Modals of Ability
Clear rules, drills, and communicative practice
A complete, ready-to-teach C1 grammar lesson on "Modals of Ability". Includes objective, target vocabulary (can, can't, could, able to…), warm-up, controlled & freer practice, production task, exit ticket, and homework. Print-and-play or run live in the ReadyESL classroom.
Warm-up (5 min)
Activate prior knowledge: ask students what they already know about modals of ability. Brainstorm 3–5 words on the board.
Presentation (10 min)
Introduce the target language for Modals of Ability using flashcards/visuals. Drill pronunciation chorally, then individually.
- can
- can't
- could
- able to
- know how to
- manage to
- skills
- permission
Controlled Practice (10 min)
- Matching: words ↔ pictures
- Gap-fill worksheet
- Pronunciation drill of: can, can't, could, able to
Freer Practice (12 min)
Communicative task: students use the new language in a short game or interview about Modals of Ability.
Production (10 min)
Mini-presentation or group share: each student/team produces an original example using the target language.
Cool-down & Exit Ticket (3 min)
Each student says/writes one sentence using a target word from today's lesson.
Homework
Reinforcement: complete the Modals of Ability worksheet or record a 30-second voice note using 5 target words.