Speculating - Functional Language
Practise speculating 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
Offer possible explanations for visible clues without presenting a guess as a fact.
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.
- Identify the clue in the dark sky, unanswered office phone, suitcase and empty-looking classroom.
- Write varied speculations with might, could, may, maybe or It's possible that.
- Give a second plausible explanation for one clue, then identify what would confirm either idea.
Support and extension
Offer base verbs and could be… for support. Extend with might have moved for the missing-file example, explaining this optional past form. Accept plausible alternatives and avoid claiming clues prove one explanation.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
