1) Read the situation carefully
Decide whether the event will happen, could happen, or cannot happen. These probability words describe how sure we are about an outcome:
- Certain: the event must happen.
- Likely: the event has a better-than-even chance of happening.
- Unlikely: the event can happen, but it is not expected.
- Impossible: the event cannot happen.
2) Compare the event with the full set of outcomes
Look at all possible outcomes in the situation. Then ask:
- Does the event happen in every outcome? → certain
- Does it happen in most outcomes? → likely
- Does it happen in some but not most outcomes? → unlikely
- Does it happen in no outcomes? → impossible
3) Use clear reasoning
If the exercise asks for an exact answer, choose the word that best matches the chance of the event. If there are fractions, decimals, or percentages, simplify the final answer before submitting it.
4) Check your answer
Make sure your choice matches the evidence:
- If the event always occurs, it cannot be “unlikely.”
- If the event never occurs, it must be “impossible.”
- If the event is more than half likely, “likely” is usually correct.
A good final check is to restate the event in your own words and see whether the conclusion sounds consistent with the situation.