Topic: Modal Verbs for Advice and Suggestions (should, ought to, had better)
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 45 minutes (in-class)
Learning Objectives:
Understand the use of modal verbs for giving advice and making suggestions.
Apply modal verbs in various contexts (speaking and writing).
Engage in peer collaboration to practice and correct usage of modal verbs.
Pre-Class (Flipped Learning)
Objective: Students learn about modal verbs through self-study before class, allowing for more interactive activities during class.
Pupils find a video link (e.g., YouTube or pre-recorded teacher explanation) about modal verbs should, ought to, and had better. and read the GM.
Topics covered:
Should for general advice: “You should eat more vegetables.”
Ought to for slightly stronger advice: “You ought to see a doctor.”
Had better for urgent or strong advice (with negative consequences): “You had better finish your work or you’ll get in trouble.”
Provide a text with examples of sentences using should, ought to, and had better, and when each one is appropriate.
Comparison chart: Difference between should, ought to, and had better.
Create a simple quiz (using Google Forms, Kahoot, or Quizlet) to test students’ understanding.
Multiple-choice questions to identify the correct modal verb in various contexts.
Short sentences for students to complete using the appropriate modal verb.
In-Class (45 minutes)
Objective: Practice using modal verbs interactively, solidify understanding through speaking and writing.
Activity: Pair work—Students discuss the quiz results and any difficulties they faced. Have them ask each other for advice using modal verbs.
Example prompt: “I’ve been feeling tired recently. What do you think I should do?”
Encourage them to respond using should, ought to, and had better.
Teacher’s Role: Circulate and listen, offering feedback and clarifying any confusion.
Activity: Provide a series of situations and ask students to give advice using the correct modal verb.
Example situations:
A friend is stressed about an upcoming exam.
Someone is not getting enough sleep.
A person is spending too much time on social media.
Small group work: Students discuss and share their advice for each situation.
Teacher’s Role: Review the answers as a class and explain any mistakes, focusing on the nuances of the modal verbs.
Activity: In pairs, students role-play giving advice in various scenarios.
Scenario 1: A friend wants to quit their job. Give advice.
Scenario 2: A student is unsure if they should study abroad.
Scenario 3: A family member has an unhealthy lifestyle.
Teacher’s Role: Observe the role plays and offer real-time corrections, reinforcing the proper use of modal verbs.
Activity: Students write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) giving advice to a friend or family member using should, ought to, and had better.
Topic examples:
Advice on a healthy lifestyle.
How to manage time better.
Peer Review: Exchange paragraphs and have students check each other’s work for correct modal verb usage.
Teacher’s Role: Provide feedback on any common mistakes or areas for improvement.
Discussion: Discuss how the use of should, ought to, and had better can change the strength or tone of advice.
Exit Ticket: Before leaving, each student writes one piece of advice for the teacher using one of the modal verbs. Example: “You should try this new restaurant.”
Post-Class Assignment (Optional)
Extended Writing Task: students write a letter to a friend giving them advice on any topic, incorporating all three modal verbs (should, ought to, and had better).