Modals for Obligation
In this unit, students learn how to express rules, requirements, and expectations using must, have to, should, and can. Students compare “hard rules” vs “soft expectations” and discuss real situations (school, workplace, travel, and public spaces).
SWBAT (Objectives)
- Use must and have to to express obligation and rules.
- Use should to express expectations and recommendations.
- Use can to express permission and allowed actions.
- Distinguish between rules (strong) and expectations (soft).
- Discuss real scenarios and justify choices using modal verbs.
Grammar Focus: Form & Meaning
• You must show your passport.
• We must wear a seatbelt.
Often: speaker thinks it’s necessary / rule
• I have to work on Monday. (schedule)
• You have to pay before you enter.
Often: law/policy/boss/situation
• You should arrive 10 minutes early.
• Students should submit homework on time.
Advice / expectation, not a strict rule
• You can sit here.
• You can’t park in this area.
Allowed / not allowed
• mustn’t = prohibited (not allowed) ✅ “You mustn’t smoke here.”
• don’t have to = not necessary ✅ “You don’t have to pay today.”
• shouldn’t = not recommended ✅ “You shouldn’t drive when tired.”
• can’t = not allowed / not possible ✅ “You can’t enter without a ticket.”
Rules vs Expectations (Meaning)
Use: must / have to / mustn’t / can’t
Example: “You must show ID.”
Example: “You mustn’t take photos.”
Use: should / shouldn’t
Example: “You should be polite to customers.”
Example: “You shouldn’t interrupt.”
Use: can / can’t
Example: “You can bring water.”
Example: “You can’t enter after 10pm.”
1) In a library, you ____ be quiet. (must / should)
2) You ____ pay for the ticket. It’s free today. (must / don’t have to)
3) You ____ park here. It’s not allowed. (can’t / shouldn’t)
Discussion: “What should be a rule?”
In groups, sort 12 statements into 3 categories: Rule / Expectation / Permission.
Create rules for one place: classroom, workplace, gym, or hostel. Use at least 2 examples of must, 2 of should, and 2 of can/can’t.
Choose one statement and defend it:
“Phones should be allowed in class.”
“People must wear masks in hospitals.”
“Students don’t have to wear uniforms.”
Practice (Accuracy)
1) You ____ show ID to enter. (must / should)
2) You ____ smoke here. (mustn’t / don’t have to)
3) You ____ bring your own water. (can / must)
Rewrite as a soft expectation (use should):
“Employees must answer emails within 5 minutes.”
Choose the correct meaning:
A) It’s not necessary. B) It’s prohibited.
1) You don’t have to pay. (A/B)
2) You mustn’t park here. (A/B)
Exit Ticket (5 minutes)
- Write 1 rule using must.
- Write 1 rule using have to (external rule).
- Write 1 expectation using should.
- Write 1 permission sentence using can/can’t.
Homework
- Writing: write 10 sentences about rules/expectations in your life (home, school, work).
- Grammar: complete a worksheet on negatives: mustn’t vs don’t have to.
- Speaking: prepare a 60-second talk: “Rules I agree with / disagree with.”
Materials & Downloads
- Unit 6 Slides — PPTX
- Grammar Notes — PDF · Negatives Quick Card — PDF
- Rules vs Expectations — PDF
- Discussion Cards — PDF · Poster Template — PDF
- Practice Worksheet — PDF
- Exit Ticket — PDF · Homework — PDF
Swap placeholders with real file paths. Keep links consistent:
/levels/b1/assets/
and
/audio/b1/.