Summary
This downloadable PDF lesson plan is designed for A2-level ESL students to learn and practice using modal verbs for workplace obligations and permissions. Through a series of engaging activities, students will master the use of must, have to, don't have to, and can to talk about rules and what is allowed in a professional setting.
This lesson helps elementary students build confidence in a key area of English grammar. The material covers listening, vocabulary, reading, and speaking skills within a practical workplace context. Activities progress from guided practice to more open discussions, ensuring students can apply what they've learned to describe rules and responsibilities in their own work or study environments.
Activities
- A warm-up discussion to activate students' existing knowledge of rules at work or school.
- A listening comprehension exercise where students fill in gaps while listening to a short text about office rules.
- A vocabulary matching task to familiarize students with essential workplace terms like "obligation," "deadline," and "safety rules."
- A grammar focus section that clearly explains the use of modal verbs for obligation and permission, followed by a multiple-choice quiz.
- A reading exercise where students complete a short blog post about a new job by filling in the correct modal verbs.
- A final speaking practice activity where students use the target grammar to discuss rules and permissions in their ideal workplace.
Vocabulary focus
The vocabulary section introduces key terms related to the workplace. Students will learn and practice words such as "obligation," "permission," "deadline," "manager," "report," "casual clothes," and "safety rules." This targeted vocabulary helps students better understand and discuss professional environments.
Grammar focus
This lesson concentrates on modal verbs for expressing rules. The grammar practice focuses on the correct use of must and have to for obligation, don't have to for lack of obligation, and can for permission. Interactive exercises help students distinguish between these modals and use them accurately in context.
