Mastering Modal Verbs for Grade 9
Mastering Modal Verbs for Grade 9
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Grade 9
Jensine C. Obod
English Up
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Jensine C. Obod
09070644228
[email protected]
June 22, 2024
About the Author
Title Page____________________________________________________________________
About the Author_____________________________________________________________
Introduction_________________________________________________________________
Chapter 1: Modal Verb
Types of Modals and Their Functions____________________________________
Common Mistakes and Tips____________________________________________
Basic Usage and Sentence Structure____________________________________
Practice Exercises_____________________________________________________
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks______________________________________
Exercise 2: Role-Play Scenarios__________________________________
Exercise 3: Matching Modals to Meanings_________________________
Chapter 2: Modals that show Permission______________________________________
Common Modals of Permission _________________________________________
Sentence Structure and Usage __________________________________________
Formality and Strength of Modals _______________________________________
Practice Exercises______________________________________________________
Exercise 4: Pair Role Play ________________________________________
Exercise 5: Vocabulary Skills Practice ____________________________
Exercise 6: Writing Practice _____________________________________
Exercise No. 7: Modals Giving Permission_ ________________________
Chapter 3: Modals that show Obligation and Prohibition_______________________
Common Modals of Obligation __________________________________________
Common Modals of Prohibition_________________________________________
Sentence Structure and Usage __________________________________________
Formality and Strength _________________________________________________
Common Mistakes and Tips ____________________________________________
Practice Exercises______________________________________________________
Exercise 8: Speaking Practice (Obligation) ________________________
Exercise 9: Vocabulary Practice (Prohibition) ______________________
Exercise 10: Permission and Obligation ___________________________
Exercise No. 11 Fill in the Blank __________________________________
Rubrics______________________________________________________________________
References___________________________________________________________________
Answer Key__________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Please use this module with care and avoid making any unnecessary
marks on the pages. Answer the exercises and tests on separate sheets of
paper to ensure that your work remains organized and clear. Make sure to
read all instructions carefully before attempting each task to ensure you
understand what is required.
I hope you find this learning material helpful and informative as you
develop your skills in using modals.
Content Standard: The learner demonstrates understanding of
how to use modal verbs to express permission, obligation, and
prohibition in different contexts. This includes identifying and applying
modals such as "can," "could," "may," "might," "must," "should," and
"cannot" in written and spoken English.
Learning Competencies:
o The learner uses modals such as "can," "may," and "could"
in appropriate contexts to express permission. (EN9LC-Ia-
c-1)
o The learner uses modals such as "must," "should," and
"have to" to communicate various levels of obligation and
duty. (EN9LC-Ib-c-2)
o The learner uses modals such as "cannot," "must not," and
"may not" to convey what is not allowed. ( EN9LC-Ic-c-3)
Learning Objectives:
o Understand and identify different modal verbs used for
asking for and granting permission.
o Construct sentences using modals like "can," "may," and
"could" to appropriately ask for or give permission.
o Recognize and use modal verbs that indicate obligation
and necessity.
o Create sentences using "must," "should," and "have to" to
articulate various levels of obligation in different scenarios.
o Identify modal verbs that are used to express prohibition.
o Use "cannot," "must not," and "may not" to form sentences
that clearly indicate what is not allowed.
Chapter
1
Objectives:
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
Pre-test
Direction: Read and understand the short conversation below and fill in
the correct modals. Choose your answer from the pool of words inside
the box.
Must may can could should
Saleslady: (1) _____ I help you?
Customer: (2) Yes, _____ you show me the gloves, size Medium?
Saleslady: (3) All right, sir, I _____ show you the different sizes of the
gloves.
Customer: (4) That _____ be the one my mother is looking for. (5) _____
you please tell me its price?
Saleslady: It costs only 450.00 per box.
Let’s Start!
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that add additional meaning to
the main verb. They are used to express attitudes such as possibility,
necessity, permission, and ability.
• Examples of Modals:
o Might: Possibility
1. Ability:
o "I could play the piano when I was younger." (Past ability)
2. Permission:
o "You may leave the table once you finish your meal."
(Permission)
3. Obligation:
o "You should turn off the lights when you leave." (Advice)
4. Prohibition:
Reflective Question:
How modals affect the overall meaning of a sentence?
The meaning of modals can vary depending on the context in
which they are used. For example, "can" can indicate ability ("She can
cook") or permission ("Can I come in?").
Modals like "may" and "could" are often used in more formal
contexts, while "can" and "must" can be used in informal situations.
Practice Exercises
3. You _______ forget to turn off the oven before you leave.
Sentences Functions:
1. "You _______ wear a helmet when riding a bike."
A. Permission
2. "I _______ go to the movie later if I finish my
B. Prohibition
homework."
C.Ability
3. "____ I use your phone to make a call?" D. Obligation
4. "You _______ smoke here; it’s against the rules." E. Possibility
5. "She _______ speak French fluently."
Chapter
2
Objectives:
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
1. Define what modals of permission are and their role in
communication.
2. Identify the common modals used to express permission,
including "can," "may," "could," and "might."
3. Use these modals accurately in sentences to ask for or grant
permission.
4. Understand the difference in formality and strength among
various modals of permission.
Let’s Start!
Modals of permission are auxiliary verbs used to indicate
whether something is allowed or permitted. They help in making
requests or giving approvals.
They are crucial in formal and informal contexts to clarify
boundaries and permissions.
Common Modals of Permission:
• Can: Informal permission or ability. Used in everyday
conversations and less formal situations.
o Examples:
▪ "Can I go to the restroom?"
▪ "You can use my phone."
• May: More formal than "can." Often used in polite requests or in
formal situations.
o Examples:
▪ "May I leave the room early?"
▪ "You may enter the meeting now."
• Could: Polite and less direct than "can." Used to make polite
requests or suggestions.
o Examples:
▪ "Could I borrow your book?"
▪ "You could try asking for permission."
• Might: Very polite and somewhat tentative. Used for suggesting
possible permissions.
o Examples:
▪ "Might I suggest another approach?"
▪ "You might be allowed to use the equipment if you
ask."
Sentence Structure and Usage:
• Affirmative Sentences:
o "You can go outside now."
o "May I have a look at your report?"
• Negative Sentences:
o "You cannot park here."
o "You may not use your phone during the exam."
• Questions:
o "Can I use your computer?"
o "May I borrow your pen?"
Practice Exercises
Exercise 4: Pair Role Play
Scenarios:
1. Scenario 1: At School
Sentences: Definitions:
1. "You _______ use my phone if A. Can: Used to indicate
you need it." permission in informal
2. "You _______ attend the contexts.
meeting if you are interested." B. May: Used to indicate
3. "Could I have a moment of permission in formal contexts.
your time to discuss this?" C. Could: Used to politely
4. "Might I suggest that you try a request permission.
different approach?" D. Might: Used to tentatively
suggest or propose an action.
I would like to request permission to take a day off on [Date] to attend a family event. I understand the importance of my responsibilities
and will ensure that all urgent tasks are completed before my leave.
Could you please let me know if this request is acceptable? I will make sure to catch up on any missed work upon my return.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Summary
Modals of permission are auxiliary verbs used to express whether
something is allowed or not. They help articulate the level of formality,
politeness, and certainty in requests and responses related to
permission. Here’s a concise summary of how these modals function:
Common Modals of Permission:
• Can:
o Usage: Informal contexts and everyday situations.
o Examples: "Can I use your phone?" / "You can leave early."
o Function: Indicates direct permission or ability in casual
settings.
• May:
o Usage: Formal contexts and polite requests.
o Examples: "May I borrow your book?" / "You may enter the
room."
o Function: Used to ask for or grant permission in formal or
polite situations.
• Could:
o Usage: Polite or tentative requests.
o Examples: "Could I have a moment of your time?" / "You
could ask for permission to join."
o Function: Polite and less direct than "can," often used for
making suggestions or requests.
• Might:
o Usage: Tentative or uncertain permission.
o Examples: "Might I suggest another approach?" / "You
might be allowed to use the resources."
o Function: Very polite and tentative, indicating a possibility
rather than certainty.
Exercise No. 7: Modals Giving Permission
Objectives:
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
• Must:
o Examples:
• Have to:
o Examples:
• Should:
o Examples:
• Cannot (Can't):
o Examples:
• May not:
o Examples:
▪ "You may not leave the building during the fire drill."
Summary
Modals that express obligation and prohibition are integral to English,
helping us communicate rules, duties, and restrictions effectively.
These modals convey how strongly something is required or forbidden,
providing clarity in both formal and informal contexts.
Modals of Obligation
1. Must: Indicates a strong obligation or necessity. Often used in
formal rules, laws, or regulations.
2. Have to: Expresses a necessity or requirement, often due to
external circumstances or rules. Slightly less formal than "must."
3. Should: Suggests a recommendation or mild obligation. Less
forceful than "must," often used for advice or best practices.
Modals of Prohibition
1. Must not (Mustn't): Indicates a strong prohibition, signaling that
something is absolutely not allowed.
2. Cannot (Can't): Denotes that something is not permitted. It is
used more broadly and can apply to general rules or policies.
3. May not: A formal way to indicate prohibition, often used in
written policies or official communications.
Exercise No. 11 Fill in the Blank
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal verb from the
list provided.
can, may, must, must not, should, have to
1. "You _______ wear a helmet while riding a bicycle for safety
reasons."
2. "Students _______ submit their assignments by the deadline."
3. "You _______ not enter the laboratory without proper
authorization."
4. "I _______ finish this report before I can leave the office."
5. "We _______ follow the safety guidelines during the experiment."
6. "______ I use your phone for a moment?"
7. "You _______ not smoke in this area."
8. "You _______ attend the meeting if you want to stay informed."
9. "Students _______ bring their textbooks to class every day."
10."______ I leave early today to attend a personal appointment?"
RUBRICS FOR THE ROLE PLAY USING MODALS
Needs
Excellent (4 Good (3 Satisfactory (2
Criteria Improvement
points) points) points)
(1 point)
Uses modals
accurately
Uses modals
throughout the Uses modals with Frequent errors in
mostly accurately
Accuracy dialogue. some errors or modal usage.
with minor errors.
Demonstrates a inconsistencies. Limited
of clear
Shows good
Understanding of understanding of
Modals understanding but
understanding of their functions is the functions of
occasional
permission, somewhat clear. modals.
mistakes.
obligation, and
prohibition.
Modals are used Modals are Modals are
Modals are mostly
Context appropriately for occasionally frequently
appropriate for the
the context, inappropriate or inappropriate or
Appropri enhancing the
context, with
misused, affecting misused, reducing
ateness minor issues
dialogue's realism the dialogue's the dialogue's
affecting realism.
and effectiveness. effectiveness. effectiveness.
Dialogue is
Dialogue is mostly Dialogue is
Dialogue is clear somewhat clear,
clear with minor unclear and
Clarity of and easy to but there are
issues in difficult to
understand. noticeable issues
Expressi Modals are used to
expression.
in expression.
understand.
on Modals generally Modals often fail
convey precise Modals
convey intended to convey intended
meanings. sometimes
meanings. meanings.
confuse meaning.
Presentation is
Presentation is
Presentation is somewhat
engaging and Presentation is not
engaging, with engaging but lacks
Engagem dynamic. Speakers engaging. Poor
good use of smooth flow.
use modals flow and
ent and effectively to
modals to support Modals are used to
ineffective use of
Delivery interaction. Minor some extent but
enhance modals hinder
issues in flow or affect the
interaction and interaction.
dynamics. dialogue's
flow.
interaction.
Excellent grammar
and Good grammar Some grammar Frequent grammar
Grammar pronunciation. and and pronunciation and pronunciation
and Modals are pronunciation. issues. Modals are errors. Modals are
Pronunci pronounced Minor errors in sometimes often
correctly and used modal use or mispronounced or mispronounced or
ation
in grammatically pronunciation. used incorrectly. used incorrectly.
correct sentences.
RUBRICS FOR THE MAKING LETTER WITH MODALS
Criteria Excellent (4 points) Good (3 Satisfactory Needs
points) (2 points) Improvement
(1 point)
Accuracy of Modals are used Modals are Modals are used Frequent errors in
Modals accurately throughout mostly accurate with some errors modal usage.
the letter. Demonstrates with minor errors. or Limited
a thorough Shows good inconsistencies. understanding of
understanding of understanding Understanding is their functions.
permission, obligation, but has somewhat clear.
and prohibition. occasional
mistakes.
Context Modals are used Modals are Modals are Modals are
Appropriateness appropriately for the mostly occasionally frequently
letter’s context, appropriate for inappropriate or inappropriate or
enhancing the clarity the context, with misused, misused, reducing
and relevance of the minor issues affecting the the letter’s clarity
communication. affecting letter’s and relevance.
relevance or effectiveness.
clarity.
Clarity and The letter is clear, The letter is The letter is The letter is
Coherence coherent, and well- mostly clear and somewhat clear unclear and
organized. Modals coherent, with but lacks disorganized.
contribute to precise minor issues in coherence. Modals hinder
and effective organization or Modals effective
communication. clarity. Modals occasionally communication.
generally affect
contribute to communication.
communication.
Formal Tone and The letter maintains a The letter The letter has The letter lacks
Structure formal tone and maintains a some issues with formality and
appropriate structure generally formal formality and structure. Modals
throughout. Modals are tone and structure. Modals are used
used to support the structure, with are used but may ineffectively and
formal style effectively. minor issues in not fully support do not support a
style or format. the formal style. formal tone.
Modals support
the formal tone.
Grammar and Excellent grammar and Good grammar Some grammar Frequent grammar
Punctuation punctuation. Modals are and punctuation. and punctuation and punctuation
used in grammatically Minor errors in issues. Modals errors. Modals are
correct sentences and modal usage or are sometimes often misused or
punctuated correctly. punctuation. misused or punctuated
punctuation is incorrectly.
incorrect.
References:
Exercise No. 5
Answers:
1. can (A)
2. may (B)
3. could (C)
4. might (D)
Exercise No. 7
Answers:
1. c) Can
2. c) May I leave the room?
3. b) "You may go to the party after dinner."
4. b) Might
5. d) You might use my laptop.
6. b) May
7. c) "You may attend the meeting."
8. c) Might
9. a) "You can’t leave early."
10.c) Can
Exercise No. 9
Answers:
1. must not (A)
2. cannot (B)
3. may not (C)
Exercise no. 10
Answers:
1. b) Reports must be completed by Friday.
2. b) Yes, if you notify your manager and ensure urgent tasks are
covered.
3. c) Personal calls are not allowed unless it is an emergency.
4. c) Prioritizing urgent tasks and being mindful of office policies.
Exercise no. 11
Answers:
1. must
2. have to
3. must not
4. have to
5. should
6. May
7. must not
8. should
9. must
10.Can