Body Paragraphs 4: Extending ideas with 2nd conditionals

In our IELTS writing task 2 answer, we can use the 2nd conditional to talk about an action and result in a hypothetical way. We don’t expect this action to actually happen any time soon, so we use the 2nd conditional to show that we’re only imagining a possible (hypothetical) situation.

Let's look at two examples of conditionals. The first example uses the 1st conditional, so it shows that we think there is a real chance this will happen. We are talking about the real world. The second example shows the 2nd conditional, which shows that we don't expect this to happen in reality.

1st conditional (real - there is a reason to think this might happen in reality):

Action: the government invests more money in rail transport.

Result: more people will use trains instead of cars.

Result 2: there will be less air pollution from vehicle exhausts.

2nd conditional (unreal - we don't expect this to happen in reality):

Action: If the government invested more money in rail transport,

Result: more people would use trains instead of cars,

Result 2: there would be less air pollution from vehicle exhausts.

By using the 2nd conditional we show that we are only imagining the situation, and there's no reason to think the government will really invest more money in rail transport. There's no government proposal, or policy which might make this really happen. It's purely imaginary.

In IELTS Writing Task 2, we often need to suggest solutions or express ideas about what could or might happen in an imaginary way. We aren't talking about a real situation in our country or what we expect out government might really do, so we can use the second conditional.

Exercise: 

Create a 2nd conditional statement which gives the hypothetical result(s) of the action.

Example:

Action: the speed limit is reduced to 60 mph on motorways

Result: less petrol will be used by motorists

2nd conditional statement: If the speed limit were reduced to 60 mph on motorways, less petrol would be used by motorists

1. Action: People who drive into the city centre must pay a fee.

Result: Fewer people will drive into the city centre.

2. Action: The government taxes petrol more heavily.

Result 1: Petrol will be less affordable.

Result 2: People will drive less.

3. Action: Petrol and diesel vehicles are banned in 2030.

Result 1: People will be forced to use electric vehicles.

Result 2: The electricity system will struggle to cope with the demand for electricity.

4. Action: The age when a person can start driving is raised to 25 years old

Result: There will be fewer serious accidents on the roads.

5. Action: More cycle lanes are built around cities.

Result: People will use their cars less.

Result 2: People will be healthier.

Activity: 

Now think of the hypothetical result(s) and write the 2nd conditional statements.

1. Action: Only driverless cars are allowed on the roads.

2. Action: Trucks can only use the roads at night

3. Action: The government helps to build recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

4. Action: More money is spent on high speed trains.

5. Action: A special lane is created on roads for motorists who car share.

6. Action: Bus and train services run more frequently.

7. Action: The number of cars on the roads continues to increase rapidly every year.

8. Action: Schools ban parents from bringing their children to school by car.