Expressing Certainty and Uncertainty - Functional Language
Practise expressing certainty and uncertainty at A2–B1 level with useful phrase patterns and short situation-based responses. A separate page of suggested answers supports checking and discussion of other appropriate responses.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Useful phrase patterns
- Situation-based response practice
- Space for written responses
- Suggested answers on page 2
Choose language that reflects what is known, expected or merely possible.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 2 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 2 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Use page 1 for learners and retain the suggested answers on page 2 until after independent responses.
- Place the displayed phrases on a rough confidence scale; contrast teacher-confirmed exam time with guesses from clouds or house lights.
- Write the eight sentences, keeping possible reasons for an unanswered message distinct from facts.
- Compare stronger and weaker versions and say which evidence supports each choice.
Support and extension
Support with known/likely/unknown labels. Extend by adding a reason for confidence. Do not assign fixed percentages to probably or maybe, and accept alternatives when the certainty matches the prompt.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
