OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on the first conditional offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for intermediate B1 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss upcoming events, trips, and activities using first conditional expressions naturally.
• Expand vocabulary related to trips, celebrations, and planning for different situations.
• Study how to use first conditional and connectors like if, when, once, as soon as, and in case.
• Practice forming first conditional sentences and using connectors in real-life contexts.
• Engage in interactive tasks where they plan events and discuss possible scenarios with classmates.

WARM-UP ACTIVITY

Students start this first conditional ESL lesson by reading Lilian’s thoughts about her camping trip this weekend. They notice how she uses different connectors with the first conditional in her plans, including as soon as, in case, when, once, and if. They discuss simple questions about the trip, such as what else Lilian should prepare, what fun activities she could do with friends, and whether they would enjoy this type of trip themselves.

Next, students discuss general questions about trips and events, focusing on their favorite kinds of activities, their approach to planning, and how organized they are when making arrangements. They are encouraged to share real experiences and use conditional language naturally while describing their ideas.

Finally, students examine images showing different types of events: traveling abroad for a wedding, an overnight ski trip with family, and hosting a house party or celebration. They identify what is important to organize, bring, or think about for each situation, preparing them for the language study section.

TARGET LANGUAGE STUDY

Students first complete rule exercises highlighting the use of connectors in first conditional sentences. They study examples from Lilian’s camping trip, noticing how if, when, as soon as, once, and in case are used to talk about possible situations, time sequences, or precautions. They complete exercises identifying which connectors indicate conditions versus time sequences.

Next, students choose the correct options in exercises reinforcing the structure and meaning of the first conditional. They confirm understanding that the first conditional refers to realistic future situations and that the clause order can sometimes change the focus but not the overall meaning.

Finally, students match connectors to their functions. They learn that when and once indicate events happening in sequence, as soon as emphasizes immediacy, and in case is used to prepare for possible problems or situations. This part ensures they understand both form and function before applying it in production practice.

PRODUCTION PRACTICE

Students start by choosing the correct connectors in scenarios about a company team-building trip. They read Wiola’s plan and decide whether to use if, when, as soon as, once, or in case in each sentence, considering context, timing, and conditions. Examples include planning reservations, bringing equipment, and organizing activities safely.

Next, students complete sentences about their own lives using first conditional expressions. They write about personal or hypothetical plans, using connectors naturally. Prompts include what they will do after lessons, meetings, or activities, and preparing for possible changes in plans.

Finally, students help Victor plan a beach vacation with his family. Using a list of phrases, they make sentences with if, when, as soon as, once, and in case. They create realistic plans for various situations, including fun activities, possible problems, and preparations, allowing them to use first conditional expressions in a practical, relatable context.

MY UPCOMING PLANS: ACTIVATING CONNECTORS & THE FIRST CONDITIONAL

Students choose an upcoming event, activity, or trip and write specific plans with conditions. Options include trips, outings, school or company events, celebrations, or personal plans. They write sentences using if, when, as soon as, once, and in case at least once each. Example: When the wedding starts, I’ll take photos. I’ll bring tissues in case I start crying. As soon as it finishes, we’ll celebrate with drinks and dancing.

Next, students share their plans with classmates or the teacher. They ask and answer follow-up questions, applying connectors in real conversation and practicing realistic conditional language.

Students also discuss questions about personal routines, possible problems, and everyday plans. They answer prompts such as what they will do when they have free time, what happens if the weather is bad, and how they would handle unexpected problems, using first conditional expressions accurately and confidently.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS FIRST CONDITIONAL ESL LESSON

This lesson helps students develop confidence in speaking about realistic future situations. It provides clear examples and practice of first conditional grammar and connectors. Students expand vocabulary relevant to trips, events, and planning. They practice applying language to their own lives and real-world contexts. The activities encourage discussion, interaction, and creativity, making learning engaging and practical for intermediate ESL learners.