General English Level 4 V 3
UNIT 02 Keeping fit TOPIC 02 Are you coming with us?
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

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
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. I s 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. He says, " I'm not sure "
He is expressing doubt .
Another way to express doubt is to say, " I don't think (that) …"
Ming doesn't know if he can jump off a cliff.
He says, " I don't think I would be able to jump off a cliff."
Ming is expressing doubt about his ability.

Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
Jenny is really nice, isn't she? I'm not sure . She was a little rude to me.
That test was really easy. I'm not sure about that. I want to see the answers first.
Are you going to the party? Umm, I don't think I can. I'll check my diary.
The shop opens at 9am. I don't think that's right. I think it opens at 10am.
Can you help me with this? I don't know . I have to finish my homework first.

Steve and Ming say:
Steve:
Sure, but actually it's really safe. We use a lot of safety equipment.
Ming:
Yes, but I'm not convinced that it's safe for me. I'd be very nervous.

Ming listens to Steve but is still not sure. He says, " I'm not convinced ".
He is still expressing doubt about what Steve says.

Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
Jin Hee is scared of heights, isn't she? Well, she says she is but I'm not convinced about that.
Karen looks happy, doesn't she? Yes, but I'm not entirely convinced that she is. I saw her crying before.
Is Claudia coming to Black Mountain? I think so but I'm not completely sure .
Is this the correct answer? I think it is but I'm not 100% sure . Ask John.

Now go to 04 LISTENING I just want to know…