Certain or uncertain? LO: Can I use modal verbs and modifiers to improve my writing?

Modal verbs show how likely something is… Modal VerbsSimple Form Can Could May Might Must Shall Should Will Would ‘be’

These modal verbs can be turned into negatives (e.g. cannot, can’t, must not) Modal verbs  Can  Could  May  Might  Must  Shall  Should  Will  Would Negative forms?

Modal verbs and adverbs… We can combine modal verbs with adverbs to show more or less certainty.  “She might pass the exam or she might not pass. I don’t know.”  Here, the speaker isn’t sure at all. You could also use could or may instead of might.  Look at how adverbs work with modal verbs:  “People will definitely work longer hours in the future.”  “People definitely won’t work longer hours in the future.”  Both of these sentences show that the speaker is sure.  “You’ll probably enjoy this film.”  “You probably won’t enjoy this film.”  The speaker is thinks (s)he’s right but isn’t completely sure.  “She might pass the exam or she might not pass. I don’t know.”  Here, the speaker isn’t sure at all. You could also use could or may instead of might.  Look at how adverbs work with modal verbs:  “People will definitely work longer hours in the future.”  “People definitely won’t work longer hours in the future.”  Both of these sentences show that the speaker is sure.  “You’ll probably enjoy this film.”  “You probably won’t enjoy this film.”  The speaker is thinks (s)he’s right but isn’t completely sure.

In pairs, predict what’s going to happen to each other this week. Choose things you’re certain of, and others you’re less certain of. Notice which modal verbs you use.

Modal verbs are great for expressing an opinion with certainty, or with uncertainty. Which modal verb (or verb phrase) would you choose?  “Manchester United __________ win the league this year.”  “A student who doesn’t always listen in English lessons __________ become a good writer.”  “The 2012 Olympics __________ be a good thing for East London.”  “The cuts to public services such as health and education __________ be a disaster for Britain.” When you use a modal verb or verb phrase to complete these statements, you’re giving an opinion. Well done. Tell your group why you have this opinion. Your group should notice which modal verbs or verb phrases you use while you explain.

In analytical writing  As well as ‘predicting’ something, modal verbs are useful for analysing.  They help you show certainty or uncertainty in your writing.  “The lighthouse could be a symbol for truth and hope. When the bulb in the lighthouse dies, the writer might be implying that any optimism has gone.”

 This is the first line of a poem by Emily Dickinson.  What does she mean?  Come up with three possible ideas or interpretations. Then write up your ideas in a mini paragraph. Try to use simple modal verbs and active verbs for analysing. ThThThis I felt a funeral in my brain

Advises Affects Alludes to Argues Builds Clarifies Confirms Connotes Constructs Criticises Conveys Demonstrates Denotes Depicts Describes Determines Displays Encourages Emphasises Establishes Examines Exemplifies Expands Explains Explores Exposes Foreshadows Foretells Highlights Hints Illustrates Impacts Implies Indicates Informs Introduces Manifests Narrates Persuades Portrays Presents Refers Relates Remarks Represents Reveals Shows Signifies Symbolises Suggests Supports Typifies Note of Caution: Only use the verbs you’re familiar with unless you take the time to examine the definition in the dictionary. This is not a list of synonyms. Each word has specific uses that are unique to its meaning. Active verbs for writing about texts...