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Grammar Skills: Zero Conditionals
Intermediate: B1/B2 level

Description

In this lesson, students will learn about the zero conditional, conditionals with imperatives and modal verbs, and the use of "in case" through guided discovery based on a previously read text about parenting. The lesson starts with a lean-in to highlight the target language from the reading, "The Parent Trap". This is followed by a listening practice to listen for sentence stress when using the target language. Then there is a controlled practice where students complete a gap-fill activity with verb forms and if/in case. Finally, there is a freer practice through role-play (experienced parent/new parent) where students brainstorm ideas about tips for parents and then tell their tips to their partner.

Materials

Abc Zero Conditional
Abc Gap-Fill Matching if/in case

Main Aims

  • To provide clarification and practice of zero conditionals, conditionals with imperatives, and in case in the context of parenting

Subsidiary Aims

  • To provide practice with pronunciation of the target language in the context of protective parenting
  • To provide specific information listening practice using a text focusing on sentence stress in the context of protective parenting

Procedure

Warmer/Lead-in (4-5 minutes) • To set lesson context and engage students

T writes on WB :If you have children, you'll worry about them all the time. If you have children, you worry about them all the time. T instructs ss to read the sentences. T elicits using CCQs. CCQs: What's different? main clauses (future/simple present) Which sentence is the first conditional? first sentence Why? because if clause has simple present and main clause has future Has it (first sentence) happened yet? No Is it (first sentence) possible? Yes What's the same? both have if and main clause, if clauses are simple present

Highlighting (4-5 minutes) • To draw students' attention to the target language

T gives ss Zero Conditional HO and chests and draws focus to meaning. T tells students to read the first two sentences and choose the correct words for the rules. Elicits answers. T points to second sentence on board and says this is a zero conditional. CCQs Is this always true? Yes Do both clauses have the simple present tense? Yes Why is it called a zero conditional? because it is always true, no exceptions T chests HO again and draws attention to paragraph with TL sentences in bold. T instructs students to read the bold sentences and answer the questions with a partner. Time limit is 2 minutes. T elicits and has ss underline the modals, imperative, and verb forms. CCQs: Is the modal in the main clause or if clause? main clause Where is the imperative? main clause What verb forms do we use? simple present

Clarification (8-10 minutes) • To clarify the meaning, form and pronunciation of the target language

T chests HO again, drawing attention to bottom of page. Ss read the sentence with a partner and discuss meaning. CCQs: Do in case and if have the same meaning? No What does in case mean? Do parents let their children go out alone? No Why? because something bad might happen T projects some sentences from the reading text on the board and drills (back drills) If you have children, you worry about them all the time. If parents want their kids to grow up healthy, they shouldn't protect them so much. If you want happy and healthy kids, give them back their freedom. T uses listening script and drills students for pronunciation and stress. T gives answer key to ss and clarifies that the circles above the words are stressed. T drills a second time with the script in front of them.

Controlled Practice (8-10 minutes) • To concept check and prepare students for more meaningful practice

T chests gap-fill cut out activity and assigns students coffee, tea, and water. Ss must stand up and mingle to find their 2 other group members. Time set at 3 minutes. CCQs How many members will be in each group? 3 How many verbs in each group? 1 How many if/in case in each group? 1 Will you have if and in case in one sentence? No T gives cut outs to ss Coffees get a verb cut outs Teas gets a gap-fill sentence cut outs Waters gets an if or in case cut outs T instructs ss to look at each other's answers and check. Switch if necessary. T projects answer key on WB for ss to check. In groups, ss discuss sentences that are true for them and compare. T nominates ss to share true statements.

Free Practice (12-15 minutes) • To provide students with free practice of the target language

T tells ss a story. "My best friend Rose is a new parent. But she needs your advice/tips! She doesn't know how to be a good parent and protect her child. T shows picture of "Rose and child" with projector. T chests HO (flips to back) T instructs ss to work alone and write 5 tips for Rose. Use zero conditionals. Time limit is 6 minutes. T instructs ss to work with a partner and that one will be Rose and one will give the advice/tips. Then switch.

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