Casa ESL · A2 Elementary · Unit 20 of 20 · Step 2
Dreams, Predictions & Decisions
Name
Date
Vocabulary
prediction
nounA statement about what you think will happen.
"My prediction is that electric cars will dominate within ten years."
ambition
nounA strong desire to achieve something.
"Her ambition is to run her own business one day."
probably
adverbAlmost certainly; more likely than not.
"It will probably rain later — take an umbrella."
career
nounThe series of jobs in a profession over a lifetime.
"He wants to build a career in journalism."
retire
verbTo stop working permanently, usually at an older age.
"She plans to retire at sixty and travel the world."
generation
nounA group of people born and living at about the same time.
"The next generation will grow up with AI as part of daily life."
opportunity
nounA time or set of circumstances that allows something to happen.
"I think this is a great opportunity for your career."
optimistic
adjectiveBelieving that good things will happen in the future.
"I am optimistic about the future despite the challenges."
Grammar Focus
Will — predictions and spontaneous decisions
Use will + base verb for predictions about the future (often with probably, I think, I expect) and for decisions made at the moment of speaking. Negative: won't (will not). Question: Will + subject + verb? Contrast with going to (already decided plans).
I think cities will look very different in fifty years.
I'll have the chicken, please. (spontaneous decision at the restaurant)
She probably won't remember me — we only met once.
Will you be at the conference next month?
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence using will or going to and the verb in brackets.
1. Look at those clouds — it (rain) any minute.
2. I think technology (change) the workplace completely in twenty years.
3. I (call) you back later — I'm in a meeting.
4. She (not come) to the party — she already told me this morning.
5. Do you think people (still) commute to offices in 2050?
Exercise 2
Choose will or going to.
1. I haven't decided yet — I think I ___ take the train.
2. She has already booked her flights — she ___ visit Canada in March.
3. I'm sure you ___ do well on the exam — you have prepared so well.
Reading
The World in 2050
Many experts believe the world will look very different in 2050. Most cars will probably be electric or hydrogen-powered, and fewer people will own personal vehicles. Artificial intelligence will play a major role in medicine, education, and everyday life. Some jobs that exist today will disappear, but new ones will appear that we cannot yet imagine. Cities will be denser but also greener, with more parks and renewable energy. I think the biggest change will be in how we work — I expect that most people will work from home or from flexible spaces at least part of the time. I am optimistic that this generation will find smart solutions to the challenges ahead.
1. What does the writer think the biggest change will be?
2. According to the text, what will happen to some jobs?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 5–7 sentences about your personal future. Use will for predictions and going to for decided plans. Include at least one use of 'probably'.
Example: Next year, I am going to move to a bigger city to find better work opportunities. I think I will probably stay there for at least three or four years. I am going to finish my current online course by the end of the month. I believe I will become more confident in English as I practise more. My long-term ambition is to start my own business — I think I will be ready in about five years. I am optimistic that things will work out well if I keep working hard.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. is going to rain · 2. will change · 3. 'll call · 4. isn't going to come · 5. will still
Exercise 2
1. 'll · 2. is going to · 3. will
Reading Comprehension
1. The writer thinks the biggest change will be in how people work. · 2. Some jobs will disappear but new ones will appear.