Individual work Work out what happened?

Individual work

Work out WHAT HAPPENED?

Joy and Angela are cousins. They’re looking after their aunt’s flat while she’s on holiday. They’ve just realised they’ve got a serious problem.

▲1 Put the second line of each extract in order.

• 
  Angela: It might have jumped out the window, or fallen.
  
• 
  Jo: No,…………………..(have/it/outside/seen/we’d).
  
• 
  Jo: It must have gone out the front door.
  
• 
  Angela: Yeah, but……………..(it/on/seen/somebody/the stairs/would’ve.
  

▲Notice that would have can explain why an idea about the past is unlikely or impossible.

▲2a) Think of some arguments with would have to complete these conversations.

• 
  A: She might have got stuck in traffic.
  
• 
  B: No
  
• 
  A: My wallet must have been stolen last night.
  
• 
  B: No,….
  

• 
  A: They might have cancelled the party.
  

• 
  B: But….
  

• 
  A: You must have left your keys at Eric’s
  

• 
  B: But,……
  

▲b) Compare your ideas. Work in pairs and prepare to talk together.

▲3 Talk together and try to decide:

♦ what probably happened ♦ what to do next

▲4 Compare your conclusions with another pair, then look at the suggested explanations.

From English unlimited B2 course book.