Teach English in Xiandi Zhen - Linfen Shi

When teaching English as a second language, we commonly find topics that are very difficult to explain. Especially when the students’ first language has different roots which make different alphabets, structures, pronunciations, and dynamics, some of these complex grammar topics for the students are modal auxiliary verbs, reported speech, phrasal verbs, relative clauses, passive voice, among others. Modal auxiliary verbs can seem to be relatively easy for English native speakers until they have to teach them. These verbs are used so often that we do not consider how complicated can all these rules be for the students. For students using modal auxiliary verbs can be complicated according to the meanings, and it can be confusing when they try to find the similarities with their own language. For example, the politeness degree between “can” and “could.” The modal auxiliary verbs are auxiliary verbs which can not work as a main verb. These verbs add more meaning to the sentences and allow them to express more complex ideas. They express modality, ability, possibility, necessity, or other conditions. As, complementary verbs they are, the modal auxiliary verbs do not work without another verb. They cannot be conjugated and do not have tense. (defective verbs) The negative forms of modal auxiliary verbs are done with “NOT.” The modal auxiliary verbs and some examples to them are; • Can: to express ability, possibility, or requests. - This car can reach 100km/h in 10 seconds. (ability) • Be able to: to express ability - She is able to write with both hands. (ability) • Could: to express ability, possibility in the past, to ask for formal permission, polite requests - Could you please open the window? (polite request) • May: to express possibility in the future, permission or instructions - May I borrow your lighter? (permission) • Might: to express possibility in the present or future - It might rain in the afternoon. (possibility) • Will: to express will or determination - I will travel to the UK next year. (future possibility) • Shall: same as will but more polite (UK) - Shall we go to the cinema? (polite request) • Should: to express obligation or recommendation - You should study more English (recommendation) • Ought to: Synonym of should - You ought to sleep at least 8 hours a day. (recommendation) • Must: to express obligation, prohibition or necessity - You must study if you want to approve your exam. (obligation) • Would: to express a preference and it is also used to ask for something in a polite way. - Would you mind if I use your computer? (polite permission, request) • Need to: to express need or necessity, lack of need or necessity - You need to go back home early. (necessity) Modal auxiliary can also be used to express different degrees of formality. They do not change form according to person. Modal verbs are followed by a verb in its infinitive form. It applies to both future and present meaning. Modals with more that one meaning may express past ideas differently according to the meaning. There are many ways to teach modal auxiliary verbs. The most important thing to be sure that the students will understand their lesson completely and clearly is using the structures in a meaningful context following the communicative approach. Some tips that can be useful for the teacher are; • Check all the modal auxiliary verb forms in advance • Pay special attention to the rules or exceptions for the modal that you are actually teaching. The students will struggle with this part. • Focus on the function of the modal verb • Find a lesson using the modal auxiliary verbs so the students can use it in a meaningful context • Prepare flashcards for the students to practice the structure. You can also prepare some additional materials. (grammar sheets, role-plays, songs etc.) • Make sure that you have enough time for every activity. • Highlight the positive, negative and question forms • Focus on possible problems like pronunciation; repetition can be used. • Supervise the students, make them use their own questions in activity, including the whole class. • Be creative while designing the activities to keep interested in the lesson. In conclusion, “Modal Auxiliary Verbs” is an important and complex topic for the teacher as well it is for the students. Teachers should always try to keep all the resources available at hand in order to give an effective lesson and to manage the time efficiently. Remember, do not forget to be patient and be always willing to help your students.