Year 6 - English
Further study of modal verbs
Three tense forms, modality, active voice and passive voice
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils review the simple, progressive and perfect present tenses as well as modal verbs for use in persuasive writing and speech sentences. They learn the rules for the perfect past and future tenses for the first time as well as learning about the active and passive voice.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use different modal verbs to change the meaning in varying sentence contexts.
Key Notes
- A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb.
- A modal verb is most often paired with the main verb of a clause.
- A modal verb is not paired with the main verb if it appears in a question.
- Modal verbs are often used in speech sentences and persuasive writing.
- A modal verb expresses the degree of possibility, intent, ability or necessity of the clause.
Vocabulary To Learn
- auxiliary verb: the helping verb that is always paired with the main verb
- modal verb: a type of auxiliary verb that helps us to talk about how likely, possible, necessary or obligatory something is
- clause: a group of words that contains a verb
- speech sentence: a sentence that includes direct speech
- persuasive writing: text that tries to change someone's mind or behaviour
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may struggle to understand the concept of 'obligation' in relation to modal verbs.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb. A modal verb is most often paired with the main verb of a clause.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'auxiliary verb'
the helping verb that is always paired with the main verb.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may struggle to understand the concept of 'obligation' in relation to modal verbs. Correction: Talk about how sentences are showing that the speaker thinks they or someone else are 'obliged to' do something.
More Lessons In This Unit
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