Lesson 31: Hypothesising (Conditionals)
handle "what if" questions with first and second conditionals used accurately.
Why this matters
Part 3 asks hypotheticals ("What would happen if…?", "If people earned more, would they…?"). Conditionals are a classic band-7 grammar structure — using them accurately shows clear range.
The Tip/Trick
Match the conditional to reality. Use the 1st conditional for realistic future ("If X happens, Y will…"); the 2nd for unreal/hypothetical now ("If X happened, Y would…").
- Before: "If people have more money they will happy. If I am rich I will help poor."
- After: "If salaries rise, people will generally spend more — but if I were wealthy, I would probably invest in education."
Grammar Focus — Conditionals 1 & 2
Rule: 1st: If + present, … will + base (realistic). 2nd: If + past, … would + base (hypothetical/unreal). Reference: the "Conditionals 1 & 2" section.
- "If the economy grows, more jobs will appear." (1st — realistic)
- "If I had more savings, I would start a business." (2nd — hypothetical)
- "If people were paid fairly, they wouldn't need second jobs." (2nd)
Vocabulary Cluster — Work & money / economy
Add to under "Work & money / economy".
- to make ends meet — afford basics — "Many struggle to make ends meet."
- the cost of living — everyday expenses — "The cost of living keeps rising."
- job security — stable employment — "People value job security."
- a steady income — reliable money — "A steady income brings peace of mind."
- to climb the career ladder — get promoted — "She's climbing the career ladder fast."
- work-life balance — balance of job and life — "Work-life balance matters more now."
- financial freedom — not worrying about money — "Everyone wants financial freedom."
- to live beyond your means — overspend — "People often live beyond their means."
Drill these as flashcards — flip, then grade yourself.
Answer Outline
- Opinion: "I think ____."
- 1st or 2nd conditional: "If ____, … would/will ____."
- Example/reason: "For example, ____."
- Stance: "So ultimately, ____."
Model Answers: 5.0 vs 7.0
Question: Would people be happier if they earned more money?
Band 5.0: "If people have more money they are more happy. Money is important. If I am rich I will buy house and travel. So yes."
Band 7.0: "Up to a point, yes. If someone is struggling to make ends meet, then earning more will obviously reduce their stress. But beyond a certain level, I don't think it makes much difference — if I suddenly became wealthy, I doubt I'd be dramatically happier, because things like relationships and work-life balance matter more. So I'd argue money buys security rather than lasting happiness."
What changed:
- 1st conditional (realistic): "If someone is struggling… earning more will…".
- 2nd conditional (hypothetical): "if I suddenly became wealthy, I doubt I'd be…".
- Collocations: "make ends meet", "work-life balance".
- Nuanced stance: "money buys security rather than lasting happiness".
- "If I am rich I will…" for hypothetical → use 2nd conditional ("If I were rich, I would…").
- "more happy" → "happier".
- Mixing tenses in the if-clause — keep 1st (present→will) and 2nd (past→would) consistent.
Your Turn (Record)
Task: Answer 3 hypotheticals, choosing the right conditional each time: (1) What would happen if everyone worked four days a week? (2) If education were free, would more people study? (3) Will automation create or destroy jobs? ⏱ ~4 min.
Your turn — record & get scored
Part 3- What would happen if everyone worked four days a week?
- If education were free, would more people study?
- Will automation create or destroy jobs?
Self-Check + Spaced Review
Done when:
- I used both a 1st and a 2nd conditional correctly.
- I used ≥3 work/money collocations.
- My if-clause and result-clause tenses matched.
Spaced review:
- From Lesson 29: grade certainty when predicting economic change.
- From Lesson 27: contrast two views with whereas.