Modals · B4 English Language

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B4.3.9.1.1 - Use modals to express a variety of meanings: can, may, must, shall / will, could, would, might, should, used to, have to, ought to and need to.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify modals in given sentences and state the meaning they convey (ability, permission, obligation, possibility, politeness, or past habit).
Explain that a modal verb comes before the main verb in a sentence.
Use at least five different modals correctly to form their own sentences about everyday situations.
Choose the correct modal to complete gap-fill sentences based on the meaning required.
Use modals in a short spoken dialogue to ask for permission, express obligation, and talk about past habits.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Grammar Usage at Word and Phrase Levels (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Modals (3.9)
Content standard: B4.3.9.1 - Apply the knowledge of modals in speech and in writing
Indicator: B4.3.9.1.1 - Use modals to express a variety of meanings:
Suggested placement: Term 3, Week 1 (Week 25 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: English Language Curriculum (Basic 4-6), 2019, p. 45
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- can: conveys ability
- may: asks for permission, expresses politeness, possibility
- must: obligation or compulsion, necessitys
- shall / will: prediction, intention, determination etc.
- could: tentativeness, politeness
- would: politeness
- might: possibility
- should: obligation
- used to: for past activities or events
- have to, ought to and need to: for obligation
- Introduce the modals one at a time.
- Have learners read sentences containing modals.
- Learners use modals to form sentences and choose the right modals to fill the gaps.
- Use drills to give practice. Note: Modals come before the main verbs in sentences.