Casa ESL · B1 Intermediate · Unit 20 of 20 · Step 2
International topics and mixed conditionals review
Name
Date
Vocabulary
globalisation
nounThe process by which the world becomes more connected through trade, technology, and culture.
"Globalisation has changed the way people communicate."
diversity
nounThe state of having people of different backgrounds, cultures, or characteristics.
"If we valued diversity more, society would be richer."
cooperation
nounThe act of working together towards a common goal.
"International cooperation is essential to solve global problems."
sustainable
adjectiveAble to continue over time without damaging the environment.
"If everyone adopted sustainable habits, the planet would benefit."
diplomacy
nounThe skill of managing international relations.
"If leaders had used diplomacy, the conflict wouldn't have happened."
migration
nounThe movement of people from one place to another.
"Migration has shaped cultures around the world."
interconnected
adjectiveConnected to each other in some way.
"Today's economies are more interconnected than ever before."
perspective
nounA particular way of thinking about something.
"Travelling gives you a different perspective on life."
Grammar Focus
Mixed conditionals and conditional review
Mixed conditionals combine different time references. Type 1 (past → present): If + past perfect, would + infinitive — an unreal past condition with a present result. Example: If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now. Type 2 (present → past): If + past simple, would have + past participle — an unreal present condition with a past result. Example: If I were braver, I would have taken the job abroad. Review: Zero (if + present, present), First (if + present, will), Second (if + past, would), Third (if + past perfect, would have + pp).
If I had grown up in another country, I would speak a different language now. (past → present)
If she weren't so busy, she would have come to the conference last week. (present → past)
If we recycle more, we will reduce waste. (first conditional — review)
If I had more time, I would volunteer for an international charity. (second conditional — review)
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence with the correct verb form to create a mixed or standard conditional.
1. If I had learned Chinese as a child, I (speak) it fluently now.
2. If she (not be) so shy, she would have made more friends at the conference.
3. If they had invested in renewable energy, the air (be) cleaner today.
4. If I (be) you, I would have accepted the offer.
5. If countries (cooperate) more, many global problems could be solved.
Exercise 2
Match each conditional sentence with the correct type.
Reading
A More Connected World
We live in a world that is more interconnected than at any point in history. If the internet had never been invented, we would not communicate the way we do today. People from different countries can now collaborate on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other in real time. However, globalisation has also created challenges. If governments cooperated more on environmental issues, the world would be in a better position. Some experts believe that if leaders had taken climate change seriously twenty years ago, we would not face such a crisis now. Despite these challenges, there is reason for hope. Young people around the world are demanding change, and if they continue to push for sustainability and equality, the future could look very different.
1. According to the passage, what would be different if the internet had never been invented?
2. What do some experts say about climate change?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 8–10 sentences about how the world is connected today and how it could be different. Use at least one example of each conditional type you have studied (zero, first, second, third, and mixed).
Example: If you travel to another country, you learn about new cultures. If I had the chance, I would live abroad for a year. If I had studied languages at school, I would speak more than two languages now. If countries work together on climate change, they will make real progress.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. would speak · 2. weren't · 3. would be · 4. were · 5. cooperated
Exercise 2
1. If it rains, we stay inside. → Zero conditional · 2. If you study hard, you will pass the exam. → First conditional · 3. If I had more money, I would travel the world. → Second conditional · 4. If they had left earlier, they would have caught the train. → Third conditional · 5. If I had been born in Brazil, I would speak Portuguese now. → Mixed conditional (past → present)
Reading Comprehension
1. We would not communicate the way we do today — people would not be able to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other in real time. · 2. Some experts believe that if leaders had taken climate change seriously twenty years ago, we would not face such a crisis now.