Chapter 08 — Modals, conditionals and question tags

Track: common | Study time: 75–100 minutes | Recall task: write the rule before checking the key.

Pareeksha English foundation notes

4. Modals

Modals are helping verbs that show ability, permission, possibility, duty and advice. They have no -s in the third person, have no "to" after them (except "ought to", "used to" and "have to"), and are followed by the base form (V1).

Modal | Chief meaning | Example

can | ability; informal permission | She can swim.

could | past ability; polite request | Could you help me?

may | permission; possibility; wish | May I come in?

might | weak possibility; past of "may" | It might rain.

must | strong duty; strong certainty | You must obey the law.

shall | future with I/we; offer; duty | Shall I help you?

will | future; willingness | He will come.

would | past habit; polite request | He would walk daily.

should | advice; duty | You should rest.

ought to | moral duty | We ought to respect elders.

need | necessity (mostly in negatives and questions) | You need not go.

dare | courage (mostly in negatives and questions) | He dare not speak.

used to | past habit | He used to smoke.

Useful points:

• Can vs may: "can" is ability; "may" is permission. Both are used for permission in everyday speech, but exams prefer "may" for formal permission.
• Must vs have to: "must" is the speaker's own sense of duty; "have to" is an outside rule.
• Need not shows no necessity; must not shows prohibition.
• Should vs ought to: both give advice; "ought to" is followed by "to".
• Would rather + V1 shows preference: "I would rather walk."
• Had better + V1 gives strong advice: "You had better go."
• Used to + V1 shows a past habit that no longer exists; be used to + V-ing means "be accustomed to".
• Modal + have + V3 shows the past: "He must have left" (certain), "She should have called" (duty not done), "They could have won" (a missed chance).
• After a modal, the verb stays in the base form. Wrong: "He can sings." Right: "He can sing."
• Two modals are not used together. Wrong: "He will can come."

Worked reasoning and learner clinic

Modals express the speaker’s view of ability, possibility, permission, advice, obligation or deduction. The same modal can carry more than one meaning, so interpret it from context. The form after a central modal is normally the base verb: can go, should check, must report. Never add third-person -s after a modal.

Obligation is not prohibition. “Need not attend” means attendance is unnecessary. “Must not attend” forbids it. This distinction is often tested and matters in real instructions. “Should” is advice; “must” is stronger obligation or a strong logical conclusion.

Conditionals. A real open condition commonly uses present simple in the if-clause and will in the result. An unreal present condition uses past simple and would. A past unreal condition uses past perfect and would have + V3. The verb form looks past in the unreal present, but its meaning is not past time.

Tags. Start with the polarity of the statement, locate its auxiliary, and choose the matching pronoun. Positive statement → negative tag; negative meaning → positive tag. Negative adverbs such as rarely and hardly count as negative. “I am” conventionally takes “aren’t I?”, and “Let us” takes “shall we?”.

Telugu-medium transfer check

Ask what the speaker means before choosing a modal: ability, permission, advice, obligation, prohibition or deduction. In a conditional, check whether the condition is real, possible or contrary to fact; then verify the tag’s polarity.

Retrieval practice

Rewrite one request more formally and one obligation as a prohibition. Explain how the modal changes force while the main verb stays in its required form.

Error-log prompt

Log the intended force, the modal selected and the form of the following verb. For a tag error, note the auxiliary and whether the statement is positive or negative.

Study plate 08. Recall the sequence before you begin the question set.

Chapter 08 practice questions

001. Which sentence is illogical?

A. The crowd waited patiently.

B. The tired crowd went home.

C. The silent crowd shouted loudly.

D. The noisy crowd cheered the team.

Key: C | Explanation: 'Silent' and 'shouted loudly' contradict each other. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

002. Which sentence makes sense?

A. He was full, so he ate more food hungrily.

B. He was thirsty, so he drank water.

C. He was thirsty, so he went to sleep and ate lunch.

D. He drank water because he was not thirsty at all.

Key: B | Explanation: The reason and result agree. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

003. What type of error is 'The silent crowd shouted loudly'?

A. Wrong tense

B. Wrong spelling

C. Contradiction

D. Wrong comparison

Key: C | Explanation: The two ideas cancel each other. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

004. Which sentence has a wrong comparison?

A. The climate of Chennai is hotter than that of Delhi.

B. The climate of Chennai is hotter than Delhi.

C. Chennai is hotter than Delhi.

D. Chennai has a hot climate.

Key: B | Explanation: A climate is compared with a city. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

005. To test an illogical sentence, first ask

A. Can this happen in real life?

B. Is it in the past tense?

C. Is it long?

D. Does it have an adjective?

Key: A | Explanation: Real-life possibility is the first test. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

006. Which phrase is figurative rather than absurd?

A. The sun rose in the west.

B. The ant lifted the hill.

C. Fire is cold.

D. The sun smiled on the village.

Key: D | Explanation: The sun smiled is a figure of speech. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

007. In the neutral impersonal style commonly taught for a précis, it is usually written in the

A. second person

B. any person at will

C. first person

D. third person

Key: D | Explanation: Use 'he', 'she', 'the writer' and not 'I'. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

008. A good precis should contain

A. the writer's own opinion

B. long examples

C. copied sentences

D. only ideas from the passage

Key: D | Explanation: Opinions are not allowed. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

009. What should be dropped from a precis?

A. Examples and repeated points

B. The central point

C. Key facts

D. The main idea

Key: A | Explanation: Examples and repetition are cut. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

010. In a precis, direct speech is changed to

A. a quotation

B. indirect speech

C. a poem

D. a question

Key: B | Explanation: Reported speech is used. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

011. The best first step in precis writing is to

A. write the title only

B. count the words only

C. read the passage twice

D. copy the first line

Key: C | Explanation: Understanding comes before writing. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

012. A good precis title should

A. be in the first person

B. show the central idea

C. be very long

D. copy the first sentence

Key: B | Explanation: The title should give the main idea briefly. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

013. Which should be kept in a precis?

A. The main idea and key facts

B. Decorative adjectives

C. Long quotations

D. Repeated points

Key: A | Explanation: Core ideas carry the meaning. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

014. Which feature helps a formal letter’s reader identify its purpose quickly?

A. a nickname

B. a poem

C. a subject line

D. a joke

Key: C | Explanation: A subject line states the purpose in one line. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

015. 'Dear Sir/Madam' is closed with

A. Yours always

B. Yours faithfully

C. Yours lovingly

D. Your friend

Key: B | Explanation: Faithfully goes with Sir/Madam. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

016. 'Dear Mr Rao' is closed with

A. Yours lovingly

B. Yours faithfully

C. Respectfully, sir

D. Yours sincerely

Key: D | Explanation: Sincerely goes with a named person. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

017. An informal letter is closed with

A. Yours affectionately

B. Yours obediently

C. Yours faithfully

D. Yours truly sirs

Key: A | Explanation: A warm closing suits a friend or relative. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

018. In the conventional block layout shown in this chapter, where is the sender’s address placed?

A. Bottom left

B. Top right

C. Centre

D. Top left only

Key: B | Explanation: Sender's address and date go at the top right. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

019. Which part is NOT required in an informal letter?

A. Salutation

B. Closing

C. The receiver's official address

D. Date

Key: C | Explanation: A friendly letter has no official receiver's address. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

020. The opening paragraph of a formal letter should

A. end with thanks

B. tell a joke

C. state the purpose

D. describe the weather

Key: C | Explanation: The purpose comes first. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

021. A report begins with

A. a request

B. a quotation by the writer

C. a long poem

D. a headline

Key: D | Explanation: A short, clear headline starts the report. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

022. The writer's name in a report is shown in the

A. by-line

B. footer note

C. salutation

D. subject line

Key: A | Explanation: The by-line gives the writer's name. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

023. The five Ws in a report are

A. Whom, Wait, Wear, Wake, Win

B. What, Wise, Word, Week, Way

C. Why, Which, Wish, Will, Was

D. Who, What, When, Where, Why

Key: D | Explanation: They are the main facts a report must give. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

024. A report should be written mainly in

A. a personal style with feelings

B. a poetic style

C. an objective style with facts

D. an angry style

Key: C | Explanation: Reports state facts, not opinions. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

025. Which tense is usual for an event completed yesterday in a news report?

A. Past tense

B. Future tense only

C. Imperative

D. Present perfect only

Key: A | Explanation: An event that has happened is reported in the past. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

026. Which voice is often used in reports when the doer is not important?

A. Imperative

B. Passive voice

C. Active voice only

D. Subjunctive

Key: B | Explanation: Example: The function was held at the school. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

027. Which is best for the headline of a report?

A. I Saw a Rally Today

B. Road Safety Week Observed in School

C. A Very Long Day Where Many Things Were Done by Many People

D. What a Great Day It Was Indeed

Key: B | Explanation: Headlines are short and factual. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

028. Which of the following helps a precis to be shorter?

A. Copy full sentences

B. Add more examples

C. Replace a long phrase with one word

D. Use the first person

Key: C | Explanation: Condensing phrases reduces length. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

029. In a letter, the salutation is

A. the greeting at the start

B. the closing line

C. the date

D. the subject line

Key: A | Explanation: Examples: Dear Sir, Dear Ravi. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

030. Consider statements about a neutral, impersonal précis style. 1. It commonly uses third-person wording unless the source or prompt calls for another perspective. 2. It adds the writer’s own opinion.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: A | Explanation: A neutral précis does not add personal opinion; third-person wording is common, but the source and prompt govern perspective. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

031. Consider the statements about letters. 1. An informal letter must end with 'Yours faithfully'. 2. A formal letter has a subject line.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: B | Explanation: Informal letters close with warm phrases. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

032. Consider the statements about reports. 1. A report answers who, what, when, where and why. 2. A report is written in the first person with personal feelings.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: A | Explanation: Reports are objective. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

033. Consider the statements. 1. 'Yours sincerely' goes with 'Dear Sir/Madam'. 2. 'Yours faithfully' goes with 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: B | Explanation: Sincerely is used when the name is known. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

034. Consider the statements about a précis. 1. Repeated examples are usually removed. 2. Every examination requires a length of exactly one-third of the source.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: B | Explanation: Repeated examples can be removed, but no universal one-third ratio applies to every examination; follow the prompt’s word limit. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

035. Consider the statements about absurd sentences. 1. Figurative phrases like 'the sun smiled' are always errors. 2. 'Because' and 'so' help test cause and effect.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: B | Explanation: Figures of speech are not logic errors. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

036. Consider the statements. 1. An informal letter uses a friendly tone. 2. A formal letter has a full receiver's address.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: C | Explanation: Both are correct features. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

037. Which type of letter is addressed to an editor of a newspaper?

A. Love letter

B. Informal letter

C. Greeting card

D. Formal letter

Key: D | Explanation: Letters to editors are formal. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

038. What is the best ending for a formal request letter?

A. End with 'Bye bye'

B. Tell a story

C. Add a joke

D. State the request and thank the reader

Key: D | Explanation: A polite request and thanks end the letter. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

039. Which sentence is logical?

A. The road was dry because it had rained heavily.

B. It rained because the road was wet.

C. The road was wet because the sun shone brightly all week.

D. The road was wet because it had rained.

Key: D | Explanation: Rain is a sensible cause of a wet road. Keep the original meaning while removing repetition and illogical detail. In formal writing, use a clear subject, a precise verb and a suitable register.

040. You ___ wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.

A. might have

B. should

C. would to

D. can to

Key: B | Explanation: “Should” expresses advice or recommended duty and is followed by the base verb.

041. You ___ enter this restricted area; it is prohibited.

A. need not

B. must not

C. might not

D. would not

Key: B | Explanation: “Must not” expresses prohibition; “need not” means there is no necessity.

042. If I ___ more time, I would revise the passage again.

A. had

B. will have

C. am having

D. have

Key: A | Explanation: This second conditional uses past simple in the if-clause and would + base verb in the result.

043. She rarely misses a class, ___?

A. is she

B. isn’t she

C. does she

D. doesn’t she

Key: C | Explanation: “Rarely” has negative force, so the tag is positive; the main verb uses “does”.

044. ___ I borrow your dictionary for a minute?

A. Would have

B. May

C. Must

D. Should to

Key: B | Explanation: “May” is the conventional modal for a formal request for permission.