Making and Responding Requests (Sentence Building) with Modal Auxiliaries English Grammar JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Lesson Plan: Making Requests Using Will, Could, May

Subject: English Grammar
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 12-13 years
Topic: Making Requests Using Will, Could, May
Sub-topic: Understanding and Using Modal Verbs for Requests
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define modal verbs and their functions in making requests.
2. Differentiate between using “will,” “could,” and “may” for requests.
3. Formulate polite requests using the appropriate modal verbs.
4. Recognize the level of politeness conveyed by different modal verbs.

Keywords: Modal verbs, requests, will, could, may, politeness
Set Induction: Start the lesson by asking students how they would request something from a teacher or a friend. Write a few examples on the board to illustrate different ways of making requests.

Entry Behavior: Students should already have a basic understanding of verbs and sentence structure.

Learning Resources and Materials:

1. Whiteboard and markers
2. Handouts with examples of modal verbs
3. Role-play scenarios
4. Worksheets for practice

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Review previous lessons on verbs, particularly focusing on how verbs can express different degrees of necessity, ability, or politeness.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Social skills

Learning Materials:

• Flashcards with modal verbs and their uses
• Role-play scenarios for practice

Reference Books:

• English Grammar Textbook for JSS 2
• Lagos State Scheme of Work

Instructional Materials:

• Examples of requests using modal verbs
• Sentence frames for practice

Content (with Examples)

Modal Verbs for Making Requests:
Modal verbs help express ability, possibility, permission, or requests. The choice of modal verb can change the tone of a request.

1. Will
   • Used for making requests or offers that are direct and confident.
   • Example: “Will you help me with my homework?”
2. Could
   • Used for polite requests or suggestions, often implying more formality than “will.”
   • Example: “Could you pass me the salt, please?”
3. May
   • Used for formal requests or when seeking permission.
   • Example: “May I leave the room?”

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. _______ (a. Will, b. Could, c. May) you help me with this project?
2. _______ (a. May, b. Will, c. Can) I borrow your pen?
3. _______ (a. Could, b. Will, c. Might) you tell me the time, please?
4. _______ (a. Will, b. Must, c. Should) you join us for lunch?
5. _______ (a. May, b. Can, c. Will) I ask you a question?
6. _______ (a. Could, b. Might, c. Should) you give me some advice?
7. _______ (a. Can, b. Will, c. May) I take your phone for a moment?
8. _______ (a. Will, b. Could, c. Must) you close the door?
9. _______ (a. May, b. Should, c. Would) I suggest a different approach?
10. _______ (a. Could, b. Will, c. Might) you help me find my book?
11. _______ (a. May, b. Can, c. Would) you like to join us?
12. _______ (a. Can, b. Should, c. Could) I see your notes?
13. _______ (a. Will, b. Could, c. May) you take care of this for me?
14. _______ (a. Should, b. Will, c. Could) I ask you to repeat that?
15. _______ (a. May, b. Can, c. Will) you please be quiet?

15 FAQs with Answers

1. What are modal verbs?
   Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or requests.
2. How is “will” used in requests?
   “Will” is used for direct and confident requests, indicating a strong willingness.
3. What is the difference between “could” and “will”?
   “Could” is more polite and formal than “will,” making it suitable for respectful requests.
4. When do we use “may”?
   “May” is used for formal requests or when seeking permission.
5. Can “could” be used to ask for permission?
   Yes, “could” can be used to ask for permission in a polite way.
6. What tone does “may” convey?
   “May” conveys a formal and polite tone when making a request.
7. Can you give an example of a polite request using “could”?
   Example: “Could you please help me with my homework?”
8. Is “will” always a polite request?
   Not necessarily; “will” is direct and can sometimes come across as demanding if not softened.
9. What is a less formal way to ask for permission than “may”?
   “Can” is a less formal alternative to “may.”
10. How do modal verbs change the meaning of a request?
    Different modal verbs convey varying levels of politeness and formality.
11. Can you use more than one modal verb in a sentence?
    Yes, but each verb should be used appropriately to maintain clarity.
12. How do you make a polite request to borrow something?
    You could say, “Could I borrow your book, please?”
13. What is the most formal way to ask for permission?
    Using “may” is the most formal way to ask for permission.
14. Is it appropriate to use “can” for requests?
    Yes, “can” is appropriate for informal requests but may lack the politeness of “could” or “may.”
15. Why is it important to choose the right modal verb?
    The choice of modal verb affects the tone and politeness of your request, which can influence how it is received.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic
   • Review the previous lesson on conjunctions and how they connect ideas.
2. Step 2: Introducing the New Topic
   • Explain the concept of modal verbs and their specific functions in making requests. Provide examples for clarity.
3. Step 3: Allowing Pupils to Contribute and Correcting Them as Necessary
   • Engage students in a role-play activity where they practice making requests using modal verbs. Encourage them to correct each other and provide feedback.

Teacher’s Activities

• Introduce the lesson and explain modal verbs using examples.
• Facilitate the role-play activity for practicing requests.
• Provide worksheets for individual practice and assess understanding.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions about modal verbs.
• Engage in role-play scenarios to practice making requests.
• Complete worksheets to reinforce learning.

• Making and Responding Requests (Sentence Building)

   

  “Making and Responding to Requests” refers to the language used to ask someone to do something or to respond to someone’s request for you to do something.

  Examples of making requests:

  1. Can you please pass the salt?
  2. Can you give me the book?
  3. Could you please take off your raincoat?
  4. Could you please take me to the dentist?
  5. Would you be kind enough to repair my computer?
  6. Do you think you could take me to the supermarket?
  7. Could I ask you to take me home?
  8. Can you tell me what happened?
  9. Could you help me carry this box?
  10. Would you mind giving me a hand with this project?
  11. Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
  12. Would it be possible for you to help me with this task?

  Examples of responding to requests:

  1. Sure, here you go. (giving the salt)
  2. Of course, let me grab one side. (helping to carry the box)
  3. I’d be happy to help. (agreeing to help with the project)
  4. Sure, here you are. (giving a pen)
  5. I’d be glad to. (agreeing to help with the task)

  Differences between Making Requests and Responding to Offers

  Making a request and responding to an offer are two different things, they use different grammatical structures and convey different meanings.

  Making a request is when you ask someone to do something for you. It implies that you need or want something to be done, but it is not yet being done. It’s a way to express your needs and express that you are dependant on the help of others. The grammatical structure used to make a request usually includes a modal verb such as “can,” “could,” “would,” “will,” etc.

  For example:

  • “Can I use your computer, please?”
  • “Could I borrow some money from you, please?”
  • “Do you mind if I turn up the heating?”
  • “Would you mind if I turned up the heating?”
  • Speaking tip: Could is more polite that can.
  • Can you please pass the salt?
  • Could you help me carry this box?
  • Would you mind giving me a hand with this project?

  Responding to an offer is when someone else has made a proposal to do something for you. It means that someone else is ready and willing to help you. It doesn’t express that you’re dependant on others. The grammatical structure used to respond to an offer often includes the use of “thank you” or other expressions of gratitude, as well as a verb of acceptance or rejection such as “accept,” “decline,” “appreciate,” etc.

  For example:

  • Thank you, I would appreciate that. (accepting an offer of help)
  • No, thank you. I can handle it myself. (declining an offer of help)
  • That’s very kind of you, I accept your offer. (accepting an offer)

  In short, making a request is when you are asking for something, while responding to an offer is when you are answering to a proposition already made.

  Modal Auxiliaries That Are Used to Make Requests

  Modal auxiliaries, also known as modal verbs, are used in English to indicate the speaker’s attitude or level of certainty about an action or event. Some modal auxiliaries, such as “can,” “could,” “may,” “might,” and “shall,” are commonly used to make formal requests. They are used to make polite and more formal requests, usually in formal or professional setting.

  Here are some examples of modal auxiliaries used to make formal requests:

  • Can you do me a favour? (more informal)
  • Could you say thanks to your mum for me? (more polite)
  • I’ve finished my homework. Can I go now? (more informal)
  • Could I speak to Amy, please? (more polite)
  • Can you please provide me with the financial report by Friday?
  • Could you possibly give me an update on the progress of the project?
  • May I ask you a question about the proposal?
  • Might I request a meeting with you to discuss the project further?
  • Shall we schedule a meeting next week to discuss the project?
  • Hey, you couldn’t pass me that plate, could you?
  • Can I have a taste?
  • Would you like to come to our house for dinner?
  • Would you like some cake?
  • Would you like to celebrate Chinese New Year with us?

  Notice that when making formal requests, it is common to use phrases such as “please” and “possibly” or “if it is not too much trouble” to make the request more polite and less demanding.

  It’s important to point out that different modal verbs may have different levels of formality, “could” and “would” are more formal than “can”, and “shall” is the most formal.

  Evaluation

  1. Which modal auxiliary is the most appropriate to use when making a formal request? a) Can b) Could c) Would d) Shall
  2. How can you make a request more polite? a) Using assertive language b) Using a more formal modal auxiliary c) Adding a “please” d) Using a more informal modal auxiliary
  3. When responding to a request, which phrase is most appropriate to use? a) No problem b) Of course, let’s go c) Sure, here you go d) I don’t mind
  4. What is the difference between making a request and responding to an offer? a) Making a request is asking for something, responding to an offer is accepting something. b) Making a request is offering something, responding to an offer is accepting something. c) Making a request is asking for something, responding to an offer is declining something d) Making a request is offering something, responding to an offer is declining something
  5. Which of the following is an appropriate way to respond to an offer of help? a) I don’t want your help b) No thanks, I got it c) No thank you. I can handle it myself. d) Of course, let’s do it.
  6. When making a request, which modal auxiliary can be used to suggest a plan of action? a) Will b) Should c) May d) Shall
  7. What should be included in a formal request? a) Using a more formal modal auxiliary b) Using informal language c) Using a more assertive language d) Using a polite language
  8. How can one indicate politeness when making a request? a) Using an informal modal auxiliary b) Using assertive language c) Adding a “please” d) Using a more formal modal auxiliary
  9. What modal auxiliary is commonly used to make a formal request? a) Can b) Would c) Should d) May
  10. Which modal auxiliary is more formal than “Can”? a) Could b) Will c) May d) Should

   

  Fill in the gaps 

  1. When making a request, it is appropriate to use a phrase like “_____ please” to make the request more polite.
  2. The modal auxiliary “_____” is commonly used to make formal requests.
  3. To respond to a request, one can say “_____, here you go”
  4. Making a request is when you are _____ for something.
  5. Responding to an offer is when you are _____ to a proposition already made.
  6. “_____” is more formal than “Can”
  7. _____ is a common phrase to indicate politeness when making a request.
  8. The phrase “_____ you” is often used to make a request less demanding.
  9. To indicate that a request is not urgent, you can use the phrase “if it is not too much _____”
  10. One way to make a request less formal is by using the modal auxiliary “_____”

  Answers:

  1. Can
  2. Could
  3. Sure
  4. asking
  5. answering
  6. Could
  7. Please
  8. of trouble
  9. Can
  10. Would

   

   

Assessment

• Distribute a worksheet with sentences that require students to fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb.
• Review their answers and provide feedback on their understanding.

10 Evaluation Questions

1. What are modal verbs?
2. How do you use “will” to make a request?
3. Provide an example of a polite request using “could.”
4. What is the function of “may” in requests?
5. Write a sentence using “could” to ask for help.
6. How does using “may” differ from using “can”?
7. What type of requests does “could” imply?
8. Provide an example of a direct request using “will.”
9. Why is it important to choose the right modal verb for requests?
10. Write a polite request asking to leave the room using “may.”

Conclusion

• Summarize the lesson by emphasizing the importance of modal verbs in making polite requests.
• Mark students’ work, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.