This photo is from a local neighborhood shop. To read the offer fully, it would be–if you buy 3 shirts, you get five shirts. Presto! And just like that, we have a sentence in the zero conditional.
The zero conditional is used to convey 100% certainty.
For instance, these sentences are in the zero conditional:
Condition, result
If you freeze water, it becomes ice.
When you melt ice, it becomes water.
The first part of the sentence is the condition. If that condition is met, the result is guaranteed.
In case you are itching to make more sentences in the zero conditional, use this form:
If + present simple, present simple
If you heat pure gold to 1064oCelsius, it melts.
As can be seen from these sentences above, the zero conditional is used for scientific facts.
I can hear you thinking…. This post is about melting ice and gold. What does this have to do with me?
As you now know, we use the zero conditional when talking about a result that we are a 100% sure of. So, we can use it for rules, policies, laws, and procedures. Has anyone told you this zero conditional sentence?
‘If you don’t update your password, you can’t access your account.’
Now, doesn’t that sound all too familiar? And I’m sure we have all read something along these lines–
If you wish to cancel your subscription, click the button below.
Yes, you have been reading zero conditional sentences for quite a while. And, the next time you spot an irresistible offer such as buy 1,get 1 free— you’ll know which conditional it is!
If you wish to know about the first conditional, click here.
Students frequently ask me which website they can visit to learn English.
Of course, there are so many out there. In my experience as a trainer, the best one is BBC Learning English. Their material is relevant and engaging.
This is a disclaimer: BBC is not paying me. I’m writing this post so that you could get the most out of the website.
Wait!
Before you google BBC Learning English, let me give you an overview.
The website has a lot to offer. Let’s start:
Vocabulary
The more words you know, the more precisely you can express yourself. When a person has a limited vocabulary, he tends to repeat words and phrases.
Whatever our English levels may be, we all need to expand our range of vocabulary.
It takes time to learn new words. My suggestion to you is this: go slow. Don’t just learn the meaning of words. Practice using them. Become familiar with them. Use them correctly.
I’ve noticed that students at times struggle with phrasal verbs. Do you freak out when you hear the phrase phrasal verbs? Help is at hand. Here’s the definition. If you are working, then you need phrasal verbs, for well, for work. And we all need phrasal verbs for technology.
Vocabulary is not limited to learning phrasal verbs. You also need to learn more words and phrases.
Remember, it’s not just about learning new phrases. It’s about using new phrases appropriately. I suggest you select phrases you like and try to use them during the week. Over time, you will be on fire!
Grammar
Are you comfortable with all the tenses that are there? You can confide in me. Be honest.
If you like the idea of learning grammar by watching The Grammar Gameshow , go for it.
There is so much more when it comes to grammar. I know, it seems endless. Visit the main grammar page to find out more.
Pronunciation
Whatever your accent may be, that’s okay. What’s important is that you speak clearly and fluently.
The sounds of English are the building blocks of words. Are you keen to learn these sounds? Do you want to know the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants? You are at the right place.
Check out The Sounds of English on the pronunciation main page. I watched those short videos years ago, and I found them helpful. I hope you do too.
Tim’s Pronunciation Workshop is an effective way to learn about different aspects of pronunciation, such as elisionand assimilation. Not familiar with those last two words? No worries. You’re probably doing some it already, in a natural way.
It’s more fun learning pronunciation than it is learning grammar. Do you agree?
Is there anything ‘more’ to do on the website?
On the right hand side of the menu bar, there is an option: More. Click on it with confidence. Don’t hesitate.
I have noticed that students often do not know their level. Do you know yours? Are you at the intermediate level? Upper-intermediate? Advanced?
Here’s the thing. Many students are generous when it comes to deciding which level they are at.
I’ve seen this happen lots of times: a person who is at the intermediate level believes that he is an upper-intermediate student! And the same goes for other levels as well. Many students are bumping themselves up a level.
I’m not a 100% convinced when it comes to online level tests. Having said that, try the level test at BBC learning English. See what you get.
If you enjoy listening to podcasts, try this out. You can listen while travelling.
Paragraphs make your writing easier to read. Make sure you use them effectively.
In this Chinese ink painting, blank space is used to create harmony and balance. The blank space is an integral part of the painting.
When you write, you use words. You also use space.
Using space in emails
Using space thoughtfully will make your writing easier to read.
Let’s look at two examples.
Example 1
Dear X,
We would need to update the technical documentation for product Z. Could we meet tomorrow at 11am at the main conference room? There are two new features that have been proposed by the design team. It would be best if you are present when they make the presentation. That way, you are on board from the start. If you have any questions, do let me know.
Best regards,
Y
Example 2
Dear X,
We would need to update the technical documentation for Product Z.
Could we meet tomorrow at 11am at the main conference room?
There are two new features that have been proposed by the design team. It would be best if you are present when they make the presentation. That way, you are on board from the start.
If you have any questions, do let me know.
Best regards,
Y
Wouldn’t you prefer to receive an email organized like example 2? Just by using space to separate sentences and thoughts, the entire message becomes clearer.
When writing an email, put yourself in the shoes of the reader. The message should be understood without much effort. The reader should not have to read the message a second or a third time.
Using space when messaging
Even when messaging on WhatsApp, think about space.
Which message is easier to read?
Example 3
Hi B, The training session has been finalized. It will be this Friday @ 3pm in the basement. Everyone from Marketing will be there. We have allocated 10 minutes for you to tell us about your initiative. Could you confirm your availability by today, EOD?
Example 4
Hi B,
The training session has been finalized.
It will be this Friday @ 3pm in the basement.
Everyone from Marketing will be there. We have allocated 10 minutes for you to tell us about your initiative.
Could you confirm your availability by today, EOD?
Of course, the second WhatsApp message (example 4) is easier to read. And in that message, the reader knows exactly what is happening, and what she is expected to do.
Unlike the first message (example 3), the second message is crystal clear. And all that changed was the use of space.
The need for space
Many times, emails are not even read properly. People just skim them. (You may be skimming this post right now :)) When skimming, they may miss relevant information.
Use space when writing emails to divide your message into meaningful chunks. This will make it easier for people to read and absorb the main points of your message. Remember, even a sentence can be a paragraph.
Use space when messaging on WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. It will make it easier for people to understand your message, especially when reading on a small screen.
When there is no space in your writing (example 1), the reader gets overwhelmed. They struggle to find the main message.
Have mercy on your reader.
Look again at the ink painting. A bird on a branch. Simple, clear, and effective. That’s how your writing should be.
Rome was not built in a day. Neither is proficiency in any language. It takes time to learn a language. Think about your mother-tongue. How much time would a person need to learn it to be an advanced-level speaker?
International English exams such as IELTS, SAT, and TOEFL test a person’s language skills.
But they do more than that.
Not many people are aware of this: they indirectly test a person’s level of general knowledge.
For example, you may be expected to read and answer questions on a piece about Global History. If you have no clue about history, the task is challenging. Your mind does not have the framework to understand the topic.
What can you as a parent do? This post is for parents who have children in the 8th to the 12th class.
I start with a disclaimer. This post will not provide any short-cuts to getting higher scores.
Instead, you will learn how to strengthen the English language foundation of your child, so that when the time comes to appear for such exams, she will be better prepared.
Are you interested to learn more? Then read on.
How to succeed in international English exams
Let’s go step by step. Here is step one:
How can parents help their children learn English? Take a level test.
Before one starts on a journey, one needs to know where one is. At what level is your child? Is she at the intermediate level or higher or lower? It would be good to find out.
If there is a language school near you, such as the British Council, then you could find out whether they conduct language assessment tests. The results will provide you with an objective measure of your child’s language skills.
You can also take a quick test online from Cambidge.
In my experience as an English teacher, I have noticed that people tend to overestimate their English skills. Do not make the same mistake.
If you are able to visit a language school nearby, go there and find out. It will be worth it.
How can parents support English language learners: Learn the four skills and language
As a parent, the more aware you are of language learning, the better you can guide your child. So, let’s take a deep dive into language learning.
There are four skills when it comes to language usage. The skills are: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Apart from the four skills we also have grammar and vocabulary.
Let’s start with speaking.
Speaking skills
There are two aspects to speaking: fluency and accuracy. I have noticed that there are people who speak fluently, but they make a lot of basic grammatical errors! This affects accuracy and will negatively affect one’s score, especially in tests such as IELTS. Here are a few videos from the British Council that would help, if you are thinking about IELTS.
Even if your child is not preparing for IELTS, do watch these videos. They can improve her overall speaking skills.
Many students are fluent and have reasonably good grammar, but pronunciation is a problem.
How can you improve pronunciation? There are many ways to do this.
The first is to listen. When you hear people talk, listen to how they pronounce words. The danger is that everyone you meet may be pronouncing a word incorrectly!
The internet can come to the rescue. If you are unsure of how a word is pronounced, visit the Cambridge Dictionary.
Just type in the word and listen to the pronunciation. There would normally be two variations: UK and US. Choose the one that you are more comfortable with.
You can also have fun when learning pronunciation. Pick a song and sing along. Don’t worry if your voice is out of tune. It’s a fun way to spend time with your child. Both of you can sing your hearts out.
On YouTube, there are many songs with the lyrics as well. Select a song that you think is appropriate. This exercise may sound silly, but it is a good way to get accustomed to accents and also improve one’s pronunciation without any stress. To get you started, play this song from the Beatles: Here comes the sun.
You can also pay attention to how words are pronounced when watching movies, serials, and news programs. Become aware of how you pronounce words and compare the pronunciation with other peoples. Yes, to improve your child’s pronunciation, you have to work on yours as well.
To get an overview of pronunciation, read this post.
Let’s look at the next skill.
Listening skills
As a skill, listening may be more rewarding than speaking.
Many people are better speakers than listeners. They speak, speak, and speak, without listening to what the other person has to say. I urge you to be a better listener to improve your English language skills.
When listening to a person speak, or watching a movie, do not be passive. Be an active listener. Give your full attention. Analyze what the person is trying to say. For example, when watching a documentary on climate change, think about what the main point of the argument is. Think about the words used to convey a message. Think about the sequencing of ideas and the examples given. Think about the pronunciation and intonation.
Sounds exhausting?
It could be. However, you will find it a more enriching experience. And your general language skills will improve.
Once you start finding yourself to be a better listener, see how you can guide your child. Here is what you can do. Watch a video on science. And then ask general and specific questions.
Let’s look at this video on the planet Saturn.
I have come up with some questions based on the video:
General questions
1. What is the video about?
2. How did the rings of Saturn form?
Specific questions:
1. What is the Roche Limit?
2. What are the names of two of Saturn’s moons?
The first set of questions require listening for gist, while the second set of specific questions asks you to listen for detail.
To improve listening skills, this is what you can do.
1. Play the video once, and ask two general questions. (You can make some more, if you like.)
2. Then, ask the two specific questions. If she cannot answer them properly, play the video again.
Try this approach with other videos. You will find your child honing her listening skills. You can even ask your child to make questions to test you! This would further activate her listening skills. And she would enjoy it to see you fumble.
Listening is an overlooked skill. Do not underestimate it. It can be beneficial in not only improving one’s language skills, but also general knowledge. Both of which are tested on exam day.
Reading skills
Reading is a lot like listening. It is another under-rated skill. People read to pass exams. Many people do not read out of curiosity or for pleasure. In short, people read only when they need to.
Try to develop the reading habit in your child. This will reap benefits in many ways.
First, her vocabulary will improve. It is said that a word has to be encountered at least ten times before it can be used by a person naturally and appropriately. Do not encourage your child to memorize word lists. She may use them incorrectly and out of context. Vocabulary building takes time. It takes years. Reading is the best way to do it.
Reading also helps in improving one’s general knowledge. There is a wide range of topics that your child may encounter on an international English language test. Here is short list:
1.Science
Possible topics: astronomy, geology, and chemistry
2.Social sciences
Possible topics: economics, psychology, and political science
3.The Environment
Possible topics: climate change, pollution, deforestation
4.Film and entertainment
Possible topics: film genres, film and its impact on society, the role of theatre in social change
Do not get intimidated. As I wrote at the beginning of this post, Rome was not built in a day. There are more common topics that could appear on test day. However, these four should be enough for now. I do not want to overload you.
To help your child succeed in international English exams, make sure that she reads the newspaper. Many students start reading the newspaper weeks before the exam day. How much can they learn? Reading newspapers should become a habit and not something one does ten days before the test.
Do not impose reading on her. You could start by asking her to read an article on a topic she likes. It could be about sport or history. Slowly expand the range to include other topics such as science and technology.
Your local English paper would have many good articles. You could also read these online news websites:
When on these websites, do not start with the current news. Read the sections on science & technology, sports, environment, and culture. Then start reading other sections.
If you feel that there may be inappropriate content for your child, decide what she should read.
When you have selected an article, this is what you can do:
Ask your child to read the headline and guess what the article is about. This will help her prepare her mind to better absorb the writing.
Look at the photograph and discuss what it is trying to say. What is the focus of the photograph? Is there a message?
Let her read the article, and then ask her what new information she has learnt. Are there any words she is unsure of? Find out the meaning and pronunciation from an online dictionary. Did she like the article? Why or why not?
To help your child succeed in international English exams, you will have to think like a teacher.
Asking these kinds of probing questions will make her more engaged with the article. Over time, she will become a better reader. Improved reading skills will be an advantage throughout life.
Writing skills
We have now arrived at the last skill. In IELTS, many candidates find this the most difficult part of the test. Even if the test your child is planning to take does not have writing, I urge you to read on. Writing is a skill that is essential in adult life.
To write well, it would be a good idea to read well. When reading an article or opinion piece, pay attention to the organization of ideas. How is the topic introduced? What is the first main point? Is it supported with facts or examples?
A big problem when it comes to writing is coherence and cohesion. Coherence refers to the logical flow of ideas. And cohesion refers to the use of cohesive devices (such as however, therefore) that hold the sentences and paragraphs together.
Watch this video on coherence and cohesion. Even if your child is not planning to take IELTS, it would be useful.
It is important to plan well before actually writing. In fact, the better plan, the easier it is to write.
Phew! That was a lot of information. Sorry, we are not done yet. If you recall, in language learning, apart from the four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), there is what we call language.
Language includes grammar and vocabulary.
How to succeed in international English exams: Grammar
Make sure that your child’s grammatical foundation is strong. If the foundation is weak, then errors will persist into adulthood. And of course, she will find it difficult to get a high score in any international English exam.
Grammar is vast. You could start with my post on articles (a, an, the). If you want to know more about the future time, click here.
If your child finds grammar to be difficult, spend more time exploring those online websites.
Another way to learn grammar is through more exposure to the language. Make your child watch more English movies and read more books.
How can parents help their children learn English? Vocabulary
As we looked at before, the more one engages with the language, the more one improves one’s vocabulary. Make sure that your child is exposed to a variety of topics. This will improve her topic-specific vocabulary. For instance, if she watches a video about climate change, she will learn words that are used in that field. You could ask her to have a book where she writes down new words and phrases.
Of course, she should also read newspapers, magazines, and non-fiction and fiction books. Make sure the reading material is broad, covering diverse topics ranging from technology to culture.
How can I help my child? One step at a time
As you can tell, you are in a marathon and not a sprint.
To succeed in international English exams requires one to have a strong foundation in both language and general knowledge. A strong base in general knowledge will help your child to better cope with the variety of topics that will be present on test day.
The sooner you start the better. Take it one step at a time. And do not overwhelm your child or yourself!
If you are in India, I have written a book on common Indian errors in Business English, covering topics such as vocabulary, Indian English, and grammar. It would be helpful when focusing on common errors Indians make. Click here to find out more about it.
Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments section below.
FAQs
How can parents help their children learn English?
Make English a part of your child’s environment.
Watch cartoons, serials, and movies. Read comic books, magazines, and novels.
The key to learning any language is complete immersion.
How can parents support English language learners?
Find out your child’s language level. That is the first step in the journey.
Focus on the four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Emphasize the skills of listening (watch documentaries, TV programs) and reading (read newspapers, magazines, and novels).
What is the best way to study for an English language exam?
Make a long-term plan to improve your English. Do not start preparing two weeks before the test.
Understand the expectations of the test. This is key.
Answer past question papers.
Is IELTS hard to pass?
If your English is at the upper-intermediate or advanced level, it is not difficult. But, you will still need to know the expectations of the test. Otherwise, you may not reach your full potential, even if you are an advanced-level speaker.
If your English level is at the intermediate level or below, then it is difficult. Start by improving your general English skills.
What can I do to pass the English exam?
Improve your general English level.
Find out the expectations of the test.
Practice answering common test questions. When possible, go to the official website/YouTube channel of the test authority to get authentic practice material.
How can I help my child with English language?
Make your child familiar and comfortable with the language. Watch English programmes on YouTube or TV.
As a parent, you should be aware of what language learning means. Focus on the four skills: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Remember that listening and reading are undervalued skills.
Focus on grammar, but do not try to cover all grammar points in a short period of time. It takes time for a learner to understand, absorb, and practice. Go slow and steady.
Where are you right now? During these lockdown days, most probably, you are in home. Correct? No. That sentence is grammatically incorrect. You are at home. Prepositions when it comes to spaces can get tricky. I know.
We use in when talking about a well-defined space. So, my guess is that you are reading this post in a room. When it comes to the preposition in you can say: in my building, there are thirty flats. If you are feeling hungry, there are muffins in the box.
So, here comes the question. Don’t mull over it. Go with your gut feeling. You have two options: a. The party is in the garden. b. The party is at the garden.
Did you say in the garden? Woohoo! That’s correct. A garden is a well-defined space and so we use in. If you got it wrong, no worries. Now you know.
When we talk about spaces that have a specific purpose, then things change. We usually use at. That’s why it is at home and not in home. The word home has specific emotions and meanings attached to it. It’s not a random place.
Now, picture this. You are flying to Colombo for a meeting. You call your friend and say, “Hey, I am at the airport. Do you want me to buy anything for you?” Note that you said at the airport, and not in the airport. So when it comes to airports, train stations, and other places with specific purposes, use at.
This is the really tricky part. Let’s look at another place: a hospital. If you are at the hospital visiting a relative who is a patient there, you say: I’m at the hospital. On the hand, if Rahul is a patient, you say: he is inhospital (UK English). In US English, it would be: he is inthe hospital.
There is more I’d like to tell you about prepositions, but I want these above points to sink in, nice and slowly. So, I’ll end the post here.
If you would like to read my first post on prepositions, click here.
And here is a short video on common errors in the use of prepositions.
Still want more on prepositions? Visit British Council Learning English for prepositions of time and of place.
I’ve noticed that many people do not have time to learn about articles. They’re just not bothered, frankly. But, if you don’t use articles correctly, there will be grammatical errors in your presentations, emails and reports.
This is the third post on articles. In the previous posts, we looked at the indefinite and definite articles.
And now, for the grand finale.
Let us find out about that most mysterious article of all, the third type of article, known as the zero article.
To see the zero article, click twice inside the golden frame below. You will have to click twice, quickly. And then focus on the empty space within the frame. (Make sure you look at all parts of the frame, especially the corners.)
Before we talk more about this type of article we need to be clear about two concepts.
Read these two definitions:
Abstract nouns–An abstract noun is a noun that you cannot touch, see, smell, hear, or taste. For example, peace, love, and imagination are abstract nouns.
Plural count nouns–These are nouns that can be counted. Examples are: masks, beds, and vampires. You can say I see: five masks, three beds, and two vampires.
Did you get that?
Okay then.
We use the zero article before an abstract noun or before a plural count noun.
Simple as that.
Here are two sentences where we use the zero article.
Imagination is the need of the hour.
I don’t meet vampires after sunset.
In both these sentences, there is a zero article before the noun–imagination (abstract noun); vampires (plural count noun).
We are almost done here. I need to tell you about the times when we use the definite article the before an abstract noun or a plural count noun.
We use it when talking about something specific.
For instance: The imagination of a child is limitless.
Or: The vampires in my hometown are quite harmless.
In both these sentences, we are referring to a specific type of noun–the imaginationof a child; the vampires from my hometown.
Now that you know about the zero article, keep an eye out for it. Not people know about this hidden article.
For more on articles, visit British Council LearnEnglish.
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