30. IELTS Task 1 and 2 : "Future predictions with 'will' and 'going to'

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There is no doubt that in IELTS we need to be able to describe what has happened and what is happening, but we also need to be able to make predictions for the future, and we can use ‘will’, ‘going to’, and a combination of other words to do this.

1. ‘will’ can be used to

- make predictions that are based on our opinions of our past experience:

I think it’ll be extremely hot there.

- talk about future events or facts that are not personal:

The best player on the tour will get a special trophy.

2. ‘going to’ can be used to

- talk about events in the future we have already thought about and intend to do:

We’re going to hire a mini bus.

- make predictions when there is present evidence:

Well, we’re certainly going to have a varied trip. (I am judging this from what I already know about the plans)

3. ‘will’ and ‘going to‘ can follow words like think, doubt, expect, believe, probably, certainly, definitely, and be sure to to show that it is an opinion about the future.

I think it’s going to be a great trip.

It’ll probably rain every day.

So when do we use ‘Going to’ and when do we use ‘will’?

We’re going to have a very varied trip! (prediction based on what I know about the weather)

I’m sure we’ll enjoy it. (prediction based on my guess)

Now let’s see how these new ideas can be put to use in an IELTS task 2. Read the question, and then think where each phrase can be put.

"Thanks to modern technology, there have been enormous changes in the workplace over the past 100 years.

What are the most significant changes that have occurred and what changes do you foresee in the next 100 years?"

are going to feel are going to happen are likely to lead to

are likely to occur are predicted to work is likely to become

will be will continue will develop

will find will have will result

... So, now let us consider the changes that (1) ---- in the next 100 years. Unfortunately, I believe that not all changes (2) ---- for the better. For example, in the future more and more people (3) ---- work from home and so they (4) ---- more isolated from their colleagues. On the other hand, they (5) ---- (certainly) greater freedom to choose their working hours.

A further possible change is that handwriting (6) ---- obsolete. We are already so used to using a keyboard that today’s children are losing the ability to spell without the aid of a word processor.

Without a doubt, even greater changes (7) ---- in technology used in the workplace. Computers (8) ---- (undoubtedly) to grow even more powerful and this (9) ---- (probably) in an even faster pace of life than we have now. Let us hope that our employers (10) ---- a way to reduce the stress on workers this fast pace can bring.

I also think these improvements in technology (11) ---- even more globalisation than now and companies (12) ---- very strong international links.

Predictions can be used in all IELTS writing tasks, especially task 2 and academic task 1.