Conditinals
Rewrite the sentence using a conditional structure:
"We don't invest in renewable energy, so we still depend on fossil fuels."
If we invested in renewable energy, we wouldn't depend on fossil fuels
Match each word to its correct research context:
• mechanism
• instrument
• apparatus
A. A scientific device for precise measurement (e.g., microscope, spectrometer)
B. The internal working parts of a machine or system
C. A complete set of equipment designed for a specific experimental procedure
mechanism – B, instrument – A, apparatus – C
Choose the correct expression to complete the sentence:
Based on current data, the experiment __________ succeed, but there are still some variables we haven't controlled.
a) is bound to
b) is likely to
c) had better
b) is likely to – because it expresses probability (not certainty)
a) in bound to: 100% – absolute certainty
c) had better: strong advice/necessity
Rewrite the sentence using a conditional structure:
"The company didn't update its technology, so it lost market share."
If the company had updated its technology, it wouldn't have lost market share.
Fill in the blank with the correct word: machine / mechanism / device / equipment / technology
1. The laboratory __________ includes centrifuges, microscopes, and fume hoods.
2. This new __________ can sequence DNA in under an hour.
3. Advances in CRISPR __________ have revolutionized genetic research.
4. The MRI __________ uses powerful magnets to image soft tissues.
5. Phycologists consider anger to be a defence __________ against being hurt.
1 - equipment
2 - device
3 - technology
4 - machine
5 - mechanism
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate expression:
The results __________ be published next month if the peer review goes well.
(Use: should / is bound to / is unlikely to)
should: 80-90% – expected outcome. Based on logic, normal conditions, or expectations
Rewrite the sentence using a mixed conditional (past action → present result):
"They didn't install solar panels last year. Now their electricity bills are very high."
If they had installed solar panels last year, their electricity bills wouldn't be so high now.
Choose the correct word and explain WHY it fits best in a research context:
You are writing a research paper about a new device you built to measure cell growth. In your methods section, do you call it a tool, apparatus, or gizmo?
apparatus – a formal term for a complete set of equipment designed for a specific scientific procedure
tool - Handheld items for practical work; also metaphorical (analytical tools)
gizmo - small, unfamiliar, fun devices (informal)
Explain the difference in certainty between these two sentences:
1. The experiment will work.
2. The experiment should work.
Sentence 1 expresses absolute certainty (100% sure), while Sentence 2 expresses expectation (based on logic or normal conditions) but leaves room for uncertainty.
Rewrite the sentence using a mixed conditional (present situation → past result):
"AI can't own patents today, so we haven't seen many AI‑generated inventions."
If AI could own patents today, we would have seen many more AI‑generated inventions by now.
Create a dialogue (6 lines) between a research grant reviewer and an applicant discussing a proposed project.
The applicant describes the specialized (1) __________ needed, explains why a particular (2) __________ is essential, and mentions that the (3) __________ of their new prototype is more efficient than existing (4) __________.
1) instrument
2) device
3) mechanism
4) technology
Create two sentences about the same research finding using different certainty levels – (1) one expressing high certainty, (2) one expressing caution.
Target Vocab: had better / could / might / is unlikely to / is bound to / will / is likely to / is probably
(1) is bound to / will / should
(2) is likely to / is probably / could / might
Rewrite the sentence using a mixed conditional:
We don't have enough data, so we couldn't convince the investors.
If we had enough data now, we could have convinced the investors.
Create a mini-scene (6-8 lines) in a research laboratory using ALL 5 words:
mechanism, machine, apparatus, equipment, device
Mechanism: The working principle or process; how something functions
Machine: Equipment with moving parts that performs a specific task
Apparatus: Complete set of equipment for a specific experiment
Equipment: General term for all necessary items in a lab
Device: A piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose
Create a short dialogue (4-6 lines) between two researchers discussing the results of an experiment. Use at least four different certainty expressions from the list. One researcher should be optimistic, the other cautious.
Target Vocab: had better / could / might / is unlikely to / is bound to / will / is likely to / is probably
(1) is bound to / will / should
(2) is likely to / is probably / could / might