General English Level 4
Version 2.1
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GELEV4 Unit 02 Topic 02.doc
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LANGUAGE FOCUS 03 Expressing doubt
In this activity we look at ways to say we are not sure about something.
Ming and Jin Hee say:
Ming: Abseiling? Isn't that jumping off high places?
Jin Hee: Yes but it isn't dangerous. Look, Steve is leading the trip and he's a
qualified instructor.
Ming: Are you sure it's not dangerous? It sounds dangerous to me. I mean, if
you fall you really hurt yourself.
Ming is not sure that what Jin Hee says is true. He asks, "Are you sure...?"
Ming is expressing doubt.
Examples
Listen to the examples.
We turn right at the next street. Are you sure? Don't we turn left?
I put the water in your bag. Are you sure you put the water in my bag? I can't find it.
The bus leaves at 5pm. Is that right? Doesn't it leave at 6pm?
Black Mountain is near Toomba. Is it really? Jim said it's near Sawtown.
It's going to rain tomorrow. Really? The weather report says it will be sunny.
Steve and Ming say:
Steve: So, are you coming with us?… What about you, Ming?
Ming: Um, I'm not sure. I don't think I would be able to jump off a cliff. I'd be
too afraid.
Ming hasn't decided about the trip.
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