Today, we’re tackling a challenge many students face: mastering the use of speculative language for the B2 First and C1 Advanced Speaking Exam (specifically, Part 2, the ‘Long Turn‘).

You know the feeling! You’re given two pictures, and you need to compare them and speculate about what’s happening. Simple, right? Well, perhaps not. The key to achieving a truly impressive level isn’t just about fluency; it’s about nuance. It’s about showing the examiner that you can express uncertainty, possibility, and different shades of meaning. In other words, you need to show you can use speculative language. This is your secret weapon for talking about things you’re not entirely sure about, which is exactly what you need to do in this task.

To make this easier for you to grasp and remember, I’ve created a handy spider diagram that you can find below. This diagram is your go-to guide for adding depth and variety to your speech. Let’s break down the different categories:

1. Verbs of Perception

Appear to be: It sounds more sophisticated than “look” or “seem.” Instead of saying “He is tired,” try “He appears to be quite drained.”
Seem: A versatile and common verb. “The people in this photo seem to be enjoying themselves.”
Look / Look like / Look as if: These are essential for talking about physical appearance or the impression someone or something gives. “It looks as if they’re having a great time.” “He looks like a dynamic teacher.” If you are not sure how to use these, click here.

2. Modal Verbs of Probability

Could / May / Might (have): These represent different degrees of possibility.
- - Present: “He could/may/might be waiting for someone.” (low degree of certainty)
  - Past: “They could have missed their train.”
Must / must have (Positive Deduction)
- - Present: “He must be very pleased.” (based on his smile)
  - Past: “It must have taken them hours to complete the task.”
Can’t / Can’t have (Negative Deduction)
- - Present: “He can’t be a doctor; he looks far too young.”
  - Past: “They can’t have left yet; their car is still in the driveway.”

3. Adverbs of Probability:

Perhaps / Maybe / Probably: Add these words to the beginning or end of your sentences to soften your statements and express probability.
- “Perhaps the man in the second picture is feeling stressed.”
- “They are probably on holiday.”

4. Expressions of Imagination and Deduction:

I imagine / I guess: These show that you are actively forming an opinion based on the visual evidence.

“I imagine it must be quite cold there.”
“I guess they’ve known each other for a long time.”

THIS DIAGRAM SUMS IT ALL UP!

Practice by speculating about these random images.

Putting It Into Practice: A Sample C1 Speaking Response

Let’s imagine you’re comparing two photos: one of a busy city street at night, and one of a tranquil countryside scene.

Your response could look like this:

“In the first photograph, which depicts a crowded city, it appears to be late at night. The bright lights and the sheer number of people look as if it’s a bustling evening. I imagine it must be quite noisy and chaotic. The man waiting by the lamppost seems to be lost, and perhaps he is checking his phone for directions.

In contrast, the second photo shows a peaceful village. This scene looks much more relaxed. It might have recently rained, as the ground looks wet. The people sitting in the cafe look like locals, and they seem to be having a casual chat. Maybe they have lived there their whole lives.”

Key Takeaways:

Variety is Key: Don’t rely on just one or two expressions. Mix and match verbs, modals, and adverbs.
Degree of Certainty: Choose the right language to reflect how sure you are. Use ‘might’ when you’re less certain, and ‘must’ when you are more confident in your deduction.
Past vs. Present: Pay attention to whether you are speculating about what’s happening now (use present tense forms) or what happened before (use perfect modal forms like ‘could have’).

Mastering speculative language won’t happen overnight, but by using this diagram as a visual aid and practising incorporating these phrases into your speaking, you’ll feel much more confident and sound significantly more advanced in your next speaking practice session or exam.

Thanks for reading!