Modal Verbs Persuasion Practice

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Understanding Modal Verbs and Linking Phrases

Modal Verbs express different levels of certainty, obligation, or possibility in persuasion:

• Must/Should = Strong persuasion/authority • Could/Might = Gentle persuasion • Will/Can = Confident persuasion

Linking Phrases connect ideas to build persuasive arguments:

• Furthermore, Moreover = Adding evidence • However, Nevertheless = Acknowledging opposition • Therefore, Consequently = Drawing conclusions

1. Identify the modal verb in each sentence and circle the level of persuasion:

a) "Students must follow the new rules immediately."

Weak persuasion

Strong persuasion

Neutral persuasion

b) "You might want to consider joining our group."

Weak persuasion

Strong persuasion

Neutral persuasion

2. Which linking phrases show the writer is adding supporting evidence? (Tick all that apply)

Furthermore

However

Moreover

In addition

✏️ Part 2: Analysing Persuasive Language in Context

Sample text from The Wave: "The experiment will continue tomorrow. Students should understand that discipline must be maintained. Furthermore, anyone who doesn't participate might find themselves excluded from the group."

3. List all the modal verbs from the sample text:

4. Find one linking phrase from the text and explain its purpose:

Linking phrase: _________________

Purpose: ________________________________________________

5. Rewrite this sentence to make it MORE persuasive using a stronger modal verb:

Original: "You could join our movement for better results."

Rewritten: ________________________________________________

6. Rewrite this sentence to make it LESS forceful using a weaker modal verb:

Original: "All students must attend the assembly."

Rewritten: ________________________________________________

🎯 Part 3: Creative Application & Extension

7. Write a persuasive paragraph (3-4 sentences) convincing students to join a school club. Include at least TWO modal verbs and ONE linking phrase. Underline them.

8. Extension Task: Analyse how the author's choice of modal verbs in The Wave reflects the growing authority of the experiment. Give specific examples.

Success Criteria: ✓ Identify modal verbs and linking phrases ✓ Explain their persuasive effects ✓ Rewrite sentences with varying levels of persuasion ✓ Create original persuasive text using these features