Weather and Climate — First Conditionals — A2–B2

Teacher Plan

Lesson Plan

Lesson Objective

1

To introduce and practice the first conditional structure in English.

2

To develop students' understanding of how to use first conditionals in real-life situations.

Materials Needed

Whiteboard and markers or a digital whiteboard tool.

Handouts: worksheets, reading passages, role-play scenarios and discussion questions.

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

1

Introduction

15 minutes

Begin with a quick discussion: “What do you think will happen if it rains tomorrow?” Elicit responses from the students. Then write “If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.” on the board and explain that this is an example of a first conditional. Break down the structure and ask students to identify the condition and the result in several examples.

2

Practice

30 minutes

Provide a reading passage with multiple first conditional sentences. Students underline or highlight the first conditionals they find, then discuss the conditions and results. Follow with a worksheet in which students complete first conditional sentences with their own ideas and check answers in pairs or small groups.

3

Production

40 minutes

Divide the class into pairs or small groups and provide a role-play scenario in which students need to use first conditionals, for example planning a picnic or making travel arrangements. Students take turns discussing what they will do. Continue with small-group or whole-class discussion using the discussion questions.

4

Conclusion

5 minutes

Review the first conditional and ask students to share examples. Optional homework: write a short paragraph using first conditionals to describe plans or predictions for a future event.

Assessment

Observe students' participation in discussions and role-plays. Review completed worksheets for accuracy in using first conditionals. Assess students' use of first conditionals in reading follow-up, role-play scenarios and discussions.

Grammar Focus

First Conditional

If-clauseIf + Present SimpleResultwill + base form verb

Example: If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.

Use the first conditional to talk about a real or possible future condition and its likely result.

Reading Passages

Weather, Plans and Predictions

Text 1

The Job Interview

A2–B1

John is preparing for a job interview tomorrow. He's nervous and wants everything to go well. He checks the weather forecast, and it says there's a chance of rain. He thinks about what to do if it rains during his interview.

Questions

1

What is John's situation, and why is he nervous?

2

What does the weather forecast say?

3

What is John thinking about regarding the interview?

4

Rewrite John's thought about the rain as a first conditional sentence.

Text 2

The Picnic Plans

A2–B1

Sara and Tom are planning a picnic in the park on Saturday. They've been checking the weather forecast all week. If the weather is good, they'll go ahead with their picnic. If it's rainy or too cold, they'll postpone it to the following weekend.

Questions

1

What are Sara and Tom planning to do on Saturday?

2

What will determine whether they have the picnic or not?

3

Rewrite Sara and Tom's plan as a first conditional sentence.

4

Why do you think they are so concerned about the weather?

5

Can you think of any other plans or events that depend on the weather? Share them.

Text 3

The Birthday Party

B1–B2

Sophie's birthday is coming up, and she wants to have a special party with her friends. She's been checking the weather forecast every day. Her ideal plan is to have an outdoor picnic in the park with games and a barbecue.

Sophie's friend, Emma, is helping her with the preparations. One evening, Sophie checks the forecast, and it says, “Slight chance of rain tomorrow.” Sophie is worried that her plans will be ruined.

Emma reassures her, “Don't worry, Sophie. If it rains, we can move the party indoors to your spacious living room. We'll play board games and have a movie night instead.”

Sophie smiles and says, “That's a great idea, Emma. Let's hope for the best weather but be prepared for the worst.”

The day of the party arrives, and as they set up in the park, they keep an eye on the sky, hoping that the clouds won't turn into rain.

Questions

1

What is Sophie planning for her birthday?

2

Why has Sophie been checking the weather forecast?

3

What does the weather forecast say about the possibility of rain?

4

How does Emma reassure Sophie about the possibility of rain?

5

Rewrite Sophie's response to Emma using a first conditional.

6

What do you think they will do if it starts to rain during the party?

Text 4

Weekend Getaway

B1–B2

Amy and Mark had been planning a weekend getaway for months. They both had demanding jobs and were looking forward to some relaxation. They decided to visit a cozy cabin in the mountains. They booked the cabin for this weekend, and Amy was responsible for checking the weather forecast.

On the day of their departure, Amy checked the weather app on her phone. It said, “High chance of rain and thunderstorms throughout the weekend.” She was disappointed. She showed the forecast to Mark and said, “If it rains all weekend, our trip will be ruined.”

Mark frowned and replied, “Well, we can't control the weather, but we can come up with a Plan B. If it does rain, we will explore the nearby town, visit museums, and try local restaurants.”

Amy nodded, feeling a bit better about the situation. They packed raincoats, umbrellas, and board games, just in case. As they drove to the cabin, they couldn't help but keep an eye on the dark clouds forming overhead.

Questions

1

What had Amy and Mark been planning for months?

2

Why were they looking forward to this weekend getaway?

3

What did Amy find out when she checked the weather forecast?

4

What was Amy's initial reaction to the weather forecast?

5

Rewrite Mark's response to Amy using a first conditional.

6

How did Amy and Mark prepare for the possibility of rain during their trip?

Speaking

Role-Play Scenarios

1

The Vacation Dilemma

Setting: A travel agency office.

Characters: Travel Agent (TA), Customer (C)

Scenario: The customer wants to plan a vacation but is concerned about unpredictable weather. The travel agent needs to reassure the customer and offer alternative options in case of bad weather.

Instructions: The travel agent should use first conditionals to suggest alternative activities or destinations if the weather isn't favorable. The customer should express concerns and preferences while considering the suggestions.

2

The Outdoor Event

Setting: A group of friends planning an outdoor event.

Characters: Event Planner (EP), Friend 1 (F1), Friend 2 (F2)

Scenario: The event planner is organizing a picnic in the park. However, there's a chance of rain. The event planner needs to discuss potential changes to the event plan if it rains.

Instructions: The event planner should use first conditionals to propose alternative activities in case of rain. Friends should express their opinions and preferences. Optional variation: one friend strongly wants the picnic to go ahead as planned.

3

The Restaurant Reservation

Setting: A couple planning a special date night.

Characters: Person A, Person B

Scenario: Person A wants to make a reservation at an outdoor restaurant for a romantic dinner. However, there's a chance of rain. Person B suggests alternative plans if the weather doesn't cooperate.

Instructions: Person A should express a desire for an outdoor dinner reservation. Person B should use first conditionals to propose indoor restaurant options or other activities if it rains.

4

The Weekend Hike

Setting: A group of friends planning a weekend hike.

Characters: Hike Leader (HL), Friend 1 (F1), Friend 2 (F2)

Scenario: The hike leader has organized a hiking trip for the weekend. However, there's a chance of bad weather. The group discusses potential changes to the plan.

Instructions: The hike leader should use first conditionals to suggest alternative activities or postpone the hike if the weather is unfavorable. Friends should express their opinions and preferences.

5

The School Field Trip

Setting: A teacher and students planning a school field trip.

Characters: Teacher (T), Student 1 (S1), Student 2 (S2)

Scenario: The teacher has organized a field trip to the zoo. However, there's a chance of heavy rain. The teacher discusses potential changes with the students.

Instructions: The teacher should use first conditionals to propose alternative educational activities if the weather is bad. Students should express their opinions and preferences.

Debrief

1

How did you feel during the role-play?

2

Did you successfully use first conditionals in your conversation?

3

Were you able to come up with alternative plans or solutions?

4

What did you learn from this activity about using first conditionals in real-life situations?

Worksheet 1

Affirmative Sentences

Complete the following sentences using the first conditional structure. Use the given words in parentheses to form affirmative sentences.

1

(I / be / happy) ________________________________ if the weather ________________________________ nice tomorrow.

2

(She / visit / her grandmother) ________________________________ if she ________________________________ free this weekend.

3

(We / go / to the beach) ________________________________ if the temperature ________________________________ warm.

4

(They / watch / the movie) ________________________________ if it ________________________________ on TV tonight.

5

(He / pass / the exam) ________________________________ if he ________________________________ study hard.

Worksheet 2

Negative Sentences

Complete the following sentences using the first conditional structure. Use the given words in parentheses to form negative sentences.

1

(She / not / come) ________________________________ if the party ________________________________ too late.

2

(I / not / lend / you money) ________________________________ if you ________________________________ pay me back.

3

(They / not / eat) ________________________________ if the food ________________________________ good.

4

(He / not / play) ________________________________ if his friends ________________________________ with him.

5

(We / not / attend) ________________________________ if the meeting ________________________________ important.

Worksheet 3

Interrogative Sentences

Complete the following sentences using the first conditional structure. Use the given words in parentheses to form interrogative sentences.

1

(Will / she / call) ________________________________ if she ________________________________ time?

2

(What / will / you / do) ________________________________ if you ________________________________ a lot of money?

3

(Will / they / visit) ________________________________ if their friends ________________________________ in town?

4

(Where / will / you / go) ________________________________ if the weather ________________________________ bad?

5

(Will / he / come) ________________________________ if you ________________________________ him an invitation?

Worksheet 4

Mixed Affirmative, Negative, and Interrogative Sentences

Complete the following sentences using the first conditional structure. Use the given words in parentheses to form the correct sentences. Pay attention to whether the sentences should be affirmative, negative, or interrogative.

1

(I / be / happy) ____________________________ if the weather ________________ nice tomorrow.

2

(He / not / go) ____________________________ if his friends ________________ invited.

3

(She / buy / a new car) ____________________________ if she ________________ enough money.

4

(You / not / get lost) ____________________________ if you ________________ the map with you.

5

(We / have / a picnic) ____________________________ if it ________________ rain.

6

(They / not / come) ____________________________ if the party ________________ too late.

7

(Will / she / call) ____________________________ if she ________________ time?

8

(You / not / feel) ____________________________ better if you ________________ some rest.

9

(I / be / surprised) ____________________________ if he ________________ my birthday gift.

10

(What / will / you / do) ____________________________ if you ________________ a lot of money?

Note to the Teacher

Review the worksheets with your students, discussing any errors and providing explanations where necessary. Encourage students to practise speaking these sentences aloud. You can extend the activity by having students create their own first conditional sentences based on different scenarios or prompts.

Speaking

Discussion Questions

For Affirmative Sentences

1

Have you ever made plans based on the weather forecast? Share an example.

2

In the sentences you created, what were the conditions and the results?

3

Discuss how first conditionals help us make plans for the future.

4

What are some common activities or events that people plan around the weather?

5

Share your thoughts on why it's important to be prepared for different scenarios when making plans.

For Negative Sentences

1

Have you ever had to cancel plans due to unforeseen circumstances? Explain.

2

In the sentences you created, what were the conditions that led to negative outcomes?

3

How do first conditionals help us anticipate and avoid potential problems?

4

Can you think of situations where saying "no" or setting boundaries is important?

5

Share a personal story about a time when you had to say "no" to something in order to protect yourself or achieve a goal.

For Interrogative Sentences

1

How often do you ask questions to gather information or make decisions?

2

In the sentences you created, what kind of information were you seeking with your questions?

3

Discuss the importance of asking questions when planning or problem-solving.

4

Can you think of situations where you would want to ask questions to clarify or understand better?

5

Share a story about a time when asking a question led to a positive outcome or solution.

Writing

Writing Assignments

For Affirmative Sentences

1

Write a short paragraph describing a future event or plan you are looking forward to. Use at least three first conditionals to discuss different aspects of the plan.

2

Imagine you are a weather forecaster. Write a weather forecast for a specific location, including first conditionals to advise people on how to plan their day accordingly.

3

Create a dialogue between two friends discussing their weekend plans. One friend is optimistic about the weather, and the other is concerned about rain. Use first conditionals to express their viewpoints.

For Negative Sentences

1

Write a short story where the main character has to make a decision to avoid a potential problem. Use first conditionals to highlight the character's thought process and decision-making.

2

Imagine you are giving advice to someone on how to avoid common pitfalls in life. Write a list of five pieces of advice, each using a first conditional sentence to emphasize the importance of avoiding certain actions or behaviors.

3

Create a dialogue between two people discussing a risky investment opportunity. Use first conditionals to convey their concerns and reasons for not investing.

For Interrogative Sentences

1

Write a series of interview questions you would ask someone applying for a job. Use first conditionals to inquire about their qualifications and how they would handle potential challenges in the role.

2

Imagine you are a journalist interviewing a scientist about a groundbreaking discovery. Write a list of questions using first conditionals to explore the potential impact and future implications of the discovery.

3

Create a dialogue between a detective and a witness during a criminal investigation. Use first conditionals to ask questions that help uncover key information about the case.