UNIT 6 LESSON A: Present Real Conditionals

 PRE – READING

1. What is a cyber-mall?
2. Do you ever purchase (buy) online?
3. What are some of the steps people should take to shop safely online?

Read this article about cyber-malls.

Where is the largest mall in the world? If you think it’s in Alberta, Canada, you’re wrong! It’s in
cyberspace! And you can get there from your computer or smartphone.
Cyber shopping is fast, convenient, and often less expensive. It doesn’t matter if it’s a book or a
diamond necklace – with just a click, you can buy anything without getting up from your chair. If you’re
looking for the best price you can easily compare prices and read other buyers’ reviews of products.
Shopping online can save you time and money – but you need to surf and shop safely. Here are some
tips to make your trip to the cyber-mall a good one:

Only enter your credit card information on a secure site. If

you see a closed lock or complete key symbol at the bottom
of your screen, the site is secure. Also, the web address will
change from http://www to https://www. This means that
your credit card number will be encrypted (changed so
others can’t read it). If the site isn’t secure, don’t enter your
credit card information.

Print out and save a record of your purchase. If there’s a

problem, the receipt gives you proof of purchase.

Find out the return policy. What happens if you don’t like the product?

As you can see, these steps are similar to the ones you follow in a “store with doors.” Use
common sense. If you take some basic precautions, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Internet shopping has literally brought a world of opportunity to consumers. Today we can shop
24 hours a day, 7 days a week in stores that are halfway around the globe without ever having to leave
home or stand in line. As many things in life, there are some risks. Just remember that online or off – if an
offer seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. Happy cyber shopping!

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GRAMMAR NOTES

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 Present Real Conditionals (Zero Conditional)

1. Use present real conditional sentences for

general truths.

The if clause talks about the condition, and the If it’s a holiday, the store is closed.
result clause talks about what happens if the
condition occurs. If you use a credit card, it’s faster.

Use the simple present in both clauses.

We often use even if when the result is Even if it’s a holiday, this store stays open.
surprising.

2. You can also use real conditional sentences

for habits and things that happen again and If Bill shops online, he uses a credit card.
again.

Use the simple present or present progressive If I’m surfing the Web, I use Google.
in the if clause. Use the simple present in the
result clause.

You can often use when instead of if. This is When Bill shops online, he uses a credit
especially true when you talk about general card.
truths, habits, and things that happen again
and again. When I’m surfing the Web, I use Google.

3. You can use modals (can, could, might, If you don’t like the product, you can return
must,) in the result clause. it.

If you have children, you shouldn’t let them

shop online.

4. Use the imperative in the result clause to If you change your mind, call the company.
give instructions, commands, and
invitations that depend on a certain If the site isn’t secure, don’t enter your
condition. credit card information.

We sometimes use then to emphasize the If you change your mind, then call the
result in real conditional sentences with company.
imperatives or modals.

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1. DISCOVER THE GRAMMAR
Read these shopping tips. In each real conditional sentence, underline the result clause once clause that
expresses the condition twice.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

You’re shopping in a foreign city. Should you pay full price, or should you bargain?
If you don’t know the answer, you can pay too much or miss a fun experience. Bargaining is one of
the greatest shopping pleasures if you know how to do it. The strategies are different in different
places. Check out these tips before you go.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the world’s greatest shopping cities. If you like to bargain, you can do it
anywhere except the larger department stores. The trick is not to look too interested. If you see
something you want, pick it up along with some other items and ask the prices. Then make an offer
below what you’re willing to pay. If the sellers offer is close to the price you want, then you should
be able to reach an agreement quickly.

Mexico
In Mexico, people truly enjoy bargaining. There are some clear rules, though. You should bargain
only if you’re interested in buying the object. If the vendor’s price is far more than what you want to
pay, then politely stop the negotiation. If you think your prize is reasonable, walking away will often
bring a lower offer.

Italy
Bargaining in Italy is appropriate at outdoor markets and with street vendors. In stores you can
politely ask for a discount if you want to bargain. Take your time. Make conversation if you speak
Italian. Show your admiration for the object by picking it up and pointing out its wonderful features.
When you hear the price, look sad. Make your own offer. End the bargaining politely if you can’t
agree.

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2. FREQUENT BUYER
Complete the interview with Claudia Leggett, a fashion buyer. Combine the two sentences in
parentheses to make a real conditional sentence. Keep the same order and decide which clause begins
with if / when. Make necessary arrangements in capitalization and punctuation.

Interviewer: Is understanding fashion the most important thing for a career as a buyer?

Leggett: If you don’t understand fashion, you don’t belong in this field.
(You don’t understand fashion. You don’t belong in this field.)

Interviewer: Such as?

Leggett: You can make better decisions if you have good business skills.
(You can make better decisions. You have good business skills.)

Interviewer: “People Skills” must be important too.

Leggett: True. A buyer needs a great deal of interpersonal skills when she’s negotiating
prices.
(A buyer needs great interpersonal skills. She’s negotiating prices.)

Interviewer: Do you travel in your business?

Leggett: A lot! When there’s a big international fashion fair, I’m usually there.
(There’s a big international fashion fair. I’m usually there.)

Interviewer: Why fashion fairs?

Leggett: Thousands of professional attend. If I go to a fair, I can see hundreds of products in a

few days.
(Go to a fair. I can see hundreds of products in a few days.)

Interviewer: What do you do when you’re not at a fashion fair?

Leggett: I always go shopping when I have free time.

(I always go shopping. I have free time.)

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3. PROS AND CONS
Work in a small group. Look at the cartoon. What are some of the differences between shopping in a
“store with doors” and shopping online? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

4. WRITING
Work in pairs. Imagine that you’re preparing an information brochure for tourist about your city or town.
Write a list of tips for visitors. Use present real conditional sentences.

Example: If you like to shop, Caterville has the biggest mall in this part of the country.
If you enjoy swimming or boating, you should visit the Ocean Park.

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