EnglishEco words and environmental patterns
Point to each term and place it under Actions, Problems, or Solutions. 🌍
- reduce waste [/rɪˈdjuːs weɪst/]
- use fewer materials and throw away less
We reduce waste when we reuse shopping bags. - recycle [/ˌriːˈsaɪkəl/]
- process used materials so they can be used again
Many families recycle paper, glass, and plastic. - renewable energy [/rɪˌnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/]
- energy from sources that do not run out, such as wind or sun
Renewable energy can reduce carbon emissions. - plastic pollution [/ˈplæstɪk pəˈluːʃən/]
- plastic waste that damages land, rivers, or seas
Plastic pollution can harm sea animals. - carbon emissions [/ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/]
- gases released into the air, especially from burning fuel
Cars produce carbon emissions. - conserve water [/kənˈsɜːv ˈwɔːtə/]
- use water carefully and avoid wasting it
We conserve water when we turn off the tap. - plant trees [/plɑːnt triːz/]
- put young trees in the ground so they can grow
Volunteers plant trees in the local park. - wildlife habitat [/ˈwaɪldlaɪf ˈhæbɪtæt/]
- the natural home of wild animals
A clean forest protects wildlife habitat. - compost [/ˈkɒmpɒst/]
- decayed food and plant material used to improve soil
We compost fruit and vegetable scraps. - public transport [/ˌpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːt/]
- buses, trains, and other shared transport services
Public transport can reduce traffic. - landfill [/ˈlændfɪl/]
- a place where rubbish is buried in the ground
Too much rubbish goes to landfill. - solar power [/ˈsəʊlə ˈpaʊə/]
- energy produced from sunlight
Solar power is useful on sunny days.
Read the examples aloud. Decide what each sentence means.
Conditional | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Zero | if + present, present | general truth |
First | if + present, will + verb | real future possibility |
Second | if + past, would + verb | unreal present or future |
If we reduce waste, we will help the environment.
If everyone used less plastic, there would be less pollution.
If plants do not get water, they die.
Choose the environmental pattern
Decide whether each sentence expresses a general truth, a real future possibility, or an imagined change.
If people recycle, less rubbish goes to landfill. This is [___] .
If our school installs solar panels, it will save money. This is [___] .
If cities had more bike lanes, fewer people would drive. This is [___] .
Now complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
If you heat ice, it [___] .
If we take public transport tomorrow, we [___] carbon emissions.
If I [___] mayor, I would ban single-use plastic.
If a wildlife habitat [___] , animals lose their homes.
If the class [___] a clean-up next week, it will make the park safer.
A school eco-project
Green Steps for Next Term
Our school is planning an eco-project for next term. The student council has proposed three practical changes. First, recycling bins will appear in every corridor. If students separate paper, cans, and plastic, the bins will stay cleaner and less rubbish will go to landfill. The council also wants a small garden behind the science block. If plants get enough water and light, they grow well, so classes can use the garden for experiments. Finally, members have imagined a car-free Friday. If more families used public transport or bicycles, there would be fewer cars near the school and the air would feel fresher. The project needs volunteers, but teachers are confident that it can succeed. If the plan is approved this week, students will begin work in May.
- What will happen if students separate paper, cans, and plastic?
- What will happen if the plan is approved this week?
- What would happen if more families used public transport or bicycles?
Difficult words
- student council — a group of students who represent other students
- corridor — a long passage inside a building
- separate — put different things into different groups
- landfill — a place where rubbish is buried
- car-free — without private cars
- volunteers — people who offer to help without payment
- approved — officially accepted or agreed to
Your environmental solutions
Write one paragraph about environmental solutions at home, at school, or in your town. Write 50–100 words. ✍️
Include:
- one Zero Conditional: If water freezes, ...
- one First Conditional: If we plant more trees, ...
- one Second Conditional: If everyone stopped driving, ...
- at least three eco words from today
Useful phrases:
- At home, we can ...
- At our school, we will ... if ...
- In my town, there would be ... if ...
- This would reduce ...
- People should ...
Check before you finish:
- □ I used three conditional types.
- □ Zero Conditional: present + present.
- □ First Conditional: present + will.
- □ Second Conditional: past + would.
- □ My ideas are connected clearly.
- □ I used at least three eco words.
