Department of Education

Division of City Schools

Ayala National High
School
Ayala, Zamboanga City
S.Y. 2019-2020

English
Module for
Grade 9
modals.
modals
english module

modals .
.
modals.
Preface
Learning The Modal Verbs The Easy Way is a kind
of module especially designed and prepared by the
English Teachers for Grade 9 students in Junior High
School. Through this material, students will be able to
use modals correctly be it in speaking or in writing.
This also serves as enhancement learning because it
offers key points in which examples are cited for
better application of skills. Practice exercises are also
given to test their communicative skills on the use of
the English language.

Furthermore, it is also designed to serve as a

supplement- not a replacement for the regular
instruction program. Its major purpose is to help
students become familiar with particular item
formats used on nationwide tests. Answer keys for all
practice activities are provided as these will serve as
self - assessment to measure competency and
mastery. There are eight parts that comprise this
learning material. Each component builds around a
particular kind of modal for learners to explore
meaningfully by engaging themselves on varied and
This module is prepared for Grade 9
challenging tasks.
learners as additional instructional
material to test knowledge and skills.
This is made possible through
collaborative efforts of colleagues
and head teacher.
- The Author
 Table Of Contents
PART I Definition of Modals
Examples of Modals in
Texts & Dialogues
(The Story of Helen Keller,
The Girl Who Could Not See,
Hear or Speak)
PART II Can, Could, Be Able To
(Ability, Possibility,
Permission & Suggestion)
Exercises
PART III May, Might
(Permission, Request,
Possibility, Suggestion)
Exercises
PART IV Shall, Should, Ought To
(Polite Suggestion,
Prediction, Advice)
Exercises
PART V Must, Have To, Need
To, Don’t Have To,
Needn’t (Necessity,
Persuasion, Certainty &
Prohibition )
Exercises
PART VI Will, Would
(Request & Habitual Past
Action)
Exercises
PART VII Assessment
 PART I

definition /ˈmōdl/

modal
modal
modal
1 A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used
to express:

• ability
• possibility
• permission
• obligation

2 Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to express

the same things as modals, but are a combination of
auxiliary verbs and the preposition to.

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 Examples of Modal Verbs in Texts and
Dialogues
Below are short texts and dialogues which contain all the
modal verbs. I hope that exploring these examples of the
use of modal verbs will help learners build their confidence
in using them.
Text 1 Pick out the modals in the story and write them on your
answer sheet.
The Story of Helen Keller, The Girl Who
Could Not See, Hear or Speak
I’d like you to know the story of Helen Keller, who could neither see nor
hear from the time she was a baby. Yet the brilliant girl was able to
overcome all those handicaps, to graduate from a college with honors
and become a useful citizen.

I must say there was nothing wrong with Helen Keller when she was born.
Her father and mother were very proud of their pretty baby, who tried to
say “pa-pa” and “ma-ma”.
For nineteen months Helen grew bigger and stronger. She was able to
walk when she was a year old; she could say a few words.
But one day the child fell ill. She must have been very ill. For days she was
laid up with a high fever and soon the parents learned that their darling
would never be able to see and hear.
The little child was now doomed to a life of silence and darkness. She
could not hear what was said to her and did not know how to talk, she
was unable to play with other children.
When Helen was 6 years old her parents took her to Baltimore and then to
Washington to famous doctors to find out if they could do something to
make her hear and see again, but the doctors could do nothing. The child
was hopelessly deaf. Dr. Bell said the Kellers should address the Perkins
Institution for the blind in Boston and ask if they could send someone to
help the child.
It was a wonderful day for Helen Keller when Ann Sullivan arrived in March
1887 to take charge of the child who could neither hear nor speak. Helen
was nearly seven, Ann Sullivan was past twenty.
Ann Sullivan found a way to make herself understood. She gave the child
a doll, and taking Helen Keller’s hand she slowly spelled out "d-o-l". The
child learnt for the first time that things must have names.
 The Story of Helen Keller, The Girl Who Could
Not See, Hear or Speak
When Miss Sullivan later spelled into the little girl’s hand the word “w-a-t-e-
r” and then let the water from the pumps run over her hand, a new light
seemed to brighten the face of the child. During the next 3 months, she
learned 300 words and could even put some of them into sentences.
Miss Sullivan loved her pupil who was so quick to learn. She lived with
Helen, played with her and worked with her every hour of the day. By
means of the hand language, Helen and her teacher were able to talk to
each other.

Helen learned to read books that were printed for the blind with raised
letters. She also learned to use the typewriter to write what she wanted to
say.

When Helen was 10 she was determined that she would learn to speak.
At first she learned only the sounds of the letters of the alphabet, but soon
she was able to say words and sentences.

In the story of her life Helen Keller writes, “I shall never forget the surprise
and delight I felt when I uttered my first connected sentence: “It is warm.”

At first she had much difficulty with her speech, but Ann Sullivan
understood what Helen trying to say. Helen practiced speaking day after
day until at last she developed a clear voice.

Later she was able to speak before large crowds which came to hear her
whenever she lectured.

At the age of 20 Helen Keller passed all the difficult entrance

examinations to Radcliffe College. Helen did extremely well in her classes
and was able to keep up with the other students. Helen wrote “The Story
of My Life” while she was in college. In her writings and lectures Helen did
everything she could to help and encourage others who were blind.

(From "Short Stories of Famous Women")

 PART II

can, could, be able to

Ability/ Lack of Ability

Present & Future Past

RULE RULE
• can/can’t + base form of the verb• could / couldn’t + base form of
the verb
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
[Link] can write poetry very well.
2.I can help you with that next 1. When I was a child I could
week. climb trees.
[Link] can’t speak French. RULE
RULE
• was / were + able to + base
• am / is / are / will be + able form of the verb
to + base form of the verb
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
1.I wasn’t able to visit her in the
[Link] is able to hospital.
solve complicated math [Link] hasn’t been able to get in
equations touch with the client yet.
[Link] support team will be able to
help you in about ten minutes.

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 PART II

can, could, be able to

Possibility & Permission

Possibility/ Impossibility Ask/Give Permission

RULE RULE
• • can + subject + base form of
can / can’t + base form of the verb
the verb (informal)
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
[Link] can catch that train at
10:43. [Link] you lend me ten dollars?
[Link] can’t see you right now.
RULE
He’s in surgery.
• can + base form of the verb
• could + base form of the (informal)
verb
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE

[Link] can borrow my car.

1. I could fly via Amsterdam if I
leave the day before. RULE
• could + subject + base form
(polite)

EXAMPLE
[Link] I have your number?
[Link] I talk to your supervisor
please?

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 PART II

can, could, be able to

Make a
Suggestion

Suggestion

RULE

• could + base form of the verb (informal)

EXAMPLE
1. You could take the tour of the castle
tomorrow.
2. You could study for the test instead of
playing games in your computer.

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Exercise Directions: Fill in the
Exercise correct form of can,
could or be able to as in
Exercise the examples.

EXAMPLE

1. Ben could not help his little brother with his homework
yesterday.
2. Can I call you later tonight?

ANSWER

1._______ Tony run long distances when he was a boy?

2.______ you please call a tow truck for me? My car broke
down. (polite)
[Link] students _______ to buy their textbooks today. The
bookstore is all out of them.
4.______ you teach me how to fix my computer? You’re so
good at it.
5.______ you ______ reach the customer if you call him at
4:00 his time?
 PART III

may, might

Permission & Request

Formal Permission/ Polite Request

Prohibition

RULE RULE

• may / may not + base form • may + subject + base form of

of the verb the verb

EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
1. May I help you?
[Link] may start your exam now.
[Link] may not wear sandals to
work.

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 PART III

may, might

Possibility & Suggestion

Possibility/ Negative Suggestion (No Better

Possibility Alternative)

RULE RULE

• may/ might + base form of • may as well / might as well +

the verb base form of the verb

EXAMPLE EXAMPLE

[Link] may go out for dinner [Link] may as well come inside.
tonight. Do you want to join us? John will be home soon.
[Link] company might get the [Link] might as well take Friday
order if the client agrees to the off. There’s no work to be done
price. anyway.
RULE
• may not / might not + base
form of the verb

EXAMPLE

[Link] and Sue may not

buy that house. It’s very
expensive.
[Link] might not buy a house at
all.

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 PART III

may, might

Polite Suggestion

Polite Suggestion

RULE

• might + base form of the

verb
EXAMPLE

1. You might like to try the salmon fillet. It’s

our special today.
2. You might need an umbrella. It’s going to
rain today.

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Exercise Directions: Fill in the
Exercise correct form of may or
might as in the example.
Exercise
EXAMPLE

1. May I sit here?

ANSWER

[Link] ______ finish the project on time. The main

engineer is ill.
2. You _____ want to stop by the museum gift shop on
your way out.
3. _____ I have your autograph?
4. He _______ visit the Louvre. He’s in Paris anyway.
5. You ______ park your car here. It’s reserved for
guests of the hotel only.
 PART IV

shall, should, ought to

Polite Suggestion

When You Are Sure of When You are Unsure

a Positive Answer of a Positive Answer

RULE RULE
• shall + subject + base form • should + subject + base form
of the verb of the verb
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE

1. Shall we go for a walk? 1. Should I call a doctor?

NOTE
Shall is only used with I or we. It
is used instead of will only in
formal English.

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 PART IV

shall, should, ought to

Prediction & Advice

Prediction/Expectation Give Advice

RULE RULE

• should/shouldn’t + base form • should / ought to + base form

of the verb of the verb
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE

[Link] proposal should be [Link] should check that document

finished on time. before you send it out.
2.I shouldn’t be late. The train [Link] ought to have your car
usually arrives on time. serviced before the winter.

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 PART IV

shall, should, ought to

Advice to Something Negative

Advice to Something
Unacceptable

RULE
• shouldn’t + base form of the
verb

EXAMPLE

1. James shouldn’t teach him

words like those.

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Exercise Directions: Fill in should,
Exercise shouldn’t or ought in the
following sentences as in
Exercise the example.

EXAMPLE

[Link] shouldn’t encourage such bad behavior.

ANSWER

1. You _____ get your teeth cleaned at least

once a year.
2. The house ______ be ready to move into by
next month. It’s almost finished.
3. Ron ________ to improve his attitude. If he
doesn’t, he might get fired.
4. ________ I get your jacket? It’s cold in here.
5. You ________ put your feet on the table. It’s
not polite.
 PART V

must, have to, need

to, don’t have to,
needn’t
Necessity/Requirement

Present & Future Past

RULE RULE
• must / have to / need to + • had to / needed to + base
base form of the verb form of the verb
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
[Link] must have a passport to 1. I had to work late last night.
cross the border. 2. I needed to drink a few cups
[Link] has to apply for her of coffee in order to stay
visa by March 10th. awake.
3.I need to drop by his room to NOTE
pick up a book. Have to and need to are
often used in the same
context, but many times, need
to is used to express something
that is less urgent, something in
which you have a choice.

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 PART V

must, have to, need

to, don’t have to,
needn’t
Persuasion & Certainty

Almost 100% Certain To Persuade

RULE RULE
• must + base form of the • must / have to + base form of
verb the verb
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
1. Thomas has lived in Paris for
years. His French must be very [Link] must try this wine. It’s
good. excellent.
[Link] have to visit us while
you’re in town.

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 PART V

must, have to, need

to, don’t have to,
needn’t
Prohibition & Lack of
Necessity
Prohibited / Forbidden Lack of
Necessity

RULE RULE
• must not / mustn’t + base • don’t /doesn’t /didn’t + have
form of the verb to + base form of the verb
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
1. You must not drive over the [Link] don’t have to park the
speed limit. car. The hotel valet will do it for
2. You mustn’t leave medicines you.
where children can get to them. 2. You didn’t have to shout.
Everyone could hear you.

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Exercise Directions: Fill in the
blanks with one of these
Exercise modals:
must, must not, have to,
Exercise has to, don’t have to,
doesn’t have to,
needn’t as in the
examples.
EXAMPLE

1. Shira doesn’t have to drive to the airport. She’s going by

taxi.
2. You must speak politely to the customers.

ANSWER

1. You ______ tell Anna about the party tomorrow night.

It’s a surprise! (must not, need to, doesn’t have to)
2. Tina _______ register for her classes on Monday,
otherwise she won’t get a place in them. (doesn’t have
to, mustn’t, has to)
3. You ________ send that fax. I’ve already sent it. (must,
will have to, don’t have to)
4. A dog ______ get special training in order to be a guide
dog. (must, need to, don’t have to)
5. Jeremy _______ get up early tomorrow. His class was
cancelled. (mustn’t, doesn’t have to, don’t need to)
 PART VI

will, would

Request & Habitual Past

Action

Polite Request/ Habitual Past

Statement Action

RULE RULE
• will / would + base form of • would/wouldn’t + base form of
the verb the verb
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
1. Will you please take the trash [Link] I was a child, I would
out? spend hours playing with my
2. Would you mind if I sat here? train set.
3. I’d (I would) like to sign up for [Link] wouldn’t eat broccoli
your workshop. when he was a kid. He loves it
now.

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Exercise Directions: Fill in the
Exercise blanks with one of the
following words: will,
Exercise won’t, would, wouldn’t.

EXAMPLE

1. Will you please help me lift this box?

ANSWER

1. I ______ like to order the onion soup please.

2. The manager _______ be pleased to hear that a
customer slipped on the wet floor.
3. _______ it be okay if I slept here tonight?
4. When Igor lived in Russia, he ________ call his
mother as often as he does now.
5. I can assure you sir, the order ______ be shipped
out tonight.
Exercise
Exercise
Exercise
All Modals
EXAMPLE
[Link] has to take his car to be serviced. The brakes
are squeaking.
2. Would you please save me a seat at the dinner
event.

ANSWER

[Link] you are sick, you ________ go to work. You’ll infect

everyone there.
[Link] _______ stop at red lights.
[Link] _______ finish the proposal today. You can
finish it tomorrow.
[Link] ______ hear much better with her new hearing
aids.
5.______ I order us a bottle of wine?
[Link] ______ pick his daughter up from school. She’s
taking the bus home.
[Link] _____________ smoke here. It’s a smoke-free
building.
[Link] ________ eat so many sweets. They are bad for
you.
9._________ you mind walking a little faster? We’re
going to be late.
10.I’m sorry. I _______ help you. I don’t know how to
do it.
instructions instructions
instructions instructions
Find the following modal verbs in the word search below.

Words can be found: forwards, backwards, horizontal,

vertical or diagonal.
 Quiz
Write your answers on a sheet of
paper.
Identify the right modal verb.
1. There are plenty of tomatoes in the fridge.
You ______ buy any.

2. It's a hospital. You ______ smoke.

3. He had been working for more than 11 hours.

He ______ be tired after such hard work. He
______ prefer to get some rest.

4. I ______ speak Arabic fluently when I was a child

and we lived in Morocco. But after we moved
back to Canada, I had very little exposure to the
language and forgot almost everything I knew as a
child. Now, I ______ just say a few things in the
language.

5. The teacher said we ______ read this book for our

own pleasure as it is optional. But we ______ read it
if we don't want to.

6. ______ you stand on your head for more than a

minute? No, I ______ .

7. If you want to learn to speak English fluently,

you ______ to work hard.

8. Take an umbrella. It ______ rain later.

9. You ______ leave small objects lying

around . Such objects ______ be swallowed by children.

10. People ______ walk on grass.

References
References
References
Ginger Software. (n.d.). Grammar Rules.
Retrieved from
[Link]
mar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
English Stand Arts. (2012, August 18). Examples
of Modal Verbs in Text and Dialogues.
Retrieved from
[Link]
[Link]
Speak Speak. (n.d.). Intermediate grammar
exercise: modal verbs for present probability –
must, can’t, could, may, might. Retrieved from
[Link]
exercises/intermediate/intermediate-grammar-
exercise-modal-verbs-for-present-probability-
must-cant-could-may-might
Teachers Pay Teachers. (n.d.). Possibility Modals
Crossword Puzzles. Retrieved from
[Link]
/Possibility-Modals-Crossword-Puzzle-3676341