Making and Responding Requests (Sentence Building) – Basic 5 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define modal verbs and their functions in making requests.
2. Differentiate between using “will,” “could,” and “may” for requests.
3. Formulate polite requests using the appropriate modal verbs.
4. Recognize the level of politeness conveyed by different modal verbs.

Keywords: Modal verbs, requests, will, could, may, politeness

Set Induction: Start the lesson by asking students how they would request something from a teacher or a friend. Write a few examples on the board to illustrate different ways of making requests.

Entry Behavior: Students should already have a basic understanding of verbs and sentence structure.

Learning Resources and Materials:

1. Whiteboard and markers
2. Handouts with examples of modal verbs
3. Role-play scenarios
4. Worksheets for practice

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Review previous lessons on verbs, particularly focusing on how verbs can express different degrees of necessity, ability, or politeness.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Social skills

Learning Materials:

• Flashcards with modal verbs and their uses
• Role-play scenarios for practice

Reference Books:

• English Grammar Textbook for JSS 2
• Lagos State Scheme of Work

Instructional Materials:

• Examples of requests using modal verbs
• Sentence frames for practice

Content (with Examples)

Modal Verbs for Making Requests:

Modal verbs help express ability, possibility, permission, or requests. The choice of modal verb can change the tone of a request.

1. Will

• Used for making requests or offers that are direct and confident.
• Example: “Will you help me with my homework?”

2. Could

• Used for polite requests or suggestions, often implying more formality than “will.”
• Example: “Could you pass me the salt, please?”

3. May

• Used for formal requests or when seeking permission.
• Example: “May I leave the room?”

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. ______ (a. Will, b. Could, c. May) you help me with this project? 
2. ______ (a. May, b. Will, c. Can) I borrow your pen? 
3. ______ (a. Could, b. Will, c. Might) you tell me the time, please? 
4. ______ (a. Will, b. Must, c. Should) you join us for lunch? 
5. ______ (a. May, b. Can, c. Will) I ask you a question? 
6. ______ (a. Could, b. Might, c. Should) you give me some advice? 
7. ______ (a. Can, b. Will, c. May) I take your phone for a moment? 
8. ______ (a. Will, b. Could, c. Must) you close the door? 
9. ______ (a. May, b. Should, c. Would) I suggest a different approach? 
10. ______ (a. Could, b. Will, c. Might) you help me find my book? 
11. ______ (a. May, b. Can, c. Would) you like to join us? 
12. ______ (a. Can, b. Should, c. Could) I see your notes? 
13. ______ (a. Will, b. Could, c. May) you take care of this for me? 
14. ______ (a. Should, b. Will, c. Could) I ask you to repeat that? 
15. ______ (a. May, b. Can, c. Will) you please be quiet?