In September we are going to use “British Inventions That Changed The World” as our theme. We are also
going to look at the second conditional as a revision.
Definition: The second conditional: is an “IF” clause that is used to set a condition that is either not true or impossible. Here is my example… If I had a million pounds I would buy a desert island. Looking at this simple example the structure is IF + HAD + WOULD + VERB. I dont have a million pounds so I cant buy a desert island, it’s impossible.
Let’s study & use the “Second Conditional” in English
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ADVANCED VERSION
THE WORLD WIDE WEB W.W.W
PARAGRAPH ONE: The World Wide Web was invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while he was working at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. He created the Web to facilitate easy sharing of information among scientists across different countries. His invention introduced a new way of accessing and linking data through hypertext, making it possible for users to navigate from one webpage to another seamlessly. This groundbreaking development revolutionized how people communicate, access information, and do business globally. Without his innovation, the internet might not have become the interconnected network it is today.
Question (2nd conditional): If Sir Tim Berners-Lee had not invented the Web, how do you think global communication would be different today?
Question about paragraph: Why was the invention of the Web considered revolutionary for information sharing?
PARAGRAPH TWO: The Web transformed the way businesses operate by enabling e-commerce and online advertising. Companies could reach a worldwide audience instantly, breaking down geographical barriers. For example, small businesses can now sell products internationally without physical stores in every country. This shift has created new economic opportunities and allowed entrepreneurs to grow their brands rapidly. The Web has become an essential tool for modern commerce, impacting economies around the world. If more companies had not adopted online platforms, their growth might have been significantly limited.
Question (2nd conditional): If businesses had not embraced the Web early on, how might their growth have been affected?
Question about paragraph: In what ways has the Web changed the way businesses reach customers globally?
PARAGRAPH THREE: Education also experienced a major transformation due to the Web. Online courses, educational resources, and virtual classrooms are now accessible to people from all backgrounds and locations. Students can learn from top universities without leaving their homes, making education more inclusive and flexible. If educational institutions had not adopted web-based learning, access to quality education might still be limited to physical locations. The Web has democratized knowledge and opened up new possibilities for lifelong learning and skill development worldwide.
Question (2nd conditional): If universities had not embraced online education, how would students’ access to learning resources be different?
Question about paragraph: How has the Web impacted education and access to learning opportunities?
PARAGRAPH FOUR: Overall, the invention of the World Wide Web by Sir Tim Berners-Lee has had a profound impact on global communication and society. It has connected people across continents, allowed for instant information exchange, and fostered innovation in countless fields. If he had not created the Web, our world might look very different today, with slower communication and fewer opportunities for collaboration. His contribution continues to influence how we live, work, and connect with each other every day.
Question (2nd conditional): If Sir Tim Berners-Lee had not invented the Web, what alternative methods of communication might have developed instead?
Question about paragraph: What are some of the most significant ways the Web has influenced our daily lives?
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BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE VERSION
THE WORLD WIDE WEB W.W.W
FIRST CONDITIONAL WORKSHEET: CLICK HERE
FIRST CONDITIONAL STORIES: CLICK HERE
Definition: The FIRST conditional: is an “IF” sentence that is used to set a condition that is either TRUE or POSSIBLE. Here is my example… If I have a million pounds I will live on an island. Looking at this simple example the structure is IF + HAVE + WILL+ VERB. I have a million pounds so I can buy a desert island, it’s possible.
Other examples:
- If you give me your pizza recipe I will make it for you. (Possible) IF + GIVE + WILL + MAKE
- If you study you will learn English. (True and possible) IF + STUDY + WILL + LEARN
- If you exercise you will be healthy. (True) IF + EXERCISE + WILL + BE
Let’s study & use the “First Conditional” in English
PARAGRAPH ONE: The World Wide Web was created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. He was working at CERN, a science place in Europe. He made the Web (internet) so people could share information easily. His idea was to use links called hypertext to connect pages on the internet. This made it simple to move from one page to another. Thanks to his work, the internet became very useful for people all over the world. Without him, the internet might not be so easy to use today.
Question (First conditional): If Sir Tim Berners-Lee makes the Web, how will people use it? IF + MAKES + WILL + USE
Question about paragraph: Why was creating the Web (W.W.W.) so important for sharing information?
PARAGRAPH TWO: The Web changed how businesses work. Now, companies can sell things online and tell many people about their products. For example, small shops can sell to customers in other countries without having a store there. This helps businesses grow very fast. Many companies now use the Web to find new customers. If companies don’t use the Web, they will not grow as quickly. ( IF+ USE + WILL + GROW)
Question (First conditional): If companies use the Web early, how will their growth be different? (IF + USE + WILL + BE)
Question about paragraph: How has the Web helped businesses reach more people?
PARAGRAPH THREE: Schools also changed a lot because of the Web. Students can now take online classes and learn from the internet. They can study lessons from famous schools without leaving home. If schools don’t start using the Web, some students will not have a chance to learn easily. (IF + START + WILL + HAVE) The Web has made learning more open and available for everyone. It helps people learn new skills at any time.
Question (First conditional): If schools use the Web, how will students learn differently? (IF + USE + WILL + LEARN)
Question about paragraph: How has the Web helped students and teachers?
PARAGRAPH FOUR: Overall, Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s invention of the Web is very important. It connects people, helps share ideas, and makes life easier. If he creates the Web, the world will be very different. (IF + CREATES + WILL + BE) We might not be able to talk and share as quickly as we do now. His work still helps us every day in many ways.
Question (First conditional): If Sir Tim Berners-Lee makes the Web, in what other ways will people share information? (IF + MAKES + WILL + SHARE).
Question about paragraph: What are some good things the Web helps us do every day?