Grammar, Writing, Vocabulary Development, Words for the Week 2 – SS2 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

A conditional sentence has at least two clauses, one of which begins with if or unless. The if clause is the subordinate clause and the result clause is the main clause. This lesson also covers complex sentences, words associated with publishing, and the types and features of a speech.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• identify and write likely, unlikely and unfulfilled conditional sentences;
• write complex sentences and identify the main and subordinate clauses in them;
• explain and use ten words associated with publishing;
• state the types and features of a speech;
• write a farewell speech.

Grammar: what is a conditional sentence?

A conditional sentence has at least two clauses, one beginning with if (or ‘unless’, which means ‘if … not’).

Example: If inflation is high, the value of life insurance policies goes down.

Explanation: The ‘if clause’ is the subordinate clause, while the result clause is the main clause. The order of the sentence can be changed by placing the result clause before the if clause: The value of life insurance policies goes down if inflation is high.

What are the types of conditional sentences?

1. Likely or probable conditionals

Sentences in this category fall into two forms:

1. The if clause and the result clause are both in the present simple tense, e.g. If you have a life insurance policy, your family has financial protection.
2. The if clause is in the present simple tense and the result clause is in the future tense, e.g. With your policy, the insurance company will pay up, even if you drive into a tree.

2. Unlikely or remote conditionals

The past tense (also called the subjunctive) is used in the if clause, and “would” in the result clause.

Example: If you left the keys in the car and if it were stolen, the insurance company would probably not pay you.

3. Unfulfilled or impossible conditionals

This type is used for talking about what did not happen. The past perfect tense is used in the if clause, and “would have” with a past participle is used in the result clause.

Example: If I had left the keys in the car, the insurance company would not have paid up.

What is a complex sentence?

A complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses, so it is written as (M1, S1 or more). Any of the clauses can come first, but it is advisable to write the dependent clause before the main clause to give the sentence vigour. All conditional sentences are complex sentences.

Examples

Vocabulary: what are the words associated with publishing?

1. Publishing: The profession or business of preparing and printing books, magazines, CD-ROMs etc. and selling them or making them available to the public. e.g. Evans Brothers is a reputable publishing company.
2. Manuscript: A copy of a book, piece of music etc. before it has been printed, or a very old book or document that was written by hand before printing. e.g. The author has sold his manuscript to a publishing outfit.
3. Reader: A worker in a publishing house who reads a manuscript to see if it will appeal to the public.
4. Author: A person who writes books or who wrote a particular book. e.g. Who is your favourite author?

5. Edition: The form or number of copies of a book, newspaper or magazine. e.g. Sally Wehmeier is the chief editor of the seventh edition of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.
6. Revised edition: A published book in which the author has added new ideas or removed obsolete concepts. e.g. The revised edition of the textbook will soon be published.
7. Hardback or paperback: A book may have a hard outer covering or a light outer covering. This affects its cost.
8. Review: An examination of something to change it if necessary. e.g. This textbook is due to be reviewed.
9. Imprint (technical): The name of the publisher of a book, usually printed below the title on the first page. e.g. The publisher’s imprint is too vague.
10. Copyright: A statement showing the person who holds publication rights, usually forbidding unauthorised duplication. e.g. It is still a matter of debate if the photocopying of a book infringes copyright laws.

Essay writing: what is speech writing?

A speech is a written composition that is meant to be delivered to a live audience. The language must therefore suit the interest of the audience. Speeches should be informative, educational and entertaining.

What are the types of speech?

• Address of welcome
• Farewell address or speech
• A talk on any topic

What are the features of a speech?

1. The title or topic follows this pattern: A FAREWELL SPEECH WAS DELIVERED BY MR JAMES BODE, THE VICE PRINCIPAL OF GLORY SHOWER SCHOOL, ON THE SENDOFF CEREMONY OF THE DEAN, MRS CAROLINE BARRY AT THE CONFERENCE HALL ON THE 20TH OF JUNE, 2020 AT 10:00 AM.
2. The dignitaries in attendance are greeted in order of hierarchy, status or prominence, e.g. the Proprietor, the Principal, the PTA Chairman, Parents, Members of Staff, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen.
3. Appreciate the privilege to address the gathering.
4. Discuss your points logically, one after the other.
5. Describe your impression of the event or person in question.
6. Discuss its impact on the community or society.
7. Challenge your audience to positive actions.
8. Wish them well to their destinations.
9. Use formal language with occasional humour.

Words for the week

Balik, Complicit, Impecunious, Encumber, Mollify, Frivolous, Confection, Disrepute, Benevolent, Generous

Evaluation

1. What does ‘unless’ mean in a conditional sentence?
2. Which tenses are used in the if clause and the result clause of an unfulfilled conditional sentence?
3. Identify the subordinate clause in this sentence: Whenever it rains, I don’t go to work.
4. Explain the words “manuscript” and “copyright”.
5. Name the three basic types of speech.

Assignment

1. Identify the following as likely, unlikely or unfulfilled conditions:
   1. If you steal, you may be jailed.
   2. I would have left if you had arrived earlier.
   3. If you stole, you would be jailed.
2. Write ten complex sentences using different clause markers and underline the subordinate clauses.
3. Use five vocabulary items from the publishing list to make sentences.
4. Write a farewell speech for an important retiring member of staff in your school.