Modal Verbs — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 6th Grade verbs & tenses worksheet.
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet6th Grade · English · Verbs & TensesModal Verbs — Answers
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.
- AYou
- Bmust
- Cwear
- Dhelmet
Answer: must
"Must" is the modal; "wear" is the main verb.
- AWe
- Bmight
- Cgo
- Dcamping
Answer: might
"Might" is the modal; "go" is the main verb.
- AShe
- Bspeak
- Ccan
- Dlanguages
Answer: can
"Can" is the modal; "speak" is the main verb.
- Adrink
- Bshould
- Cwater
- 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.
- AYou could tidy your room.
- BYou might tidy your room.
- CYou must tidy your room.
- DYou may tidy your room.
Answer: You must tidy your room.
"Must" leaves no choice.
- AIt will rain.
- BIt might rain.
- CIt is raining.
- DIt is going to rain.
Answer: It might rain.
"Might" shows only a possibility.
- AI will leave now.
- BMust I leave now?
- CMay I leave now?
- DI leave now.
Answer: May I leave now?
"May I" is the polite way to ask permission.
- AYou should see a doctor.
- BYou can see a doctor.
- CYou will see a doctor.
- DYou might see a doctor.
Answer: You should see a doctor.
"Should" recommends an action.
- AThe team may win.
- BThe team could win.
- CThe team will win.
- DThe team might win.
Answer: The team will win.
"Will" states it as certain.
- AYou must try the pie.
- BYou could try the pie.
- CYou will try the pie.
- 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.
Answer: must
Answer: could
Answer: Could
Answer: could
"Could" is the past form of "can" here.
Answer: will
Answer: must
Part D: Persuade with modals
Model answer: Our school must start a vegetable garden this year. Students could learn where food comes from, and the cafeteria 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
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.