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B1 · Unit 5
Modals for Advice · tone & strength
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Modals for Advice

In this unit, students learn how to give advice using should, ought to, and had better. The focus is not only grammar, but also tone and strength: soft suggestions vs strong warnings. Students practice through speaking role-plays and write a short advice message.

Objectives Grammar Focus Tone & Strength Speaking Writing Practice Exit Ticket Homework Materials

SWBAT (Objectives)

  • Use should / shouldn’t to give general advice and suggestions.
  • Use ought to / ought not to as a slightly more formal alternative.
  • Use had better / ’d better to give strong advice or warnings.
  • Adjust advice for tone (soft → strong) using intonation and polite phrases.
  • Produce advice in a short role-play and a short written message.

Grammar Focus: Form

Should

• You should see a doctor.
• You shouldn’t stay up so late.
Form: should + base verb (no “to”)

Ought to

• You ought to apologize.
• You ought not to drive when you’re tired.
Form: ought to + base verb

Had better

• You had better leave now.
• You ’d better not say that to your boss.
Strong advice (often a warning)

Common learner problems

• ✅ You should go / ❌ You should to go
• ✅ You ought to go / ❌ You ought go (in most B1 contexts)
• ✅ You ’d better go / ❌ You’d better to go

Grammar Notes (PDF) Common Mistakes (PDF)

Tone & Strength (Soft → Strong)

Soft suggestion

• Maybe you should take a short break.
• You could try going to bed earlier.

Neutral advice

• You should talk to your teacher.
• You ought to save some money each month.

Strong warning

• You ’d better call the bank right now.
• You ’d better not ignore that message.

Polite “framing” phrases

• If I were you, I’d…
• In my opinion, you should…
• You might want to…
• It’s probably a good idea to…

Tone Scale (PDF)

Speaking: Advice Clinic (Role-Play)

Step 1: Pick a problem

Choose a card: health, study, work, money, relationships, travel, or online safety.

Step 2: Ask questions

Advisor asks 3 questions first:
• What happened? • How do you feel? • What do you want to happen?

Step 3: Give advice (3 levels)

Give 3 pieces of advice:
1) should (neutral)
2) ought to (slightly formal)
3) ’d better (strong warning)

Speaking success checklist
  • Asked clarifying questions first
  • Used should + ought to + had better correctly
  • Used at least one polite framing phrase
  • Advice matches the problem (practical + realistic)
Problem Cards (PDF) Role-Play Rubric (PDF)

Writing: Advice Message (Email / Text)

Prompt

Your friend is stressed about work or school. Write a message with 4–6 sentences giving advice. Use: should (2×), ought to (1×), had better (1×).

Model (B1)
Hey Sam, I’m sorry you’re feeling stressed. In my opinion, you should take short breaks during the day, and you should get some sleep tonight. You ought to talk to your teacher/manager and explain the situation. Also, you ’d better stop checking your phone late at night, or you’ll feel worse tomorrow. You can do this!
Quick checklist
  • Correct form (base verb after the modal)
  • Advice matches the problem
  • At least one polite framing phrase
  • Clear, friendly closing
Writing Worksheet (PDF) Mini Rubric (PDF)

Practice (Accuracy)

Practice 1: Fix the sentence

1) You should to go home early.
2) You ought go to the doctor.
3) You’d better to call your parents.

Practice 2: Choose the best strength

Situation: you have a big exam tomorrow, but you want to party tonight.
Choose: should / ought to / had better

Practice 3: Make advice

Give advice for 3 problems:
• trouble sleeping • always late • phone addiction

Practice Worksheet (PDF)

Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

  1. Write 1 sentence with should.
  2. Write 1 sentence with ought to.
  3. Write 1 sentence with had better (strong advice).
  4. Add 1 polite framing phrase (If I were you… / In my opinion…).
Exit Ticket (PDF)

Homework

  • Writing: write a longer advice message (120–160 words). Include 6 advice sentences.
  • Speaking: record a 60–90 second “advice clinic” response to one problem card.
  • Vocabulary: learn 12 collocations (get enough sleep, save money, take breaks, etc.).
Homework Sheet (PDF) ▶ Shadowing Track (MP3)

Materials & Downloads

  • Unit 5 Slides — PPTX
  • Grammar Notes — PDF · Tone Scale — PDF
  • Problem Cards — PDF · Role-Play Rubric — PDF
  • Writing Worksheet — PDF · Writing Rubric — PDF
  • Practice Worksheet — PDF
  • Exit Ticket — PDF · Homework — PDF

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