Workplace rules: using 'must' for obligation

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for A2 learners explores Workplace rules: using 'must' for obligation through a real article. Across 8 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: using 'must' for rules and obligation with examples and practice
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings

Lesson activities (8 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
5. Grammar — Study using 'must' for rules and obligation — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
7. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the article:

• Follow the rules — to do what a rule says you must do.
• Smart casual — a style of clothing that is neat and professional, but not formal like a suit.
• Show up on time — to arrive at the correct time, not late.
• Is it okay if I...? — a polite question to ask for permission to do something.
• Against the rules — not allowed by the rules.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on using 'must' for rules and obligation.

We use the modal verb 'must' to talk about strong rules or obligations. It is often used for official or written rules, like in a company policy. We use 'must not' or 'mustn't' for things that are not allowed.

Examples from the lesson:

• You must wear your ID card at all times. — This is a strong rule for everyone in the company.
• Employees must not use their phones for personal calls in the office. — We use 'must not' or 'mustn't' for things that are prohibited.
• All staff must arrive on time for their shift. — The form is the same for all subjects: I, you, he, she, we, they must.

Key rules:

• 'Must' is for strong rules and obligations.
• The negative form is 'must not' or 'mustn't'.
• Don't add 'to' after 'must'. Say 'You must wear a helmet', not 'You must to wear a helmet'.