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Modal Verbs — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 6 verbs & tenses worksheet.

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Year 6 · English · Verbs & Tenses

Modal Verbs — Answers

Success Tutoring

Part A — Find the modal

A modal verb comes before the main verb and changes its meaning. The modals are: *can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would*. Circle the modal.

1.You must wear a helmet.
  1. AYou
  2. Bmust
  3. Cwear
  4. Dhelmet

Answer: must

'Must' is the modal; 'wear' is the main verb.

2.We might go camping.
  1. AWe
  2. Bmight
  3. Cgo
  4. Dcamping

Answer: might

'Might' is the modal; 'go' is the main verb.

3.She can speak three languages.
  1. AShe
  2. Bspeak
  3. Ccan
  4. Dlanguages

Answer: can

'Can' is the modal; 'speak' is the main verb.

4.You should drink more water.
  1. Adrink
  2. Bshould
  3. Cwater
  4. DYou

Answer: should

'Should' is the modal; 'drink' is the main verb.

Part B — How strong is it?

Modals range from weak (*might, could*) to strong (*must, will*). Circle the answer.

5.Which shows the strongest obligation?
  1. AYou could tidy your room.
  2. BYou might tidy your room.
  3. CYou must tidy your room.
  4. DYou may tidy your room.

Answer: You must tidy your room.

'Must' leaves no choice.

6.Which shows the least certainty?
  1. AIt will rain.
  2. BIt might rain.
  3. CIt is raining.
  4. DIt is going to rain.

Answer: It might rain.

'Might' shows only a possibility.

7.Which asks politely for permission?
  1. AI will leave now.
  2. BMust I leave now?
  3. CMay I leave now?
  4. DI leave now.

Answer: May I leave now?

'May I' is the polite way to ask permission.

8.Which gives advice?
  1. AYou should see a doctor.
  2. BYou can see a doctor.
  3. CYou will see a doctor.
  4. DYou might see a doctor.

Answer: You should see a doctor.

'Should' recommends an action.

9.Which shows the writer is completely certain?
  1. AThe team may win.
  2. BThe team could win.
  3. CThe team will win.
  4. DThe team might win.

Answer: The team will win.

'Will' states it as certain.

10.Which is the most tentative suggestion?
  1. AYou must try the pie.
  2. BYou could try the pie.
  3. CYou will try the pie.
  4. DYou shall try the pie.

Answer: You could try the pie.

'Could' offers an option gently.

Part C — Choose the modal

Write the modal verb that fits the meaning.

11.You be quiet in the library. (must / might)

Answer: must

12.It snow tonight, but I'm not sure. (could / will)

Answer: could

13. you pass the salt, please? (Could / Must)

Answer: Could

14.I swim when I was four. (could / should)

Answer: could

'Could' is the past form of 'can' here.

15.We definitely be there at six. (will / might)

Answer: will

16.Students not run in the corridors. (must / may)

Answer: must

Part D — Persuade with modals

17.Write a short persuasive paragraph (4–5 sentences) arguing that your school should have a vegetable garden. Use at least four different modal verbs and underline them.

Model answer: Our school must start a vegetable garden this year. Students could learn where food comes from, and the canteen would save money on fresh produce. A garden might also attract birds and insects, which should help our science lessons. We will all benefit from fresher, healthier lunches.

Success criteria:

  • Four to five complete sentences
  • At least four different modal verbs used and underlined
  • Modals chosen to strengthen the argument
  • Persuasive tone maintained
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