Language term
Modal verb
A verb such as can, should, must or might that shows possibility or obligation.
What it means
A modal verb is a helping verb, such as can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would and must. It changes the meaning of the main verb to show possibility, ability, permission, obligation or certainty. Modal verbs let a writer express how likely, necessary or advisable something is.
Must sounds far more forceful than might. Modal verbs are important in persuasive and argumentative writing, where the choice between should, could and must shapes the strength of a claim. In analysis, they reveal a writer's confidence and attitude.
Why it matters in the exam
In the reading paper, noticing modal verbs helps you judge how certain or forceful a writer is being. This supports points about tone and persuasion. In your own persuasive and argumentative writing, choose strong modals like must or gentler ones like could to control the force of your case.
Examiners reward this awareness of how small word choices shape the strength and confidence of an argument.
Example
Writing We must act now sounds urgent and commanding. Meanwhile, We could consider acting sounds tentative, showing how the modal verb sets the strength of the appeal.
How to use it
In analysis, point out a modal verb and explain how it signals certainty, obligation or possibility. Then say what that reveals about the writer's confidence or purpose. In your own persuasive writing, choose modals deliberately: strong ones to press a point and softer ones to sound reasonable.
Being aware of them helps you control exactly how forceful your argument feels.
Knowing the term is the first step. In a paid one-hour trial, a teacher helps your child use "Modal verb" accurately in an answer.