New
New
Year 5

Using modal verbs

I can use modal verbs in a speech sentence and a persuasive sentence.

New
New
Year 5

Using modal verbs

I can use modal verbs in a speech sentence and a persuasive sentence.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb.
  2. A modal verb is most often paired with the main verb of a clause.
  3. A modal verb is not paired with the main verb if it appears in a question.
  4. Modal verbs are often used in speech sentences and persuasive writing.
  5. A modal verb expresses the degree of possibility, intent, ability or necessity of the clause.

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.

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

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.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What type of word is a modal verb?
An adjective.
An adverb.
A noun.
Correct answer: An auxiliary verb.
Q2.
Which of the following are modal verbs?
be
Correct answer: might
Correct answer: could
learn
Q3.
What is the purpose of the modal verb 'will' in this sentence? "They will find us somewhere to stay."
To show that they have an obligation to find us somewhere to stay.
To show that they might possibly find us somewhere to stay.
Correct answer: To show that they definitely 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."
do
Correct answer: have to
Correct answer: will
and
Q5.
Tick the modal verbs that show that something is possible to happen but not certain.
will
Correct answer: may
Correct answer: could
shall
Q6.
Which sentence contains a modal verb showing obligation?
Correct answer: We ought to try harder.
We could try harder.
We will try harder.

6 Questions

Q1.
Put these sentences in order from most certain to happen to least certain to happen.
1 - We will win this match.
2 - We should win this match.
3 - We might win this match.
Q2.
Match the types of modal verb to their definitions.
Correct Answer:Modal verbs of certainty,Show things that are definitely going to happen.

Show things that are definitely going to happen.

Correct Answer:Modal verbs of possibility,Show things that could happen.

Show things that could happen.

Correct Answer:Modal verbs of obligation,Show things that are supposed to happen or should be done.

Show things that are supposed to happen or should be done.

Q3.
Match the type of modal verb to the example.
Correct Answer:Modal verb of certainty,We shall find out tomorrow.

We shall find out tomorrow.

Correct Answer:Modal verb of possibility,We might find out tomorrow.

We might find out tomorrow.

Correct Answer:Modal verb of obligation,We ought to find out tomorrow.

We ought to find out tomorrow.

Q4.
Which of these speech sentences use a modal verb?
"You have one more chance," said Mrs. Begum.
Correct answer: "You should stop right now!" bellowed Mr. McIntyre.
Correct answer: "We'll get into trouble," whispered Sam.
Q5.
Which words in this persuasive sentence are modal verbs? "You must change your behaviour, or you may find yourself in deep trouble."
Correct answer: must
change
or
Correct answer: may
find
Q6.
Which modal verb could come at the start of this rhetorical question? "__________ we look the other way while the environment is destroyed?"
have to
Correct answer: will
ought to
might