Probability
The following statements express varying degrees of certainty. Look at the underlined modals in each of the statements. Then number the sentences in order of certainty. Mark the sentence No. 1 if it is most likely certain and the least likely as no. 5.
(a) The lady in the formal attire may be Mr. Chawla’s secretary. (a) ___________
(b) The foreigners accompanying him could be the (b) ___________ newly appointed interpreters
(c) The man in the safari talking to someone on the (c) ____________ cell phone mustbe Mr. Chawla.
(d) Mr. Chawla will be the chief guest. (d) ___________
(e) The people following him might be from the media. (e) ___________
(1) The people following him might be from the media.
(2) The lady in the formal attire may be Mr. Chawla’s secretary.
(3) Mr. Chawla will be the chief guest.
(4) The foreigners accompanying him could be the newly appointed interpreters.
(5) The man in the safari talking to someone on the cell phone mustbe Mr. Chawla.
Listen to a speech by the honourable former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, on his 'Vision for India'. While listening, fill up the following details.
a . The following countries captured our lands and conquered our minds.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b . His first vision had been that of ---------------
c . His second vision was -----------------------
d . The three scientists who worked with him at ISRO were -------------------------------------------
e . India leads in --------------------------- and is the second largest producer of ----------------------
Answer the following questions: ‘
I wind about, and in and out’. What kind of a picture does this line create in your mind?
Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem.
On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following question
by ticking the correct choice.
The seven roles that a man plays correspond to his __
Look at the verbs in the box and put them in the correct columns in the table that follows
|
believe wish see belong |
hate own regret measure |
know understand forget touch |
weigh prefer hear
|
smell find imagine
|
think cost remember
|
suppose like taste
|
| thought | emotion | possession | perception (often used with can) | measurement |
Some verbs, like the ones mentioned above, are not normally used in the continuous (- ing) form. However, we do sometimes use such verbs in the continuous form. Look at the following examples.
1. “I can’t concentrate on my work because I’m thinking about that beautiful scene.”
2. “I think it is beautiful.”
Look at the following pair of sentences. Underline the modals and discuss why each one is used in that sentence.
e.g.
I must not take those pills. (I’m not allowed.)
I need not take those pills. (It is not compulsory but I may if I wish.)
2. (a) I can swim a length of the pool.
(b) I can swim in the pool on Saturdays.
3. (a) You ought to get a nice present for her.
(b) You have to get a nice present for her.
4. (a) Can I go to the toilet?
(b) May I be excused?
5. (a) I may come tomorrow if I have the time.
(b) I might come tomorrow but it’s going to be difficult.
Did you know?
Modals are a small group of verbs that are used to express possibility,
probability, capability, capacity, ability, obligation and predictions.
Some of the modals you learnt in this unit are
can
may
shall
could
might
should
Need, dare, had better are also modals.
Understanding Modals:
Modal Auxiliaries
A modal verb or auxiliary verb is a verb, which modifies another verb, so that
the modified verb has more intention in its expression. In essence the modal
verb expresses modality, the way in which something is being said.
The main modals are
Can: could; may: might; shall: should; will: would: must; ought to; need to;
have to.
The negative modals are
Couldn't; wouldn't; shouldn't; mustn't; needn't; oughtn't/ ought not to
| Modal | Examples | Uses |
| Can/ can't |
She can read and write It can rain today Can I borrow your pen? Can you lend me your notes? Can I carry your books? |
ability possibility /probability seeking permission request offer |
| Could/ couldn't |
Could I borrow your book? Could you please help me with this sum? We could go for a picnic on Sunday I think you could come first this time There was a time when I could work round the clock. |
seeking permission request suggestion possibility/ probability past ability |
| May |
May I have some water? May I help you? May I shut the door? India may become a super power by 2020. May God bless you |
request offer permission possibility/ probability wish/ desire |
| Might | They might sell their house as they need the money. | future possibility/ probability |
| Will /Won't |
It is very cold so I will stay at home. I will help you if you wish. Will you look after my dog for a day? It will rain tonight. I will get you a shawl from Srinagar. |
intention offer request prediction promise |
| Would/Wouldn't |
Would you mind if I come over tonight? Would five o'clock suit you? Yes it would. Would you pass the salt? Would you come to my party? Would you prefer tea or coffee? |
permission making arrangements request invitation preference
|
| Shall |
Shall I help you? Shall we meet at 3.00 pm outside Bakshi Stadium? |
offer making arrangements |
| Should |
We should check the timings of the train. You should listen to the advice of your elders. |
recommended action advice |
| Ought to |
You ought to do your duty. The bus ought to be here any minute |
advice probability |
| Must/mustn't |
We must make a move now. You mustn't tell lies. |
obligation necessity |
| Need |
He need not go to the market. You need to lose weight. I need to get the groceries. |
necessity compulsion insistence |
What would you do if you became invisible? Would you use your invisibility to play tricks on people or for the good of people?
Write a short paragraph on 'If I was invisible'.
Review of passives
Look back on the exercises in this Unit. Discuss why the passive is used in each of these different circumstances.
Can you think of any other times when it is best to use the passive?
As children of the world, you have a role in helping to solve the problems prevalent in society. In groups or four, prepare a short skit on any one problem and present it in front of the class.
Read the following sentences. Each sentence has four words underlined. Select one underlined word that is incorrect and write it in the space provided. The first one has been done as an example:
1. The statue of liberty is designed by Fedreric Auguste Barthold.
| is |
2. Is was completely in france in july 1884.
3. The statue was shipped to New York with 350 pieces.
4. She arrieved there on 17 june 1885.
5. The pieces were put together but the opening ceremony took place on 28 Oct 1886.
