How to Give Advice Using Modal Verbs

Teaching English as a second language (ESL) comes with its unique challenges, especially when it comes to helping students understand and effectively use modal verbs in speaking. One of the key ways to improve their speaking fluency is by providing real-life scenarios in which they can practice. In this blog post, we’ll introduce an exciting speaking activity that will engage your students and help them master how to give advice using modal verbs. Plus, we’ve included a free PDF download of the activity that you can easily implement in your lessons.

What is a Modal Verb?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. In the context of giving advice, modal verbs help students offer suggestions or recommendations. Common modals used for advice include:

You should…
You ought to…
You might…
You could…
You might try… (verb + -ing)

By using these structures, students can offer helpful advice to others in a polite, friendly, and encouraging way. Now, let’s dive into the speaking activity that helps students practice these structures.

Activity Overview: “I’ve Got a Problem – Advice Givers and Problem People”

This activity is designed to help ESL students practice giving advice using modal verbs. It creates a dynamic environment where students take on different roles, improving their speaking, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preparation

Divide the Class: Split your students into two groups: Problem People and Advice Givers. Each group will take on a specific role.
The Problem People: Ask the Problem People to think of minor problems or challenges they have. These should be simple, everyday issues that can be easily discussed in a classroom setting. For example, “I have trouble waking up early” or “I’m always late to class.”
The Advice Givers: On the other hand, the Advice Givers should be prepared to offer advice. Before starting the activity, briefly go over the different ways to give advice with your students using the following structures:
- You should…
- You ought to…
- You might…
- You could…
- You might try + verb-ing…

How to Conduct the Activity:

Pairing Up: Each Problem Person will pair up with an Advice Giver. The Problem Person shares their problem, and the Advice Giver offers a piece of advice using one of the modal verbs mentioned earlier.
Moving Between Pairs: After each round, the Problem Person moves to a different Advice Giver, so they can practice giving and receiving advice multiple times. Each Problem Person should speak with at least five Advice Givers.
Class Feedback Session: After the activity, hold a class-wide feedback session. Ask some of the Problem People to share their problems and report on the best and worst pieces of advice they received. For example:
- “Gary suggested I should wake up earlier.”
- “Elly told me I ought to organize my time better.”

This provides a fun way to reflect on the activity, discuss language use, and highlight how different advice structures can be used.

Why This Activity Works for ESL Students:

Real-Life Context: The activity creates a real-life scenario where students can apply language skills to everyday situations, making the lesson relevant and practical.
Encourages Interaction: By pairing students with different classmates, they get to practice speaking and listening in a variety of contexts.
Repetition and Reinforcement: Each student has multiple opportunities to practice both giving and receiving advice, reinforcing the target language structure.
Promotes Confidence: The casual nature of the activity allows students to practice speaking in a non-threatening way, which can increase their confidence in using English in social situations.

Free PDF Download of the Activity:

Want to try this activity in your ESL classroom? Download the free PDF version of the activity below, which includes instructions and a ready-made worksheet for your students.

How to Give Advice Using Modal Verbs

Effective Speaking Activity for ESL Students: How to Give Advice Using Modal Verbs (Free PDF Download). A Fun, Engaging Way to Help Your ESL Students Master Modals of Advice

How to Give Advice Using Modal Verbs