Modal VerbsGetting your point across!

Lesson Objective

To know how to use modal verbs effectively in your writing.

Modal VerbsA modal verb is an add-on verb used to show necessity, possibility or obligation. Necessity: Is this needed?Possibility: Can this be done?Obligation: Does this have to happen?

Modal Verbs

This includes: must, shall, will, should, would, can, could, may, mightE.g. I could walk to school this morning.

Activity 1: What’s Missing?

Let’s add a modal verb in the gap provided in these sentences to show necessity, possibility, or obligation. Rewrite them into your books.

1. I ( ? ) read a good book on my bus trip.

2. Suddenly, she realised it ( ? ) be a good idea to hurry up.

3. ( ? ) you want a longer lunch hour?

4. ( ? ) we change our minds about this?

5. Various people think they ( ? ) need answers to this.

Activity 2: Making Meaning

Now make your own sentences in your book using these modal verbs. They can be questions or statements.

1. Could

2. Shall

3. Will

4. Can

5. Should

Extension: Can you make these sentences all part of a paragraph on one topic?

Activity 3: A Little Drama

You have been made a script writer for the new school play, “The Far Side of the Universe!”You have been asked to write a scene where the main character Lupo, needs a special transmitter to repair his spaceship and has to ask the alien Zorberg. Using as many modal verbs as you can, write the dialogue for this scene.

Peer AssessmentSwap with the person next to you. Read their work and check to see that:Proper nouns have capitalsSubject and object pronouns are used correctly. Then give them a medal and a mission (something they did well and something to work on).

Plenary

How does knowing about modal verbs help you improve your writing?