📝 Daily Practice
🎯 Lesson Goal
This lesson aims to equip C1 learners with sophisticated language to express probability and likelihood specifically when discussing future technologies. Learners will explore nuanced expressions for possibility, certainty, and predictions, advancing their ability to articulate complex ideas and opinions about technological futures.
🧠 Grammar Focus
Probability language is used to express how likely or unlikely something is, especially when discussing future outcomes. We often use modal verbs such as ‘might,’ ‘could,’ ‘may,’ ‘must,’ and ‘can’t’ combined with base verbs to indicate different levels of certainty. For example, ‘AI might revolutionize healthcare,’ suggests possibility, while ‘Quantum computing must improve processing speeds’ shows strong logical deduction. Probability language also includes adverbs like ‘probably,’ ‘possibly,’ ‘definitely,’ and phrases such as ‘there is a chance that’ or ‘it is unlikely that.’ This language is common in academic discussions, professional forecasting, and decision-making where outcomes are uncertain but require precise expression. Structures include: modal + base verb (might change), ‘there is a chance that’ + clause, and adverb + modal (probably will). Using these forms helps communicate nuanced opinions and reasoned predictions effectively.
📖 Short Reading
In the next decade, artificial intelligence might transform many aspects of our daily lives. Experts suggest that autonomous vehicles could become commonplace in urban areas, although this depends on regulatory developments. It is likely that renewable energy technologies will advance rapidly, making sustainable power more accessible worldwide. Some researchers argue it must be the case that we see breakthroughs in quantum computing, as current models cannot handle complex simulations efficiently. However, there is still a chance that ethical concerns will slow these innovations. It is possible that wearable technology will evolve to the point where health monitoring becomes seamless and continuous. Despite these optimistic forecasts, we cannot be certain which technologies will succeed commercially. Overall, the future of technology probably holds tremendous potential but also significant challenges. Governments and industries might need to adapt policies quickly to keep pace with change. Therefore, when predicting future technologies, it is crucial to use language that reflects uncertainty and likelihood with precision.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. Artificial intelligence ____ revolutionize many industries in the next 20 years. (might / must / can’t)
2. There ____ be breakthroughs in battery technology, which will improve electric cars. (could / must / won’t)
3. It ____ for smart devices to track all health data continuously. (may be possible / must possible / could possible)
4. Renewable energy ____ become the dominant source of power within a decade. (will probably / probably / will probable)
5. Developers say that quantum computers ____ solve complex problems faster than classical ones. (must / may / doesn’t)
6. There ____ be significant ethical issues that delay the launch of autonomous vehicles. (is likely to / will / are)
7. Smart homes ____ improve security and also raise privacy concerns. (may / may to / may have)
8. Under the regulations, governments ____ implement policies that support innovation, or progress will slow. (have to / must to / having to)
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1. Might
2. Must
3. Can’t
4. Probably
5. Could
6. Ethical concerns
7. Forecast
8. Seamless
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. Which modal verb suggests a strong logical deduction about future technologies?
2. If you want to express uncertainty about a technological advancement, which expression is best?
3. Which adverb correctly expresses a high probability of success?
4. When saying a technology is impossible to fail, which modal is appropriate?
5. The phrase ‘there is a chance that’ is used to indicate:
6. Which of these sentences best expresses a prediction with medium certainty?
7. In professional forecasting, the use of ‘may’ often shows:
8. Why is it important to use probability language when discussing future technology?
📝 Writing Practice
1. Write 5–8 sentences discussing which future technology you believe is most likely to impact society in the next 20 years. Use probability language such as might, could, must, or probably to express your opinion. Explain your reasons and provide at least one specific example to support your view.
📚 Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Transform | Change completely |
| Autonomous | Operating independently |
| Regulatory | Related to rules or laws |
| Likely | Probable or expected |
| Breakthrough | Important discovery or progress |
| Ethical | Related to moral principles |
| Seamless | Smooth and without interruption |
| Commercially | In a way that relates to business or sales |
| Forecast | To predict or estimate the future |
| Possibility | A chance that something might happen |
| Innovation | New method or idea |
| Potential | Ability to develop or succeed |
| Policy | Plan or course of action by organizations |
| Probability | The likelihood of something happening |
🔎 Answer Key
- exercise_1_fill_blanks: 1.might 2.could 3.may be possible 4.will probably 5.must 6.is likely to 7.may 8.have to
- exercise_2_matching: 1.Might – Expresses possibility 2.Must – Strong logical conclusion 3.Can’t – Expresses impossibility 4.Probably – Indicates high likelihood 5.Could – Expresses potential ability 6.Ethical concerns – Issues about right and wrong 7.Forecast – Prediction about the future 8.Seamless – Smooth without interruptions
- exercise_3_multiple_choice: 1.must 2.It might happen 3.probably 4.can’t 5.possibility 6.AI could transform education by 2030. 7.possibility 8.To acknowledge uncertainty realistically
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