Understanding Modal Verbs in English Grammar JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Subject:

English Grammar

Class:

JSS 3

Term:

First Term

Week:

Week 5

Age:

14-15 years

Topic:

Modal Forms of Verbs

Sub-topic:

Understanding and Using Modal Verbs

Duration:

40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define modal verbs and their characteristics.
2. Identify different types of modal verbs.
3. Use modal verbs in sentences to express permission, ability, obligation, and possibility.
4. Provide examples of modal verbs in context.

Keywords:

Modal verbs, permission, ability, obligation, prohibition, necessity, advice.

Set Induction:

• Begin with a question: “What do you think it means to say you ‘must’ do something?”
• Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences related to obligations and permissions.

Entry Behaviour:

• Students should have a basic understanding of verbs and their functions in sentences.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with examples of modal verbs
• Projector for visual aids (if available)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

• Review previous lesson on verbs: Discuss the difference between modal verbs and regular verbs.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking: Analyzing sentences to determine the function of modal verbs.
• Communication: Discussing examples in groups.

Learning Materials:

• Handouts with definitions and examples of modal verbs.
• Worksheet for practice.

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 3 English Grammar
• English Grammar textbooks for JSS students

Instructional Materials:

• Flashcards of modal verbs
• Sample sentences for classroom discussion

Content:

What are Modal Verbs?

• Modal verbs are special verbs that indicate modality, such as possibility, necessity, or ability.
• They do not change form (e.g., no “s,” “ed,” or “ing”).
• They are always followed by the bare infinitive (without “to”).
• Common modal verbs include: can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must.

Uses of Modal Verbs:

1. Permission: “Can I go out?”
2. Ability: “I can swim.”
3. Obligation: “You must finish your homework.”
4. Prohibition: “You must not use your phone in class.”
5. Lack of Necessity: “You need not come if you’re busy.”
6. Advice: “You should study for your exams.”
7. Possibility: “It may rain tomorrow.”
8. Probability: “He must be at home; the lights are on.”

Examples of Modal Verbs:

• Must: “You must stop at the red light.” (strong obligation)
• Can: “I can ride a bike.” (ability)
• Could: “I could help you if you want.” (polite permission)
• May: “May I leave early today?” (formal permission)
• Might: “I might go to the party.” (possibility)

Modal Forms of Verbs

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs, also known as modal auxiliaries, are special verbs. They help express different meanings and functions in sentences. Unlike regular verbs like “work” or “play,” modal verbs do not change form.

Characteristics of Modal Verbs

1. No Changes: Modal verbs do not take endings like “s,” “ed,” or “ing.”
2. Followed by Bare Infinitive: They are always followed by a verb in its base form (without “to”).
3. Express Modality: They show possibilities, obligations, permissions, and more.

List of Common Modal Verbs

Here are some common modal verbs:

• Can
• Could
• May
• Might
• Will
• Would
• Shall
• Should
• Must

Other expressions that act like modals include “dare,” “ought to,” “had better,” and “need not.”

Uses of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs have various functions. They can express:

1. Permission: Asking if you can do something.
2. Ability: Talking about what someone can do.
3. Obligation: Expressing what must be done.
4. Prohibition: Saying what is not allowed.
5. Lack of Necessity: Indicating something is not needed.
6. Advice: Giving suggestions.
7. Possibility: Discussing what might happen.
8. Probability: Talking about what is likely to happen.

Examples of Modal Verbs

Let’s look at some modal verbs and how to use them:

1. Must
   • Strong Obligation: “You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.”
   • Logical Conclusion: “He must be very tired. He has been working all day.”
   • Prohibition: “You must not smoke in the hospital.”
2. Can
   • Ability: “I can swim.”
   • Permission: “Can I use your phone, please?”
   • Possibility: “Smoking can cause cancer.”
3. Could
   • Ability in the Past: “When I was younger, I could run fast.”
   • Polite Permission: “Excuse me, could I just say something?”
   • Possibility: “It could rain tomorrow.”
4. May
   • Permission: “May I use your phone, please?”
   • Possibility/Probability: “It may rain tomorrow.”
5. Might
   • Polite Permission: “Might I suggest an idea?”
   • Possibility/Probability: “I might go on holiday to Australia next year.”
6. Need Not
   • Lack of Necessity: “I need not buy tomatoes. There are plenty in the fridge.”
7. Should/Ought to
   • 50% Obligation: “I should see a doctor. I have a terrible headache.”
   • Advice: “You should revise your lessons.”
   • Logical Conclusion: “He should be very tired. He has been working hard.”

Important Note

Remember, modal verbs are always followed by a bare infinitive (the base form of the verb). For example:

• “You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.”
• “You should see a doctor.”
• “You need not buy any tomatoes.”

Summary

Modal verbs help us express permission, ability, obligation, and more. They are an important part of English grammar. Understanding how to use them correctly will improve your communication skills.

Class Activity

1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Create sentences with missing modal verbs for students to complete.
2. Group Discussion: Discuss different situations where modal verbs might be used in real life.

By understanding and using modal verbs, students can express their thoughts more clearly and accurately.