Lesson 1 : Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from
normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They give additional information about the function of
the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.
Activity 1: Directions: Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals: will, shall, would, should or can, could,
may, might.
Milk is a nutritious food enriched with vitamins and proteins. We 1) _____ take milk regularly so that
we 2) not develop deficiencies of undernourishment in our body. The aged persons, children and patients
3) take milk in sufficient quantity as it provides strength to their body. We 4) ___________ supplement it
with other elements of food like fruit, vegetables and pulses for proper growth of the body. But we 5)
________ consume milk of good quality only otherwise it 6) cause harm to the body. We 7) be very careful
while selecting items of our food because there are chances that these 8) be adulterated.
Source: Base, Knowledge, English Grammar, Sentence Correction, Sentence Formation, Modals modals
Activity 2: Directions: Complete the sentences using “should or should not” plus the appropriate verb
from the list below.
wear start get listen read leave give up
do question find spend eat
1. You the shirt. It’s nicer than the jumper.
2. Students to the teacher. They know the grammar better!
3. Children _ some housework. It’s good to help the parents
4. Recycling isn’t enough. You _ _ less.
5. I think you _ to work. You’ll avoid the traffic.
6. You _ to everyone! People don’t know you, so they might give you bad advice.
Lesson 2: Modal Adverbs
Modal Adverbs are used to modify specific verbs that consist of a linking verb (verb of being) and
sometimes another verb.
Here are examples of modal adverbs: probably, possibly, evidently, certainly, surely, undoubtedly,
seriously, clearly, obviously
1. I will surely watch the Avengers movie.
2. It will probably rain this afternoon.
3. Ruben must seriously exert more effort in his studies to pass this final quarter.
What is MODALITY?
It is used in writing to express how definite you are about something.
1. STRONG – uses the adverbs always and never, evidently, surely, seriously and undoubtedly
2. MODERATE – uses often, rarely, usually, sometimes, frequently, and occasionally
Degrees of Modality
Example:
People should always wash their hands before eating. You will never graduate fi you will not study
hard.
Example:
Mary rarely goes out to party. Arnold often takes a bath.
Some adverbs can be used to describe how likely it is that something will happen. These are called
‘adverbs of possibility.
Some of the most common adverbs of possibility are:
Activity 3: Complete Me
Directions: Complete these sentences using the modal adverbs in the box. Use the most suitable word
only once.
definitely certainly clearly
precisely absolutely surely
1. If we will win next week’s game, we will be on the finalist.
2. our teacher will arrive before the google classroom starts.
3. Joey ____________ made a big difference to the success of the class.
4. Alex was ___________ too short to be allowed in the school basketball team.
5. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ____________ approved on the House Bill passed by the Congress.
Lesson 3: Argumentative Essay Using Modals
An argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an
issue. It could be that both sides are presented equally balanced, or it could be that one side is
presented more forcefully than the other. It all depends on the writer, and what side he supports the
most.
An argumentative essay is usually written in the five-paragraph structure. The argumentative
essay format consists of an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Logically, each
of those three sections will have a unique structure, so understanding them on an individual level will
help ensure a smooth writing process. The thesis statement is part of the introduction. It is a concise,
one sentence summary of your main point or claim.
Modal verbs and modal adverbs are used in writing argumentative essays or text to prove and to have a
strong stand in a position you believed in.
MODALS and TONES: Use modals to soften your verbs.
Example: The President must change his policy. (“must” is too strong) The President should
change his policy.
We should control the TONE with MODALS. Remember that good writers are always aware of how their
arguments sound. Certain words can help control the tone of the argument.
Activity 4: Fill in the gaps
Directions: In the following sentences fill in the gaps with appropriate modals.
1. It was clear that the two countries _______ have to compromise if the conference not degenerate into a
complete fiasco.
2. Of course, this measure [reforestation] __________ work only if it accompanied by efforts to reduce
tropical deforestation.
3. What ______ have happened if penicillin not been discovered?
