Speculating - Functional Language
Practise speculating 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
Explore alternative causes and limits of inference in professional situations.
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.
- Separate observed facts such as traffic falling after a redesign from the suggested explanation.
- Write careful sentences about unanswered supplier messages, a small-town pilot, differing team results and other prompts.
- Compare two hypotheses for one situation and say what evidence would distinguish them.
Support and extension
Use observation/possibility/check notes. Extend with I wouldn't rule out plus a noun or -ing form. Do not confuse sequence with proven causation or one successful pilot with universal effectiveness.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
