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English
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Modals
English – Grade 9
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Modals
First Edition, 2020

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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
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ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Bonifacio B. Pajarillo, Jr
Editors: Jojane N. Gelbolingo & Ramil R. Cubelo, PhD
Reviewer: Jocelyn A. Quiachon
Illustrators: Ivory Joan M. Tambala, Ramel E. Ligue, & Katrina O. Quizan
Layout Artist: Melanio R. Florino Jr.
Management Team: Reynaldo M. Guillena, CESO V
Basilio P. Mana-ay Jr., CESE
Emma A. Camporedondo, CESE
Alma D. Cifra, EdD
May Ann M. Jumuad, PhD
Aris B. Juanillo, PhD

Printed in the Philippines by DAVAO CITY DIVISION LEARNING RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (LRMDS)

Department of Education – Region XI

Office Address: Elpidio Quirino Ave., Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
Telefax: (082) 224-3724, (082) 222-1672
E-mail Address: davao.city@deped.gov.ph
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English
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Modals
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the English 9 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on
Modals.
This module was collaboratively designed, developed, and reviewed to assist
you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the
K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them
to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the English 9 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Modals.

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning. You will be enabled to process
the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Do not forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing the activities.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not
alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 Let Us Learn!
In this module, you are expected to learn about modal verbs. Learning
how to use modals appropriately will not just improve sentence structure but also
on the effectiveness of the sentence. This will help your ideas flow logically and
comprehensively.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. express permission, obligation, and prohibition (EN9-G-IVc-e-23);

2. identify appropriate modals and its functions in a sentence; and
3. construct sentences with appropriate modals.

Let Us Try!

Let us explore modals by answering the 15-item quiz. Do not worry

if you commit some mistakes, for you will be guided step-by-step leading to
your full understanding of our lesson.
Let us see if you can answer correctly.
Directions: Read the following sentences and encircle the correct modal to
complete the sentence. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. I (can, could) write compound sentences.
2. When I was young, I (can, could) eat tons of cupcakes!
3. The students (must, may) finish their assignments by Wednesday.
4. It (must, may) rain later.
5. If it is sunny outside, I (will, would) be much happier!
6. He (shall, should) go to the isolation facility.
7. You (must, might) abide the health protocol.
8. We (cannot, could not) simply underestimate the recent pandemic.
9. After the high figure of Covid19 positive cases in some areas in Davao
City, the Mayor (must, might) declare local hard lockdown.
10. During pandemic, we (should, shall) be mindful of wearing face mask,
social distancing and other health protocol.
11. If you are the owner of this dog, you (shall, should) be able to tell us
which of its eyes is blind.
12. I (must, might) do something to solve the global crisis.
13. (Will, Would) you drink with me?

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 14. (Shall, Should) we welcome repatriates?
15. In the near future, human (may, might) colonize another planet.

You have just started your journey on modals. Don’t worry, the rest of
this module will show you several ways on how to use modals accurately
and correctly.

Lesson
Modals: Express permission,
1 obligation, and prohibition

Let Us Study

As you continue working on the different learning tasks on modals,

your competence in constructing grammatical sentences will be developed.
Have fun today!

Activity 1 Roller Skate at the Park

Study the conversation between two friends in the park.

Ramel: Can you come along and roller skate with me, Geterel!

Geterel: I wish I could do it, too! It must be terrific!

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 Ramel: Don’t worry, I will teach you tomorrow. Shall we go home
now, Geterel, it’s getting dark.

Geterel: Could we stay a little bit longer, please?

Ramel:(phone ringing) Oh that might be your mom.

Geterel: Yes. She must be worried because I didn’t ask permission.

Come on, let’s go home.

What do the italicized words mean?

Yes! They are called modals or modal verbs. We will learn more about
modals and its various functions as we go through with this module.

This time, we will read an excerpt from “The Analects and Zen
Parables: The Thief Who Became a Disciple”:

“Spare me your mercy. I will need some to pay the tribute that is
requested by the King. His only anxiety is lest he should fail to recognize theirs. I
would say, “Let there be no evil in your thoughts. They will keep their self-
respect and come to you of their own accord. You, shall teach you what
knowledge is?”

Comprehension Questions: Read the following questions and encircle the

letter of the correct answer.

1. What values are evident in the text?

a. justice and fairness
b. hard work and industry
c. humility and compassion
d. nationalism and heroism

2. What does “Let there be no evil in your thoughts” mean?

a. We should always set our mind positively.
b. We should find ways to fight against tempt us.
c. We should be resilient in every adversity that comes our way.
d. We should think of the goodness and good things for our brothers.

3. What is the author’s purpose of the text?

a. to inform on the goodness of humanity
b. to inspire others to be one with nature.

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 c. to convince that mercy and compassion would make a better world.
d. All of the above

This time, focus your attention to the underlined words in every sentence,
what do underlined words in common? What do we call this expression? Yes, you
are correct! It is modal. Which of them indicates simple futurity, obligation, and
prohibition? Check your answers using the Answer Key at the last part of this
module.

The underlined words in the excerpt that you have just read are modals.

The topic of modals will be explained in detailed with examples for you
to be guided. Let’s gear up learner!

Modal verb or modal auxiliary verb is a type of verb that indicates modality,
i.e., likelihood, permission, ability and obligation. Some of the common modal verbs
are can, could, may, might and must.

They are a kind of special verbs which behave very irregularly in English.
Modals cannot be represented alone as a main verb since they are always used as
helping verbs. Let’s learn them one by one and take another step towards English
fluency.

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Can and Could

These modal verbs are usually used to show ability.

We use CAN to talk about things that we are able to do in the present or the
immediate future.

For example:

1. She can help you with your

homework later today.

2. They can dance all night long!

We use COULD to talk about what we were able to do in the past. We also
use COULD for polite requests.

For example:

1. Long ago, people could travel without

permits.

2. Could you pass me the sugar, please?

3. If we have enough time, we could go to the

playground later.

Must, Might, and May

These modal verbs are usually used to express obligation and possibility.

We use MUST to talk about obligations and when we are sure something is true.

For example:

1. You must eat your fruits!

2. He is not home yet. He must be stuck in

traffic.

We use MIGHT and MAY to say that

something is possible, but not sure. We also use
MAY to talk about approval.

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For example:

1. The kids might like potato, but I'm not sure.

2. This might be the most difficult decision he could ever do.

3. You may choose any gift that you like best.

4. You may have a chocolate after dinner.

Should

We use SHOULD as modal verb to talk

about obligation.

For example:
1. It's a beautiful day! We should take a walk
outside.

Will, Shall, and Would

We use WILL and SHALL to talk about the future, especially for predictions
and promises. Remember that we only use shall for the first person (I or we).

For example:

1. I shall arrive home late this morning.

2. She will be able to buy some new dress soon.

3. I will chat you later.

We use WOULD in conditionals and for polite

requests.

For example:

1. Would you please solve this problem?

2. If we had a lot of money, we would go on vacation every day!

The negative forms cannot or can’t, mustn’t and may not (more formal) are
used to express prohibitions:

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 1. I'm sorry, but you can't stay here.

2. You mustn’t touch that Ming vase.

3. Non-committee members may not vote on committee

issues.

Used in the negative, be to can also express prohibitions:

Let Us Practice
Let’s proceed to the application of our learning. In this activity, your
knowledge on modals and its functions will be solidified through series of
test items. Let’s go learner, have fun!

Choose the correct modal words to complete the following sentences.

1. I ___________ (can, could) go to the party this evening.

2. A: (Can, Could) ___________ Noel cook Italian food?

B: Yes, he ___________ (can, could).

3. You (will, would) ___________ see that I am right.

4. (Shall, Should) _________ I open the door?

5. She knows, she ______ (must, might) be there.

6. You ________ (may, might) leave if you wish.

7. My sister ___________ (can, could) speak English fluently.

8. They ___________ (can, could) sing together very well.

9. Which pen __________ (shall, should) I buy?

10. He ______________ (will, would) talk about nothing but movies.

B. Complete the paragraph by writing the appropriate modals.

I have been to the different countries; however, I feel I (1) _____ (may, might)
not be doing so in the coming days. Recently I got a new office position that (2)
_____ (will, would) demand most of my time. I (3) _____ (shall, should), however,
delegate most of my works. After a year or so, I (4) _____ (will, would) think of
continuing with my travel business since I (5) _____ (may, might) have covered
most of the work that I need to cover now.

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C. List some reminders pertaining to the use of gadget/s set by your parents at
home. Construct your sentences using modal of obligation shall, should. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Let Us Practice More

A. Complete the sentences with appropriate modals.

Example: I could bake a cake when I was only nine years old.

1. When ___________ I talk to you about the company report?

2. Most dinosaurs walked on land, but some ____ fly or even swim.

3. I ___________ hear your soft voice clearly.

4. I ___________ drive a truck when I was only sixteen years old.

5. She ___________ sit for hours talking to herself.

6. You ___________ keep your promise.

7. They _________ be rich to live in such a house.

8. She __________ be at home this time.

9. __________ God give you long life!

10. You __________ pay your taxes.

B. Complete the paragraph below by supplying the appropriate modal.

Seeing a crow eating a piece of bread a fox thought how it (1) _____ trick that
fellow. It said, “(2) _____ I talk to you, Sir?” The crow did not even look at the fox.
The fox again said, “(3) _____ you please pay a little attention to me? What a nice
bird you are! Your voice (4) _____ be very sweet. I am sure you (5) _____ sing very
well.”

C. On a bond paper, create a poster on how you can help the government in its
campaign on stay at home. Construct your sentences using modal of prohibition,
can’t, mustn’t.

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 Let Us Remember

Modal is a type of verb that is used to indicate modality – that is: likelihood,
ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, prohibition obligation, or
advice.

Modals are used as auxiliary or helping verbs with special functions. These
verbs help speakers and writers express their attitude to what they speak or write
about.

Modal verbs are used to express responsibility, obligation, probability, etc.

Let Us Assess
Your teacher-facilitator is happy that you have come to the evaluation part
of this module. By taking these series of test items, we will measure how
well did you master modals and its functions. Have fun learner!

A. Complete the sentences in the paragraph with appropriate modals.

Example: If we had a lot of money, we would go on vacation every day!

1. Douglas _________ eat pizza all day long.

2. How many hot dogs _________ you eat at one time?

3. I _________ read without my reading glasses.

4. _________ we play tennis, Mommy?

5. We _______ fail, but let’s not think about it

6. We agreed that it ________ be dangerous

7. He _________ not use the car.

8. Long ago, people ________ travel without permits.

9. ________ you pass me the sugar, please?

10. If we have enough time, we _______ go to the playground later.

B. Complete the following sentences by writing the appropriate modal words.

1. I didn’t feel very well yesterday. I _____ not eat anything.

2. You ______ look at me when I am talking to you.

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 3. I was using my pencil a minute ago. It _____ be here somewhere!

4. Already as a child Mozart _____ play the piano beautifully.

5. You really ______ not be late again.

6. If you don’t start working harder, you ____ repeat the course next year.

7. His parents spoil him. He’s always _____allowed to do whatever he wants.

8. Phone her now. She ____be home by now.

9. I ______ help you, but I don’t want to.

10. I ______ be able to help you, but I’m not sure yet.

C. Write the identified modal words from the ten-item assessment test above and
identify its functions. Write your answer on the table below. Item 1 is done
for you. Take your time learner!

Modal Function

1 Could Ability

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 Let Us Enhance
Great day to you dear learner! To enrich your skill on the use of modal,
another is prepared for you. Have fun!
Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals.
Example: You may have a chocolate after dinner.
1. A: ___________ you read when you were four years old?
B: Yes, I __________.
2. Ellie ___________ ride a bicycle. She rides it to school every day.
3. I ___________ go out to the park to play because of the good weather.
4. ___________ you see the moon last night?
5. She _____________ sit for hours listening to the radio.
6. That _____________ be the postman, I think.
7. _____________ you have tea?
8. _____________you lend me your scooter?
9. We _________ finish it on time.
10. There be _________ rain today.

B. Complete the paragraph with the appropriate modals: will / shall, would/
should or can/could, may/might)
Man 1)_________live without food and water for some time, but he/she 2)
________ not live without air. We 3)_________inhale pure, oxygen-rich air. Breathing
foul or polluted air 4)_______cause chest related problems. Exposure to cold air 5)
__________be avoided. When a person catches cold, he 6) ___________take simple,
light, and easily digestible food. He 7) ___________ avoid going out in cold under all
circumstances. He 8)__________ to keep his body warm by putting on woolen
clothes.

Let Us Reflect

From the different activities that you have undergone, you have learned
the importance of using modals in conversation. Learning the appropriate
modal to use is indeed important if we want to be clear with what we really want to
say or to be clear with our real intentions, therefore, you need to practice using
modals in your English conversations.

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Answer key to Activities

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 References

Almonte, L.R. et.al. (2015). Celebrating Diversity through World Literature:

EnglishLearner’s Material. Pasig City. REX Book Store, Inc., Department of
Education –Instructional Materials Council Secretariat (DepEd – IMCS)

Edumantra: Best CBSE Knowledgebase (2012). Gap filling Exercises.Retrieved on

June 9, 2020 athttps://edumantra.net/grammar/gap-filling-exercises-for-
class-9-10-solvedexercise-910/

Learn24X7. 2020. Learning made easy and simple. Retrieved on June 8, 2020 at
https://www.lessonenglishgrammar.com/usage/modals-types-exercises-for-
practice-for-use-of-modals/

Madan, Chander. (2015, July, 20). Modal verbs and its types. Retrieved on June 9,
2020 https://english.eagetutor.com/spoken-english-grammar/modal-verbs-
and-its-types

https://english.eagetutor.com/spoken-english-grammar/modal-verbs-and-
its-types

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Davao City Division, Region XI

Office Address: Elpidio Quirino Ave., Poblacion District, Davao

City, 8000 Davao del Sur

Telefax:(082) 224-3274, (082) 222-1672

E-mail Address: davao.city@deped.gov.ph

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