Modal Verbs: Can-Must

John: My head hurts. I can’t concentrate on this exercise.

Jane: What is the problem?

John: I think it’s because I can’t sleep well lately.

Jane: You mustn’t stay up late, you must learn to sleep early, it’s healthy and good for the mind and body.

John: Yeah, I will try to learn to sleep early, thanks for the advice. Can you help me complete this exercise? I can’t do it like this.

Jane: Don’t worry, I can help so you can go and have some rest.

John: Thanks for the help, Jane.

Jane: You’re very welcome! I hope you feel better.

Comprehension

• What’s the problem with John? Why?
• What does Jane ask John to learn? Why?
• Why can’t John complete the exercise?
• Will Jane help John? If yes, why?
• What would you do if you have a headache?

Language

• Look at the underlined verbs. Are they conjugated?
• What do they express?
• What do you notice? Give the grammatical form. (Subject + verb etc.)
• Use those verbs in other sentences.
• Complete the following sentences with can – can’t – must – mustn’t:
  • …….. I leave early today?
  • ……… you do this exercise?
  • Children …………. go outside at night.
  • You …………… take care of your health.

Writing

Use can, can’t, must, and mustn’t to deal with the following situations:

• You are in class, you have a headache. Ask the teacher for permission to go home.
• Ask your friend if he/she has the ability to go out with you tomorrow.
• Show your friend that you don’t have the ability to go out tomorrow.
• Tell your friend that he/she is obligated to do his/her homework before playing games.
• Tell your friend that he/she is prohibited to use the smartphone in the classroom.