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English
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Modals Made Easy
English – Grade 8
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Modals Made Easy
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

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Editors: Name
Reviewers: Name
Illustrator: Name
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Department of Education – Davao del Sur Division

Office Address: Corner Lapu-Lapu Plaridel Streets, Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur

Telefax: ___________________________

E-mail Address: lrmds.davsur@deped.gov.ph

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English
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Modals Made Easy
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Dear facilitators, this module is created for our beloved learners. This
module is composed of different literary pieces, selections, and articles. There
are also discussions about using modals appropriately, which is the main
objective of this module. Learners can already benefit from this module by
answering the tests, activities, and exercises provided for them. In the event
that learners encounter confusions and difficulties, parents/guardians, elder
siblings, etc. could assist the learners. The learners do not only get moral
support, but also mental support. They are both learning and enjoying at the
same time.

Remind the learners to use separate sheets in answering the pre-test,

self-check exercises, and post-test.

For the learner:

Hey there, excellent Grade 8 learners! You might be a bit worried about
the challenges that our world is currently facing as of now. But, just because
our world is experiencing adversities at the moment doesn’t mean learning
ends. Learning doesn’t stop. Learning starts today because today is another
opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy. This module is designed and made
especially for you. This will help you cope up with learning difficulties and be
better in English language arts. In your previous modules, you have learned
about using conventions in citing sources. This time, you are about to discover
how to use modals appropriately in this module.

Be sure to answer all of the activities and exercises provided for you.
Kindly use separate sheets in answering the pre-test, self-check exercises,
and post-test.

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 Let Us Learn!
This module will guide you in using modals appropriately. You
will also get to know the wonderful culture and tradition of
Indonesia. You will be able to use what you have learned in this module in
your future lessons. Have fun while learning!

Let Us Try!
I know you’re excited to learn more. But before we begin, let us try
to assess what you already know about the lesson to take.
Help! The words from the box are not properly arranged. Group
the words from the box according to their purpose: Making requests, giving
advice, asking permission, expressing ability/possibility. Write them in the
matrix below.

will should would may can might

could must ought to had better

Making Giving advice Asking Expressing

requests permission ability/possibility

What do you think about this pre-test? Based from your answers, do
you think you have enough background knowledge to go on for this module?
For now, let us read a short article about Indonesia.

John Knappert, one of those writers who published works about

“The Myths and Legends in Indonesia,” traced the flight of the Indonesians
in Asia. He found out that the population of Indonesia was homogeneous.
In addition, there were two hundred different languages in Indonesia but
the existence of the hundred-odd languages is all related, with the
exception of West Irian.
The Indonesians were able to sail by using their invention which is
known as proa. Proa is a canoe that can survive the deep seas near
Indonesia. They went to different directions: north to the Philippines and
Formosa, where Indonesian language are still spoken; west to the east
African coast; to Madagascar, where Malayo-Polynesian are still spoken;
east to Polynesia, where the languages of Hawaii, Eastern Island, Samoa,
Fiji and Tahiti are clearly related to Malay and Javanese and finally south
to New Zealand and the lush green islands of Indonesia.

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 Since Indonesia is archipelagic, fishing is the main occupation of
the people. Rice is the staple food. Indonesians hunted using sumpitan or
blow-pipe. They mastered this, including the art of forging iron.
If there were stories about spirits, it is primarily because the
surrounding landscapes were full of spirits. The Hari which is the sun
was identified as Wisnu, Bromo, the volcano was identified with Brahma,
the Creator. Many islands were created by volcanic eruptions. The spirits
of the waters were also diverse: the ocean-god brought rain, and the rich
goddess lived in the sawh (wet rice-fields) in the shape of a freshwater
snake.
During those times, migrations were still very few then.
Now, that you have learned some information about Indonesians, it
is time to learn more about Indonesia through an Indonesian folktale.

Text source: Learner’s Guide Q2-L3, pp. 240-241

Let Us Study
Here is a story of a faithful wife who was wrongfully accused by her
own husband. Is trust considered as one of the key essentials to a
lasting relationship? Find out Surati’s journey in proving her loyalty to her
husband.
Before you read the story, below are the unfamiliar words with their
meaning:
penalize – to inflict a penalty on
headdress – an often elaborate covering for the head
kris – a Malay or Indonesian dagger with a ridged serpentine blade

The Legend of Banyuwangi

Adapted from an Indonesian Folktale

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ldoke

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 A long time ago, Banyuwangi is known as Blambangan. Its kingdom
has a wise king who has a handsome and smart son named Raden
Banterang. Raden prefers hunting that he often went to forest around
Blambangan to hunt for animals.
One day, when Raden was in a forest he spotted a deer. He chased it
and the deer ran deeper into the forest. His horse was so good and strong
that he left his guards behind. Unfortunately, he lost the deer. As he took a
rest under a big banyan tree suddenly a beautiful girl appeared in front of
him. She was all alone in the forest.
He suspected that the girl may not be human after all.
So he asked her, “Excuse me, lovely lady, do you live around here?”
“No, I don’t. I’m from Klungkung, Bali. My name is Surati. I’m a
princess, the daughter of the king of Klungkung. The rebels killed my father
but I managed to escape. My guards took me here but I got lost. Now I’m
alone. I don’t know where to go. I have no relatives here. Please help me,”
Surati begged.
“You come to the right person. I’m Prince Banterang from the kingdom
of Blambangan. I am going to protect you. Please come with me,” said the
prince.
Then, Raden took Surati home. He fell in love with her and then
several months later he married her. One day when Surati was in the street
he met a man. The man called her.
“Surati, Surati.”
She was surprised to see her brother Rupaksa. His brother revealed
that it was Raden Banterang who killed their father. He came to
Blambangan to take revenge. At this time, he asked Surati to join him.
Surati refused to join.
“Raden Banterang is now my husband. He’s very kind to me. He never
hurts me. He’s protecting me. As a good wife, I will never betray him. It is
my duty to serve him,” Surati pleaded.
“But he killed our father,” Rupaksa
“It is hard for me to believe it. When I met Raden, he was here and not
in Klungkung.”
Rupaksa was disappointed with her sister. He was very angry and
upset.
“All right then, I have to go now. But please keep my head dress, put
it under your pillow,” Rupaksa demanded.
Rupaksa gave his head dress to his sister Surati. To respect her older
brother, Surati put it under her pillow. Several days later, Raden was
hunting in a forest when he met a man that looked like a priest. The man
greeted him politely. Then he said something.

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 “Your life is in danger. Someone has an evil intention on you,” the
man said.
“Who is he?” asked Raden.
“Your wife Surati,” the man quickly replied.
'“Surati? How do you know?” Raden verified.
“I am a priest. I have a clear spiritual vision. I just want to save you.
Search her room. If you find a head dress under her pillow then my words
are correct. It is from a man who will help her kill you.”
“Thank you your holiness,” Raden uttered.
When he reached the palace, he immediately searched Surati’s
bedroom. He found the head dress under Surati’s pillow. The priest was
right.
Raden confronted Surati, “You’re not faithful to me. I know that you
want me dead. This is the evidence. This is from a man who will help you
kill me. Tell me who he is.”
Surati was defenseless, she cried.
“It is my brother’s head dress. I met him several days ago when you
went hunting. He gave me his head dress and told me to put it under my
pillow. So I put it there to show my respect for him. It is Rupaksa who wants
to kill you, not me.”
But Raden no longer trust her. He decided to penalize Surati by giving
her a death sentence near the riverbank.
“Before I die, let me say a few words,” Surati pleaded.
“Please do,” Raden granted Surati’s request.
Surati spoke calmly, “When I die, just throw my body into the river. If
water becomes dirty and smelly, it means that I am guilty. But if the water
becomes clear and fragrant, it means that I am innocent.”
Then as Raden stabbed her wife with a kris, Surati threw herself into
the river.
Not long after, fragrant smell spread all over the river and the waters
became clear. Raden lamented Surati’s death and regretted it.
The river was then called Banyuwangi (Banyu is Indonesian for
water and Wangi is Indonesian for fragrant), which the city is named after.

Source: Learner’s Guide Q2-L3, pp. 241-242

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Let’s answer. Answer the following questions by writing the letter of your
choice:

1. Who told Surati that it was Raden who was responsible for Surati’s
father’s death? A. Rupaksa C. Raden
B. the priest D. Banterang
2. What was Rupaksa’s reaction when he learned that Surati is not going
with him to avenge their father’s loss?
A. disappointed C. upset
B. discouraged D. Both A and C
3. How did Raden meet Surati?
A. He joined a dating app and was quickly mesmerized by Surati’s
display picture.
B. Raden met her in the forest. She was a damsel in distress who was
lost in the woods.
C. Raden was from a neighboring kingdom who heard of a beautiful
princess who was looking for a perfect suitor to marry. He immediately went
there and asked for the princess’ hand in marriage.
D. Surati, whose mom locked her away from the city, was living on top
of a tower. Raden saved her life.
4. Why was the story entitled as, The Legend of Banyuwangi?
A. It was in honor of Surati’s faithfulness and purity.
B. The setting of the story is in Banyuwangi.
C. It talks about the journey of a handsome and smart prince in
Blambangan named Banyuwangi.
D. Both A and C
5. How did Surati prove her faithfulness and pure intentions towards
Raden?
A. She cried, begged, and knelt down the entire day just so Raden
could see her innocence and loyalty.
B. She looked for Rupaksa and had him tell the truth.
C. She had to die and her body was thrown into the water. If it
becomes dirty and smelly, it means she’s guilty. Otherwise, if the water
becomes clean and fragrant, it means she’s innocent.
D. Surati didn’t have to prove anything because Raden loves her so
much and no amount of words against her could deceive him. He trusts her.

Did you answer all of the questions asked? Did Surati really try to betray her
beloved husband? If you’re done reviewing your answers, examine the
following sentences:

He suspected that the girl may not be human after all.

“I will never betray him. It is my duty to serve him.”

“All right then, I have to go now.”

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 The words highlighted above are may, will, and have to. These words
are called MODALS. What are modals?

MODALS

Modals are auxiliary verbs used to express special meanings. By

themselves, they do not give complete meanings but when used with
another verb, they change the meaning of these verbs one way or the other.

The following are commonly used modals and their uses.

Source: OHSP U3-M6: Becoming a Reflective Learner

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Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:

 They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...
 They are always followed by an infinitive without "to" (e.i. the bare
infinitive.)

 They are used to indicate modality allow speakers to express

certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, ability

Source: https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/hilfsverben2.htm
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-modals.php

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 Let Us Practice
Encircle the modal used in each sentence and write on the spaces
provided in each item whether it expresses ability, advice, certainty,
necessity or possibility.
Ex. I can dance. Certainty
1. Fireworks of any kind must be handled with care. _________________
2. A serious burn on any part of the body may leave an ugly scar.
_________________
3. To give the light desired, each ball should contain the proper element.
_________________
4. A chemist can explain the secret of its many-colored fire.
_________________
5. You could recognize calcium by its red flame. _________________
6. Sodium must be burned to make a deep yellow. _________________
7. The presence of copper ought to create green and blue. ________________
8. Iron fillings should be heated to create the bright white sparks of
fireworks. ________________
9. Without their beautiful colors, fireworks would not be interesting.
________________
10. Fireworks could enliven fiestas and other celebrations.
_________________
Source: OHSP U3-M6: Becoming a Reflective Learner

Let Us Practice More

Choose the most appropriate modal/s for expressing advice,
necessity, ability, possibility, and probability. Write the letter of
your answer in the blank.

1. Japan is a beautiful country. We ____ travel there someday.

A. could B. might C. should D. had better
2. If Renzes wants to become a lawyer,
9 she _____ study hard.

A. has to B. should C. may need to D. could

3. My mom’s getting angry. I ________ wash the dishes now.
 Let Us Remember
Based from the discussion, what is the significance of using
modals appropriately? Write your insights below.

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 _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

I’m sure you had fun answering the activities provided just for you.
Make sure that the discussion on the use of modals are instilled in your mind
for you will still have more activities to answer.

Here is another famous Malay folktale for you to read. This story was
adopted as motion picture and TV drama in Malaysia, up to the extent of
inspiring other versions of the story. Read the synopsis of the story and
answer the questions that follow.

Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup

(The Devouring Rock)

This story is about Mak Minah, a widow, and her two children, her
daughter Mawar, and her young son, Bulat. Mak Minah would work hard at
several jobs in a day. She would work in both a field and as a fisherwoman
to support her fairly young children as best as she could.
One morning, while fishing, she catches a tembakul fish (local river
fish). She of course is really happy, and fantasizes all day about eating the
fish with her children for dinner. At noon, Mak Minah goes home and starts
to clean the fish, and is even happier when she realizes that there is fish roe
inside. Fish roe back then was very, very expensive and was a delicacy, one
that poor people like herself would very rarely be able to enjoy. She happily
fries it before she goes to work in the fields and cuts it into three equal
parts, one for her older daughter, one for her young son, and the other for
herself.

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 As she heads out the door, Mak Minah tells her children that they
may each have their portion, but she asked them to leave her one of the
pieces to eat when she comes home.
Mak Minah spent the entire evening at the field thinking of eating the
roe. When she came home, she finds all three portions eaten. Mawar
explained to her that she and her brother had both eaten their portions, but
after finishing his, Bulat demanded the other portion and threw a horrible
tantrum when she said no, and that he had taken the piece anyway. Mak
Minah was so devastated that she didn’t say anything and just went to bed.
That night Mak Minah was kept awake by the calling of the batu belah
batu bertangkup, the eater of suicides. She heard the rock calling her, saying
“You never managed to eat your roe because as much as you desired it, it
never desired to be eaten by you. This is the way of the world: what we
desire to touch has no desire to be touched by us. But I am your death and I
have longed for you since you were born. And now all I ask you is that you
have the same longing for me.” She then snaps and runs to the rock.
Mawar, hearing the commotion of her mother storming out of the
house, wakes up Bulat and they try to chase her down. They called out after
their mother, but it was no use, the voice of the rock drowned out everything
else. Mak Minah stopped only once on her way to the rock, and just long
enough for her children to catch sight of her, right in front of it, where she
made a funnel and filled it with her breast milk for her young son. As she
did so, the rock split, and beckoned her to enter. Mak Minah left the funnel
on the floor and fled deep into the rock.

Source: Learner’s Guide Q2-L2, pp. 210-211

Let Us Assess
Answer the following questions. Make sure to use modals in your
answers.

1. What did the mother feel after knowing that her fish roe was eaten?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________________________.

2. Why do you think it came across to the mother to commit suicide?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________________________.

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3. What does Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup represent? How did you say so?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

_________________________________.

Source: Learner’s Guide Q2-L2, p. 211

Let Us Enhance
Create an informative essay about Positive Thoughts on Mental
Illness and Its Effect to People. Use modals appropriately. Make sure
to cite your references. Observe the following criteria as your basis in
answering the activity.
CRITERIA
Critical Understanding of Material 40
Organization of Thoughts 30
Appropriate Use of Modals 30
TOTAL 100

When you have a  mental illness , it often feels like there is a veil between you and
the rest of the world, blocking positive thoughts from entering. However, this is not
the case. Millions of people are walking around feeling exactly as you do. The key to
breaking down these barriers that keep us locked in our  negative thoughts   is by
making positive connections – to the world and to others.  Positive thinking
exercises   can provide you with self-help techniques and coping strategies to make
life with a mental illness a little easier. Here are some positive thoughts and
exercises to give you a boost.

Are Positive Thoughts Possible When You Have a Mental Illness?

Yes, positive thoughts are entirely possible when you have a mental illness – just as
they are when you have a physical ailment, such as the flu or a broken leg.
However, it can be hard to break out of negative thought cycles when you have a
mental health condition, however much you want to be positive ("Positive Reminders
Help When Mental Health Is Challenging ").

The first step toward accessing positive thoughts is to seek help for your condition.
However much positive thoughts can help you treat your mental illness, they may
not work on their own. People with mental health challenges often need treatment in
the form of therapy, medication or a combination of the two. Other non-medical
treatments include exercise, group therapy, art therapy and holistic remedies,
depending on your condition. A treatment program should always be prescribed by
your doctor or medical practitioner.

Adjusting Your Mindset for Positive Thoughts

The next step on your journey to positivity is to adjust your mindset. It’s important
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to remember that you are not your illness – that your mental health condition is
something you have, not something you are. It doesn’t define you. In order to allow
positive thoughts to enter your mind, you need to accept that happiness is not off-
limits ("How to Create and Keep a Positive Mindset Despite Mental Illness ").
 ____________________________________

Positive Thoughts as Part of Your Daily Routine

Try to build at least some of these positive thinking exercises into your daily
routine. It will require some practice, and you may need to be disciplined with
yourself to make sure you keep up the habit. Remember that positive thinking is
not a passive pursuit: you will have to work on your mind to change the way it
operates. However, you will soon see that the benefits of positive thoughts are
worth the effort.

Source: https://www.healthyplace.com/self-help/positivity/positive-thoughts-for-people-with-
14 mental-illness
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_________________________________________________________
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Finished?

Look at the Answer Key again then check your answers.

Here’s a trophy for the learner who strives harder

every day. Job well done!

Now that you are done with this lesson, describe your learning experience by
checking the emoticon below.

________ __________ _________

Let Us Reflect
You must have been full and overwhelmed while grasping all the
concepts and lessons in this module. I hope you become as faithful
and strong-driven as Sumitra from the Legend of Banyuwangi and not as
lonely and worrier as Mak Minah from Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup.
You should also remember how to use modals appropriately for it
plays a major part in both writing and speaking. You could express more
and be understood more if you know the proper usage of modals.
Which part of this module did you like best? It’s your time to tell us
more. We would love to hear from you.

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.

Answer key to Activities

Making Giving advice Asking Expressing

requests permission ability/possibility
will should may can
would must 16 might could
can ought can may
could had better could
LET US TRY
 References

Learner’s Guide – Deped K-12 Basic Education Curriculum

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary
Open High School Program (OHSP) U3-M6: Becoming a Reflective Learner
Modals. Retrieved June 12, 2020 from
https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/hilfsverben2.htm
Modals. Retrieved June 12, 2020 from
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-modals.php
De Vera E.E., Francisco, N.R., Gonzales, C.T., & Yu, P.R. (2017). Essential English
Worktext in Literature and Language II. REX Book Store Inc.
Positive Thoughts on Mental Illness and Its Effect to People. Retrieved June 12, 2020 from

https://www.healthyplace.com/self-help/positivity/positive-thoughts-for-people-with-
mental-illness

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Division of Davao del Sur

Corner Lapu-Lapu Plaridel Streets, Zone 3, Digos City,

Davao del Sur

Telefax:

Email Address: lrmds.davsur@deped.gov.ph

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