Vocabulary for health, diet, and wellbeing. Grammar: first conditional for real, possible future situations.
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Vocabulary
Key words for this unit.
Symptom
A sign that something is wrong with a person's health
Fatigue and a high temperature are common symptoms of flu.
Diagnosis
The identification of a disease or condition by a doctor
The diagnosis came back positive for a vitamin deficiency.
Chronic
Lasting a long time or recurring frequently
Chronic stress can have serious long-term effects on physical health.
Immune system
The body's defence system against infection and disease
If you sleep well, your immune system will be stronger.
Nutrition
The process of eating the right food for health and growth
Good nutrition is essential if you want to perform well physically.
Sedentary
Spending a lot of time sitting and not being active
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Obesity
The condition of being significantly overweight in a way that damages health
Obesity rates will rise further if we don't address diet and exercise habits.
Hydration
The process of keeping the body supplied with enough water
If you don't maintain good hydration, your concentration will suffer.
Prescription
A doctor's written instruction for medicine
The doctor said she would write a prescription if the symptoms didn't improve.
Prevention
The action of stopping something bad from happening
Prevention is more effective than treatment if we address risks early.
Recovery
The process of returning to normal health after illness
If you rest properly, your recovery will be much faster.
Wellbeing
The state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy
Regular exercise and social connection both improve overall wellbeing.
Vocabulary exercises
Grammar
First conditional — if + present simple, will + infinitive
Use the first conditional to talk about real or likely situations in the future and their results.
If you eat well, you will feel better. If she doesn't rest, her condition won't improve. Will you see a doctor if the symptoms get worse?
Part
Form
Example
If-clause
if + present simple
If you exercise regularly…
Main clause
will / won't + infinitive
…you will feel much healthier.
Question
Will + subject + infinitive + if…?
Will you change your diet if the doctor advises it?
Unless
unless = if not
Unless you rest, you won't recover quickly.
The if-clause can come first or second: If you sleep well, you will feel better. / You will feel better if you sleep well. Use a comma when the if-clause comes first. Never use will in the if-clause: If you will eat ✗ If you eat ✓
Grammar exercises
Reading
Read the article carefully, then answer the questions.
Small changes, big results
Most people know that regular exercise and a balanced diet are important. Yet many find it difficult to make lasting changes. The good news, according to health researchers, is that even small adjustments to daily habits can have significant effects if they are maintained consistently over time.
If you add just thirty minutes of moderate activity to your day — a brisk walk, a cycle ride, or a swim — you will reduce your risk of heart disease by up to thirty per cent. If you replace sugary drinks with water, your energy levels will stabilise and your concentration will improve noticeably within a few weeks.
Sleep is another area where small changes pay large dividends. If you go to bed at the same time each night, your body will regulate its natural rhythms more effectively. If you reduce screen time before bed, you will fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Neither change costs money or requires equipment.
Critics of the "small steps" approach argue that it will not be enough for people with serious health conditions, who need more dramatic interventions. This is true. But for the majority of people, a consistent series of small, achievable changes is far more sustainable than a dramatic overhaul that is abandoned after a week. If you start small, you will be more likely to continue — and continuing is what counts.
Comprehension questions
Writing
Guided writing task.
Task: Health advice paragraph
Write a paragraph (80–120 words) giving health advice to a friend using first conditional sentences. Use at least four first conditional structures.
Give advice about diet using a first conditional
Give advice about exercise using a first conditional
Warn about what will happen if they don't make changes
End with an encouraging conditional statement
0 words
Model answer
If you want to feel healthier, there are a few simple changes you can make starting today. If you swap processed snacks for fruit or nuts, you will notice an improvement in your energy levels within days. Exercise is also important — if you walk for thirty minutes every day, you will feel fitter and sleep better within a few weeks. If you don't make any changes, however, you will find it harder to manage stress and maintain a healthy weight as you get older. But if you start with just one small habit and stick to it, you will be surprised how quickly things improve.