Using modal verbs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use modal verbs in a speech sentence and a persuasive sentence.
Key learning points
- A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb.
- A modal verb is most often paired with the main verb of a clause.
- A modal verb is not paired with the main verb if it appears in a question.
- Modal verbs are often used in speech sentences and persuasive writing.
- A modal verb expresses the degree of possibility, intent, ability or necessity of the clause.
Keywords
Auxiliary verb - the helping verb that is always paired with the main verb
Modal verb - a type of auxiliary verb that helps us to talk about how likely, possible, necessary or obligatory something is to happen
Clause - a group of words that contains a verb
Speech sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech
Persuasive writing - text that tries to change someone’s mind or behaviour
Common misconception
Pupils may be confused by the presence of modal verbs at the start of questions.
Explain that in questions the modal verb can come first followed by the person we're referring to, then the main verb.
Teacher tip
If you are studying a suitable topic in another curriculum area, adapt Task B to suit this context - the more background knowledge pupils have about a field, the easier it is for them to write coherent persuasive sentences.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What type of word is a modal verb?
Q2.Which of the following are modal verbs?
Q3.What is the purpose of the modal verb 'will' in this sentence? "They will find us somewhere to stay."
Q4.What are the modal verbs in this sentence? "We have to do maths first today and then we will enjoy some music."
Q5.Tick the modal verbs that show that something is possible to happen but not certain.
Q6.Which sentence contains a modal verb showing obligation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put these sentences in order from most certain to happen to least certain to happen.
Q2.Match the types of modal verb to their definitions.
Show things that are definitely going to happen.
Show things that could happen.
Show things that are supposed to happen or should be done.
Q3.Match the type of modal verb to the example.
We shall find out tomorrow.
We might find out tomorrow.
We ought to find out tomorrow.
Q4.Which of these speech sentences use a modal verb?
Q5.Which words in this persuasive sentence are modal verbs? "You must change your behaviour, or you may find yourself in deep trouble."
Q6.Which modal verb could come at the start of this rhetorical question? "__________ we look the other way while the environment is destroyed?"
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Using modal verbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Using modal verbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Three tense forms and modal verbs unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.