This is a lesson on how to politely ask questions. You will practice getting information and asking clarifying questions. You will also practice asking about obligations and rules.
What are some of the interesting or different things you know about the place you will live?
How much of your new life overseas is arranged by your job? What do you have to organise?
1. Modal verbs of obligation
Look at the table below. Match the verb (column 1) to the usage (column 3):
| Verb | Example Sentence | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Must | I must finish this report today. | (a) No obligation |
| 2. Have to | We have to turn off our phones. | (b) Advice/Suggestion |
| 3. Should | You should see that new movie. | (c) Prohibition |
| 4. Mustn't | You mustn't park here. | (d) External rule/law |
| 5. Don't have to | You don't have to come with me. | (e) Strong personal duty |
2. Explaining the rules
Tell your teacher:
- Something you must do before next week.
- Something you have to do at work.
- Something your teacher should do if they visit your country.
- Something a visitor to your country must not do.
- Something you don't have to do (but you do anyway).
3. Asking about the rules
Work with your teacher to complete the questions:
- Ask about carrying ID using "have to";
- Ask about getting health insurance using "should";
- Ask about which bank to open an account at using "should";
4. Polite questions
This part is for more advanced students.
Making a polite question in English uses an indirect sentence structure. Using the questions you made in part 3 above, ask polite questions:
- Could you tell me...?
- Do you know...?
- I was wondering...
Imagine you are going to live in your teacher's country:
- Find out about the rules and regulations.
- Get some advice.
Do you feel confident in asking questions? What more do you need to find out?