A modal verb is a type of verb that indicates likelihood, ability, requests, suggestions, or any other modality. Modal verbs are different from other verbs because they come before the infinitive of another verb (without the word to). Common modal verbs include can, could and should but there are many more of them that you’ll go over with your students.
Requests – Would, could, can, may and might
This lesson plan focuses on using the subject I to ask for permission and make requests. As well, it covers using you as the subject to make polite requests. It also outlines formal and informal ways to use these specific modal verbs. This is a great lesson plan for you to use with pre-intermediate students and as a review for intermediate students.If you want additional lesson plans and support, including teachers’ notes, be sure to register for a free Off2Class account.
M2.1 – Requests,
would, could, can, may, might
Off2Class Lesson Plan
Lesson 1/1
ESL Lesson Plan
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© 2014-2021 Global Online Language Services Inc.
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Can I borrow your book?
A request is when you ask for something.
Informal
Formal
Can I borrow
your book?
Could I borrow
your book?
We are usually
formal with
everyone else, like
teachers, doctors,
and people we do
not know well.
We are often
informal with
family and
friends.
What is Jack requesting?
Choose the best request for the picture
May I go to the
restroom?
A
Can I have
another
cookie?
Could I borrow
some money?
B
C
Polite requests with I
modal
I
verb
…?
informal
formal
formal
very Formal
can
could
may
might
I
go
leave
take
borrow
to the park?
early today?
this newspaper?
some money?
Might is very formal. We don’t use might often.
1. I / today / go home / may / early
May I go home early today?
2. your pencil / I / borrow / could
3. with my friends / to the cinema / go /
I / can
4. I / may / pay / in cash / the bill
5. borrow / I / your car / tomorrow / can
Make requests
Requests for permission
We use:
Can I…?
Could I…?
May I…?
for permission.
?
No!
Yes
Can I please go to the concert tomorrow
night with my friends?
6.
You need a menu. Can I have a
menu? or Could I have a menu?
7.
You are not happy with the
service.
8. You would like to order something
sweet.
menu
manager
dessert list
can, could or may for requests
You are at a restaurant. Use these words:
9.
You are thirsty.
10.
You finished your food