Everyday documents · First conditional · Requirements and possibility · The passive voice
In this unit, you will read a guarantee for a household appliance and use it to solve practical problems. The document gives us a reason to use conditional sentences, instructions and the passive voice.
If the kettle develops a manufacturing fault, we will repair it.
If + present simple describes the condition; will + base form describes a possible result.
Read the fictional guarantee below. You will use it to answer questions and deal with customer situations.
For the Northstar Compact Kettle · Model NK20
Thank you for choosing a Northstar kettle. This guarantee covers manufacturing faults for two years from the date of purchase.
If the kettle develops a manufacturing fault during the guarantee period, we will repair it or replace it. If we cannot repair the kettle, we will offer a replacement.
This guarantee does not cover accidental damage, damage caused by misuse, or normal wear and tear. If the problem is not covered by the guarantee, you may have to pay for the repair.
Fictional document created for English-language practice. It is not a real guarantee or legal advice.
Answer the questions. Read each instruction carefully. Short answers are accepted when they provide the information requested.
The guarantee explains what happens under different conditions. Read each situation carefully.
Answer the questions. Read each instruction carefully. Short answers are accepted when they provide the information requested.
We often use the first conditional to talk about a real possible situation and its result. The if-clause uses the present simple; the result clause can use will + the base form of the verb.
If the kettle develops a manufacturing fault, we will repair it.
If + present simple → will + base form
We normally do not use will in the if-clause: If the kettle develops a fault …, not If the kettle will develop a fault ….
Answer the questions. Read each instruction carefully. Short answers are accepted when they provide the information requested.
Guarantee documents often use must for requirements, must not for prohibitions, and may for possibility. Choose the expression that fits the meaning.
must = necessary: You must keep your proof of purchase.
must not / mustn't = prohibited: You must not use the kettle if its electrical cable is damaged.
may = possible: You may have to pay for a repair.
Answer the questions. Read each instruction carefully. Short answers are accepted when they provide the information requested.
Guarantees often focus on the product or the action, rather than the person doing it. This is one reason the passive voice is useful.
Active: We will repair the kettle.
Passive: The kettle will be repaired.
Form: will + be + past participle
Compare: We will offer a replacement. → A replacement will be offered.
Answer the questions. Read each instruction carefully. Short answers are accepted when they provide the information requested.
Read the conversation. Then complete the replies using the information in the guarantee.
Customer: My kettle has stopped working. I bought it eight months ago.
Advisor: I'm sorry to hear that. Does the kettle have a manufacturing fault, or has it been damaged?
Customer: It has not been dropped or damaged. It simply stopped heating the water.
Advisor: If it has a manufacturing fault and the guarantee covers it, we will arrange a repair or replacement. Do you have your proof of purchase?
Customer: Yes, I do.
Answer the questions. Read each instruction carefully. Short answers are accepted when they provide the information requested.
Use the document and the grammar from this unit to complete the final review.
Answer the questions. Read each instruction carefully. Short answers are accepted when they provide the information requested.