Certainty and Uncertainty

Certainty:
1. I’m sure about it.
2. I’m quite sure that he told the truth.
3. I’m absolutely sure about the news.
4. I’m no doubt about it.
5. I’m absolutely certain that he told the truth.
6. I’m sure/certain about …..
7. I’ve no doubt about ……
8. I’m sure/certain about …..
9. I’ve no doubt about ……

Doubt:
1. Sorry, I’m not sure about it.
2. I’m not really sure that he told the truth.
3. I’m not really sure about it.
4. I’m not too sure about the news.

Responses to expressions of doubt which show
concern as well:
1. I think you don’t need to be worried about it.
2. Everything will be fine.
3. It’s all going to be okay.
4. Don’t be worried too much. Next time better

Repetition:
I am sorry. What did you say?
I am sorry. Would you repeat what you just said?
I am sorry. Would you mind repeating what you just said?
What?. Could you repeat what you just said?

Surprises:
1. What a diligent student she is!
2. How diligent she is!
3. What a big surprise!
4. How surprising it is!

Practise reading with a friend the following short dialogues.

Situation 1
Amir : Tuesday, next week, is the due date for our assignment.
Ani : Sorry. Could you repeat what you just said?
Amir : I said Tuesday, next week, is the due date for our assignment
Ani : Yes, you are right, but, I ‘m sure that I can submit it before that. How
         about you?
Amr : I’m not so sure I will be able to make it.
Ani : Yes, you can. I’m sure, you can

Situation 2
Anang : Did you do the test very well, Andi?
Andi : No, definitely, not. I don’t have a hope of getting even 50.
Anamg : But are you sure?
Andi : Absolutely. Not a hope!
Anang : Don’t worry too much. Next time better.

Situation 3
Fatimah : Anisa, do you think that it will be possible to go on holiday to the
               moon in the next fifty years.
Anisa : Well, I am sure it could happen. Why?
Fatimah : Well, I was just wondering it would be a great achievement.

Situation 4
Wahyu : Do you think that England will win the next European Cup?
Natsir : Yes, of course, they will. Why? Don’t you think so?
Wahyu : Well, I am doubtful about that. They have not made a better team,
                yet.

Fill in the blank in each of the following dialogues with the correct expression.
After that, answer the questions.

Dialogue 1
Tono : What do you think of Yuni?
Rini : I’ve never met such a clever student before in my life. She got 100 for
          almost every subject. What ………………..!

Questions:
a. What type of student is Yuni?
b. Who is surprised?
c. Why is he/she surprised?

Dialogue 2
Bambang : Do you see what the circus man has done?
Agus : Yes. How could not he miss the balloon on the girl’s head even though
            he was blindfolded when he was shooting? What ……………….!

Questions:
a. What has the circus man done?
b. Who is surprised?
c. Why is he/she surprised?

Dialogue 3
Ali : You look very happy, Fahmi. What has happened?
Fahmi : Guess what? Today is the happiest day in my life?
Ali : Really?
Fahmi : Yes. Finally, I got 100 on the last mathematics test.
Ali : Sorry. Could you repeat what you just said?
Fahmi : I said I got 100 on the last mathematics test.
Ali : What a surprise! But, anyway, congratulation on your big
         achievement

Dialogue 4
Adi : Guess what, Aning. Our father just made a surprise on my birthday.
Aning : Really? What happened?
Adi : You’ll never guess. He promised to buy t me a new motorcycle if I get
          at least 90 on Math, Science and English.
Aning : A motorcycle? What ……….! Are you sure about it?
Adi : Definitely.