The document discusses speculating about past events using past modals like "might have" and "may have". It provides examples of speculating about situations at a jewelry store and train station, encouraging the reader to make their own guesses. It also discusses the difference between speculating about the past versus present.

1. Speculating
What might have happened?

2. What might have happened?

3. Let’s speculate. Past modals
• The customer might have bought a gift for
someone.
• The saleswoman may have exchanged a
damaged piece of jewelry.
• The man may have stolen a piece of jewelry.
• There might have been a payment problem.
• The sales woman may have sold the wrong
piece of jewelry.

4. What may have happened next?

5. The man may/may not have been caught .

6. Check here your guesses
• http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/man-tries-
to-steal-level-3/

7. What might have happened here?

8. Let’s speculate again.
• There might have been a protest against the
service at the train station.
• There may have been an inspection at the
station.
• People may have rescued someone trapped.
• People at the train station may have had an
accident.
• There might have happened an earthquake.

9. Check your guesses
• http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/peopl
e-help-a-man-level-3

10. • Are we speculating about the past or the
present?
• What form do we use to speculate about the
past?
• What is the form that we use to speculate
about the present?

11. Speculating about the past
Past Modals Certainty
AFFIRMATIVE
He must have + ____________ (p.p.) 95%
He may have + ____________ (p.p.)
He might have + ___________ (p.p.)
50%
He could have + ____________ (p.p.)
NEGATIVE
He can’t have + _____________ (p.p.)
He couldn’t have + ___________ (p.p.)
99%
He must not have + ___________ (p.p.) 95%
He may not have + ___________ (p.p)
He might not have + __________ (p.p.)
50 %

12. Now you. Speculate about the following picture:

13. Write your guesses.

14. Check your answers.
• http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/pig-on-
a-surfboard-level-3/
• Who was the closest?