Further study of modal verbs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use different modal verbs to change the meaning in varying sentence contexts.
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
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 struggle to understand the concept of 'obligation' in relation to modal verbs.
Talk about how sentences are showing that the speaker thinks they or someone else are 'obliged to' do something.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to experiment with different modal verbs and to consider the effect these choices have on meaning in a sentence.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the type of tense to the auxiliary verb it uses.
none except 'will' in the future form
auxiliary verb based on 'to be'
auxiliary verb based on 'to have'
Q2.Tick the sentence that uses a simple tense.
Q3.Tick the sentence that is written in a progressive tense.
Q4.Tick the sentence that is written in a perfect tense.
Q5.Which verb form completes this sentence? 'Since January, I __________ my handwriting skills.'
Q6.Which verb form completes this sentence? 'Every morning, I ___________ on my school uniform.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Place these sentences in order from most certain to happen to least certain to happen.
Q2.Match the types of modal verb to the examples.
shall
may
ought to
Q3.Match the type of modal verb to the example.
I will soon learn the truth.
We might struggle to complete this task.
You must behave better tomorrow.
Q4.Which of these speech sentences use a modal verb?
Q5.Which words in this persuasive sentence are modal verbs? 'We must do more to help, or we may regret it.'
Q6.Which modal verbs could come at the start of this rhetorical question? '__________ we ignore this situation any longer?'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Further study of modal verbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Further study of 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, modality, active voice and passive voice unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.