Warnings: If you touch that wire, you will get a shock!
- Offers: If you need help, I’ll check your essay.
- Plans: We’ll go to the beach if the weather is good.
Tip: will can be replaced by can, must, should, might, may to add variety. Example: If you finish early, you can leave.
Quick Check 3
Which option correctly completes this sentence?
If it ______ tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Incorrect: If you will come late, I will be angry.
Correct: If you come late, I will be angry.
Why? Never use will in the if-clause of a first conditional.
Incorrect: If water boils, it will evaporate.
Correct: If water boils, it evaporates.
Why? We use the zero conditional for scientific facts, so both clauses are in the present simple.
Error Check 4
Select the sentence with the correct first conditional form.
Scenario Practice: IELTS Speaking Part 2
Context: You are answering an IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue-card.
Task: “Describe a future plan you have. Explain what you will do if problems arise.”
Which is the best response for a Band 6 answer?
Scenario Check 5
Why Basic Conditionals Are Crucial for IELTS Band 6
- Task Achievement: In Writing Task 2, conditional sentences help you explain results of proposed solutions.
- Coherence & Cohesion: Linking ideas with “if…, then…” creates a clear logical flow.
- Grammatical Range: Examiners look for varied structures. Mixing zero and first conditionals demonstrates range.
- Speaking Fluency: Conditional language lets you speculate naturally in Parts 2 & 3.
- Error Reduction: Mastering basic forms prevents common tense mistakes that lower grammatical accuracy.
Quick Check 6
In an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, why might you write: If governments invest in public transport, city pollution will decrease.
Detailed Rules, Patterns, and Examples
A. Using Modals in the Result Clause
Replace will with can, may, might, could, should, must to add nuance.
- If you finish early, you can leave. (permission)
- If he trains hard, he might win the race. (possibility)
- If you see a fire, you must call the emergency services. (obligation)
B. Imperatives Instead of ‘Will’
When giving instructions or warnings, use an imperative in the result clause instead of will.
Pattern: If + present simple, imperative
- If the alarm rings, leave the building.
- If you feel sick, see a doctor at once.
C. Unless / As Long As / Provided (That) / In Case
We can replace if with other conditional linkers to enrich your writing:
| Linker | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Unless | if…not | We won’t start unless everyone arrives. |
| Provided (that) | only if | You can go out provided you finish your work. |
| As long as | only if / on condition that | I’ll lend you the book as long as you return it. |
| In case | because of the possibility that | Take an umbrella in case it rains. |
Quick Check 7
Complete: You can’t enter the lab ______ you wear safety goggles.
Vocabulary Focus: Conditional Linkers & Phrases
Unless (conjunction, informal–neutral) – except if; We won’t succeed unless we work together.
Provided (that) (conjunction, formal) – only if a condition is met; You may leave early provided the report is complete.
In case (phrase) – because something might happen; Bring cash in case the card machine is broken.
Vocab Check 8
Type the correct linker: I’ll bring extra pens __________ the students forget theirs.
Sentence Transformation Practice
Rewrite the sentence using the word in brackets.
Transformation 9
You will pass. You study hard. (if)
(Ignore capitalization & punctuation in your answer.)
Comprehensive Practice: Mix & Master!
Test your understanding of basic conditionals with a variety of exercise types. Read each instruction carefully, then check your answers instantly.
Practice 10 – Select ALL First Conditional Sentences
Tick every sentence that is a correct first conditional.
Practice 11 – Match the Conditional Linker to Its Meaning
Choose the best linker for each definition.
| Definition | Linker |
|---|---|
| except if | |
| only if / on the condition that | |
| because something might happen |
Practice 12 – Arrange Sentences into a Logical Paragraph
Click sentences in the correct order to make a logical explanation using the first conditional.
Scenario Practice: IELTS Writing Task 2
Task Prompt (simplified): Some people think governments should ban single-use plastic. Others say individuals must change their habits. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Use at least one conditional to explain your position.
Your Turn: Write 2–3 sentences giving your opinion. Include one first conditional to show a possible result.
Error-Spotting: Find the Three Mistakes
Read the student paragraph. Tick each sentence that contains an error with conditional usage.
Vocabulary Review: Choose the Best Word
Select the most suitable linker for each sentence.
| I’ll print the handouts the projector fails. |
| You may leave early you finish the report. |
| We won’t succeed everyone participates. |
Self-Assessment Checklist
How well do you know basic conditionals? Tick each statement you can confidently say “Yes!” to, then press Finish to see your result.
7-Step Study Plan: Level-Up Your Conditionals
- Review your notes daily for 10 minutes. Highlight every if-clause.
- Record yourself giving 3 first-conditional promises (If I pass IELTS, I will…).
- Write one paragraph using at least 2 zero and 2 first conditionals. Get feedback.
- Listen to news podcasts. Note every conditional you hear.
- Create flashcards for unless, provided that, in case, as long as.
- Teach a friend the difference between zero & first conditionals.
- Retake the final quiz in this module after one week to measure progress.
Keep Going – You’re Doing Great! 🌟
Every conditional sentence you master adds clarity and precision to your English. Remember, mistakes are proof you’re trying. Review, practise, and watch your Band score rise!
Final Quiz: Conditionals Mastery
This 10-question quiz is randomised from a 30-question bank. You’ll see one question at a time. Click Start Quiz when you’re ready—good luck!
References & Further Reading
- British Council. (2024). English Grammar: Conditionals. Retrieved from britishcouncil.org
- Cambridge University Press. (2023). English Grammar in Use (5th ed.). Cambridge, UK.
- Cullen, P. (2021). Common Mistakes at IELTS… and How to Avoid Them. Cambridge University Press.
- Official IELTS Practice Materials 2022. Cambridge: Cambridge Assessment English.
- Murphy, R. (2024). Essential Grammar in Use (6th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
The quiz is provided by www.lingexam.com
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Congratulations on Completing the Module!
You’ve worked through explanations, examples, quizzes, scenarios, and a comprehensive final test. Keep practising daily, revisit tricky areas, and remember: consistent practice is the key to mastering English conditionals.
See you in the next module! 🚀
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