L6-U2-P2-1 Listening : Talking about Modals 1

Talking about Modals

Now that you'restudying English at a high level, let's get a better understanding of modals.

By now you should already have a good understanding of what they mean.

Here are the modals which are used to express degrees of certainty.

will/shall/may/can

These modals are used for making predictions, judgements and speculations.

They indicate how much a speaker knows about the likelihood of an event.

First, the modal "will" expresses certainty, as in " If you heat water, it will boil." 

Based on what is known, the speaker is CERTAIN it will happen.

The modal "may" expresses possibility, as in "It may rain this evening, but I'm not sure."

Based on what is known, the speaker asserts that the event is possible rather than certain or impossible.

The modal "can" expresses potentiality, or ability, as in "He can afford it, but he may decide not to buy."

- "will" expresses certainty

- Sam can’t run faster than I can.

The modal"shall" is a bit different from the others.

"Tina shall be there" means the speaker is determined that Tina will be there.(We shall overcome all obstacles!)

In other words, the speaker is determined to get her to come and will try to influence events to make it happen.

We would never say: "It shall rain."

Nobody can make it rain, so whether or not it rains is beyond anyone's control.

If someone were to say that, it would seem as if they were claiming the power to control or influence nature.

Note that the question "Shall I open the door?" invites the person who is asked to make the decision.

Whether or not the door is opened depends on the person's answer.

In contrast, "Will I open the door?" asks for a prediction rather than a decision.（Will she be at the party?）

- Will she be at the party?

 Which sentence is expressing determination? - "We shall overcome all obstacles!"

She has something else planned for that evening, so she ...can’t come to the party.

Nobody can make it rain, so whether or not it rains is beyond anyone's control.

The modal “will” shows that the speaker is making a prediction with certainty.

She has something else planned for that evening, so she can’t come to the party.

The modal “may” shows that the speaker thinks something is possible.

Note that these modals can be weakened or removed from reality by the use of their past tense form.

would/should/might/could

"We would go if we had more money, but we don't."

This sentence expresses the speaker's certainty of going IF they had more money, which they don't.

So the certain prediction exists, but in an imaginary or unreal situation.

The modal "might" expresses less possibility than "may", so "might go" is less likely than "may go".

The modal "could" expresses less potential than "can", and is often used in conditionals.

"If he could come" expresses less potential than "If he can come".

The sentence,"If he could come, we would all be happier" expresses the feeling that in fact, he can't come.

- They might finish at 5:00.

- They may not be able to leave on Friday.

"If he could come" expresses less potential than "If he can come".

It isn’t certain, but there’s a good probability that they will finish at five.

We don’t know for sure, but there is still a probability that they can leave on Friday.

"We would go if we had more money, but we don't."

L6-U2-P2-2 Listening : Talking about Modals 2

Here is the second set of modals.

These modals express degrees of logical force or social expectation.

must/ had better/should/ ought to

Note that none of them has a past tense or weakened form.

The first one,"must indicates logical or social necessity.

It expresses the strongest logical or social force.

The modals "should" and "ought to" assert that something is probable or expected, but not necessary.

The modal "had better" expresses advisability.

In other words, if someone "had better" do something, they should do it or there may be negative consequences.

Therefore, "had better" has the feeling of a threat, as in "You had better be there."

This isn't the same as "You should do it," which means you are expected to do it,but without an implied threat if you don't.

The modal “must” expresses logical or social necessity.

If Tom is taller than Ben and Ben is taller than Sue, then -Tom must be taller than Sue.

One interesting rule is that no more than one modal can be used with any verb.

There are no exceptions to this rule.

Therefore, it's incorrect to say: "He will must be there."

To avoid breaking this rule, there are other words that have the same meaning, but are not modals.

In the case of "must", for example, we use "have to" as in "He will have to be there."

Similarly, we cannot say "He may can come."

Instead, we say "He may be able to come."

Which expression has the same meaning as "can", but isn't a modal? - be able to

(1) One interesting rule is that no more than one modal can be used with any verb.
(2) There are no exceptions to this rule.
(3) To avoid breaking this rule, there are other words that have the same meaning, but are not modals.
(4) In the case of "must", for example, we use "have to" as in "He will have to be there."
(5) Similarly, we cannot say "He may can come."
(6) Instead, we say "He may be able to come."

One last thing to note about modals.

They use the same form regardless of what the subject is.

If the grammatical subject is l, it, we or they, we use the same form, will.

We would never say "He wills be there."

But with non-modal forms, such as "have to" we must change the form to match the subject.

"He has to be there" and "I have to be there".

The modal "may" shows that the speaker thinks something is possible.

One interesting rule is that no more than one modal can be used with any verb.

The model "must" expresses logical or social necessity.

The modal "could" expresses less potential than "can", and is often used in conditionals.

He left an hour ago, so he should be there by now since he's had plenty of time to get there.

“What must we do?” has the same meaning as “what do we have to do?”

Tom must be taller than Sue because he’s taller than Ben and Ben is taller than Sue.

The expression “be able to” has the same meaning as “can”, but isn’t a modal.

L6-U2-P2-3 Dialogue : A Fight between Lovers

A Fight between Lovers

What's wrong?

You look awful.

My boyfriend and I have just had another fight.

I think I'm going to break up with him.

Hey, you've said that before.

Calm down. 

Is that really what you want to do?

Yeah, I think so.

I don't see any future on our relationship.

(1) My boyfriend and I have just had another fight.
(2) I think I'm going to break up with him.
(3) Hey, you've said that before.
(4) Calm down. Is that really what you want to do?
(5) Yeah, I think so.I don't see any future on our relationship.

Is there anyone else you're interested in?

No,but there are some guys on the internet who have sent me messages.

What,you've been online?

Sure, just for fun.

It's nice to know that I can meet people if I want to.

Does your boyfriend know about it?

No, if he knew it, he'll be furious.

He can be very jealous, and he has a violent temper.

He would be furious if ...he found out that she was getting messages from other man.

Who sent her messages? - some guys on the Internet

Is there anyone else you're interested in?

If he knew she was getting messages from other men, he would be furious.

Is that really what you want to do?

There are some guys on the Internet who have sent me messages.

My boyfriend and I have just had another fight.

I don't see any future in our relationship.

 If he knew she was getting messages from other men, he would be furious.

She thinks he would be furious if he knew that she was getting messages from other men.

She has said that she was going to break up with him several times before.

Anyway, what was your fight about?

Oh, it's just the way he talks to me.

He never shows any interest in what I'm doing or in what I'm feeling.

If I have a bad headache or anything he says nothing.

So who started the fight?

He came over and wanted to kiss me, and I turned away.

I told him I didn't feel anything for him right then.

So then he got angry and we both blew up.

What was their fight about? - She doesn't like the way he treats her.

(1) So who started the fight?
(2) He came over and wanted to kiss me, and I turned away.
(3) I told him I didn't feel anything for him right then.
(4) So then he got angry and we both blew up.

Now we're not talking to each other.

Oh, is that all?

That kind of thing is normal.

Maybe you're overreacting.

No, it's just that I'm beginning to realize that I don't feel anything for him anymore.

Our relationship is getting cold.

I don't feel appreciated.

What does she come to realize about their relationship? - She doesn't feel anything for him.

He never shows any interest in what I'm doing or in what I'm feeling.

I told him I didn't feel anything for him right then.

She's beginning to realize that she doesn't feel anything for him anymore.

If I have a bad headache or anything he says nothing.

I told him I didn't feel anything for him right then.

Our relationship is getting cold. I don't feel appreciated.

Well then, maybe you should break up for a while and start seeing other man.

But be careful. 

If I were you, I wouldn't start seeing anybody else until I break up first.

Why do you think so?

If he sees that you're serious about breaking up, he may change.

Maybe, but I doubt it.

It could be that he feels the same way about you.

Maybe he has lost interest.

So it's best to find out.

You need to have a serious conversation with him.

Hmm,you're right.

Maybe it's time to really find out.

She advises her ...to have a serious conversation with him before she does anything.

But be careful. If I were you, I wouldn't start seeing anybody else until I break up first.

It could be that he feels the same way about you.

You need to have a serious conversation with him.

She doesn't like the way he treats her anymore.

Well, then, maybe you should break up for a while and start seeing other man.

He would be furious if he found out that she was getting messages from other men.

If he sees that you're serious about breaking up, he may change.

You need to have a serious conversation with him.

If he knew she was getting messages from other men, he would be furious.

To blow up at someone means to explode with anger, for example, by shouting at them.

He would be furious if he found out that she was getting messages from other men.

L6-U2-P2-4 Reading : The Love Lab

The love Lab

How we communicate with our romantic partners can have a strong impact on the quality of our relationships. Psychologists John and Julie Gottman run the "Love Lab", where thousands of couples have been studied overthe last 30 years. The purpose of their research is to determine the factors that lead to happy and unhappy relationships. From their data, they have concluded that contempt,criticism,defensiveness,and stonewalling are the most significant factors that can hurt a marriage or relationship.

Among these, contempt is the biggest predictor of divorce. People who feel contempt for their partner often convey disapproval without addressingthe issue. They sometimes label their partner with insulting words such as "lazy" "stupid" or "emotional",which is particularly damaging.

Many couples try to address issues by criticizing their partner's flaws or mistakes directly.Being too direct with criticism can hurt your partner's self-esteem.Some people may react to criticism by becoming defensive and focused on winning the argument, rather than on improving themselves. Others may react to criticism by stonewalling, where they refuse to acknowledge and respond to their partner for a period of time.

Unfortunately, fighting back or ignoring your partner can make it difficult to determine the root of your problems. If your partner feels that they aren't valued, it may lead to increased dissatisfaction with the relationship.

The Gottmans maintain that being aware of these factors i n communication is the first step to improving a relationship. It is important to acknowledge that all relationshipshave issues. The goal shouldn't be to avoid these issues, but to learn to resolve them. In particular, we should avoid communicating in ways that hurt our partner's self-esteem.It is better to discuss problems in a way that is less confrontational and can better help your partner sympathize with your perspective. For example,rather than saying "Why are you ignoring me? It's rude!" one could say "l feel hurt and undervalued when I don't get a response from you." The second example is preferable because it is less confrontational and can better help your partner sympathize with your perspective. By being conscious of (paying attention to) how we communicate with our partner, we can begin to build a healthier relationship.

The tone of this passage is? -logical and insightful

Which sentences below are most likely lower somebody's self-esteem? -You are too lazy around the house.

What is the purpose of this passage? -It's to advise readers on how to identify and improve problems  in a relationship.

What is the purpose of the Gottman's research?  - to identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful relationships

Someone who is defensive in an argument will probably ...not admit fault.

To show contempt means ...to be disrespectful.

What is the biggest predictor of divorce?
Among these, contempt is the biggest predictor of divorce.

What might make it difficult to find out the cause of your relationship problems?
 Unfortunately, fighting back or ignoring your partner can make it difficult to determine the root of your problems.

What is the first thing we should do to repair our relationship?
The Gottmans maintain that being aware of these factors in communication is the first step to improving a relationship.

How should we avoid to communicating with our partners?
 In particular, we should avoid communicating in ways that hurt our partner's self-esteem.  

The Gottmans maintain that being aware of these factors in communication is the first step to improving a relationship. It is important to acknowledge that all relationships have issues. The goal shouldn't be to avoid these issues, but to learn to resolve them.

How we communicate with our romantic partners can have a strong impact on the quality of our relationships. Psychologists John and Julie Gottman run the "Love Lab", where thousands of couples have been studied over the last 30 years. The purpose of their research is to determine the factors that lead to happy and unhappy relationships. From their data, they have concluded that contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling are the most significant factors that can hurt a marriage or relationship.

(1) Psychologists John and Julie Gottman run the "Love Lab", where thousands of couples have been studied overthe last 30 years.
(2) The purpose of their research is to determine the factors that lead to happy and unhappy relationships.
(3) From their data, they have concluded that contempt,criticism,defensiveness,and stonewalling are the most significant factors that can hurt a marriage or relationship.
(4) Among these, contempt is the biggest predictor of divorce.

Being too direct with criticism can hurt your partner's self-esteem.

l feel hurt and undervalued when I don't get a response from you.

Stonewalling your partner can make them feel like they aren't valued.

The purpose of their research is to determine the factors that lead to happy and unhappy relationships.

By paying attention to how we communicate with our partner, we can begin to build a healthier relationship.

What is another word for acknowledge? to recognize or admit

To confront something means ...to face it.

What is the first thing we should do to repair our relationship? The Gottmans maintain that being aware of these factors in communication is the first step to improving a relationship.

How should we avoid to communicating with our partners? In particular, we should avoid communicating in ways that hurt our partner's self-esteem.

Their research has given us insight into how to make our relationships better.

Telling somebody that they are too lazy would probably hurt their self-esteem.

Stonewalling your partner can make them feel like they aren't valued.

What is the biggest predictor of divorce? Among these, contempt is the biggest predictor of divorce.

What might make it difficult to find out the cause of your relationship problems? Unfortunately, fighting back or ignoring your partner can make it difficult to determine the root of your problems.

L6-U2-P2-5 Reading : The Lost City of the Incas

The Lost City of the Incas

Machu Picchu is one of the world's most impressive historical sites.It was built around 1450 by the Incas, who ruled most of South America at that time. They called themselves children of the Sun, the powerful god they worshipped as the source of light and life.

Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, at 8,000 feet above sea level, the"City of the Incas" was mysteriously abandoned just 100 years after its construction. This was when the Spanish were beginning their conquest of the Inca Empire, in the 1530's. There is noevidencethat the Spanish invaders ever attacked or even reached the mountaintop city, so many believe that the city's inhabitants deserted the site because of a small pox epidemic.

The city was almost forgotten until 1911 when it was discovered by an American historian, Hiram Bingham, after he heard rumors of its existence. Bingham was led to the site by local farmers and was amazed by what he saw, which seemed like an unbelievable dream. He wondered if anyone would believe what he had found. Though the surrounding jungle had overgrown the site, what remained was impressive.The city had been built on a remote and nearly inaccessible mountaintop, often shrouded in clouds. Forty rows of farming terraces hugged the steep mountainside, each over 10 feet high and linked together by over 3000 stone steps. Among the city were what appeared to be neighborhoods of  homes and exquisite stone buildings that are thought to be temples. Even today,the mystery remains as to the purpose of these temples, how the city was used and what its citizens did.

Despite its remote location, Machu Picchu has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, thousands of people travel to Peru to admire its magnificent stonework and breath taking design. What they see is a wonderful harmony between the city and the landscape around it that is captivating.

As a piece of writing this article succeeds in ...expressing the author's fascination with the site.

How did the American historian find the site? - He was led to the site by local farmers.

If something is remote it is ...far away.

If something is inaccessible, it is ...difficult to reach.

To admire something means ...to look at it with respect.

Exquisite means about the same thing as ...extremely beautiful.

What led to the discovery of the city? - An American historian heard rumors of its existence.

How does the author describe the relationship between the city and landscape around it? (harmonious)

1. What was the purpose of the temples?

>> Even today, the mystery remains as to the purpose of these temples, how the city was used and what its citizens did.

2. When was the city build?

>> It was built around 1450 by theIncas, whoruledmost of South America at that time.

3. What do the Incas call themselves?

>> They called themselves children of the Sun, the powerful god they worshipped as the source of light and life.

4. Who conquer the Incar Empire?

>> This was when the Spanish were beginning their conquest of the Inca Empire, in the 1530's.

1. Among the city were what appeared to be neighborhoods of homes and exquisite stone buildings that are thought to be temples. Even today, the mystery remains as to the purpose of these temples, how the city was used and what its citizens did.

2. Though the surrounding jungle had overgrown the site, what remained was impressive. The city had been built on a remote and nearly inaccessible mountaintop, often shrouded in clouds. Forty rows of farming terraces hugged the steep mountainside, each over 10 feet high and linked together by over 3000 stone steps. Among the city were what appeared to be neighborhoods of homes and exquisite stone buildings that are thought to be temples.

(1) The city had been built on a remote and nearly inaccessible mountaintop, often shrouded in clouds.
(2) Forty rows of farming terraces hugged the steep mountainside, each over 10 feet high and linked together by over 3000 stone steps.
(3) Among the city were what appeared to be neighborhoods of  homes and exquisite stone buildings that are thought to be temples.
(4) Even today,the mystery remains as to the purpose of these temples, how the city was used and what its citizens did.

Though the surrounding jungle had overgrown the site, what remained was impressive.

An American historian discovered the city after he heard rumors of its existence.

The American historian was led to the site by local farmers.

Even today, the mystery remains as to the purpose of these temples, how the city was used and what its citizens did.

Every year, thousands of people travel to Peru to admire its magnificent stonework and breath taking design.

The author of the article sees a wonderful harmony between the city and the landscape around it.

He wondered if anyone would believe what he had found.

Many believe that the city's inhabitants deserted the site because of a small pox epidemic.

This article succeeds in expressing the author's fascination with the site.

L6-U2-P2 SPEAKING

Investing in real estate or the stock market could be very risky.

Whether or not he can keep on working will also depend on his health.

If his investments resulted in a huge loss，he wouldn't be able to enjoy his retirement.

The modal "might" expresses less possibility than "may", so "might go" is less likely than "may go".

The modal "may" shows that the speaker thinks something is possible.

It isn't certain, but there's a good probability that they will finish at five.

Among these, contempt is the biggest predictor of divorce.

l feel hurt and undervalued when I don't get a response from you.

An American historian discovered the city after he heard rumors of its existence.

He would like to retire within the next few years, but he won't be able to unless he has enough money.

He doesn't know much about investing, and several of his friends have lost a lot by making bad investments.

He exercises every day and tries to get enough sleep, but that may not be enough to keep him him healthy.

To blow up at somenone means to explode with anger, for example, by shouting at them.

They called themselves children of the Sun, the powerful god they?worshipped as the source of light and life.

Well, then, maybe you should break up for a while and start seeing other man.

So far they are all after my money and a  fancy lifestyle.

Whether or not he can keep on working will also depend on his health.

Everthing would be mechanical and artificial, even the language.

It isn't certain, but there's a good probability that they will finish at five.

"If he could come" expresses less potential than "If he can come".

We don’t know for sure, but there is still a probability that they can leave on Friday.

He never shows any interest in what I'm doing or in what I'm feeling.

I feel hurt and undervalued when I don't get a response from you.

If I have a bad headache or anything he says nothing.