Expressing Certainty and Uncertainty - Functional Language
Practise expressing certainty and uncertainty at B2–C1 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
Express measured confidence without treating suggestive evidence as a guarantee.
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.
- Compare I'm confident that with It is possible that and I can't be certain, but….
- Write responses about pilot results, an old report, late delivery and other evidence-limited situations.
- Discuss whether client questions or management support justify a strong prediction, then qualify one overly certain response.
Support and extension
Provide evidence/claim notes. Extend by naming further information needed. The sample pilot response is a language model, not proof that success transfers to every location; accept justified levels of confidence.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
