Free Year 3 Modal verbs for evaluation/emotion Practice | Skillo

Year 3 students sitting their first NAPLAN need to be confident with modal verbs for evaluation/emotion. The language of evaluation and emotion (modal verbs: must, should, might, could, can, may) can be varied to be more or less forceful. Skillo has targeted practice questions for this exact skill, mapped to the Australian Curriculum v9.0, free and ready to go.

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What is tested: Modal verbs for evaluation/emotion

  • The language of evaluation and emotion (modal verbs: must, should, might, could, can, may) can be varied to be more or less forceful.
  • Questions test identification and correction of errors
  • Both Australian English conventions and sentence structure are assessed

Sample questions

Question 1Easy

Priya's teacher said she ___ practise her reading every night so that she improves.

A) might
B) could
C) should
D) may

Answer: The phrase 'so that she improves' signals a strong recommendation or obligation, making 'should' the most forceful and appropriate modal verb here. 'Might' and 'may' suggest weak possibility, not a clear recommendation. 'Could' suggests ability or a weak option rather than a teacher's firm advice.

Question 2Medium

Priya noticed dark clouds gathering, so she thought it _____ rain before the school athletics carnival ended.

A) must
B) should
C) might
D) will

Answer: The word 'might' expresses uncertainty or a slight possibility, which fits the context of Priya making a guess based on clouds — she is not certain it will rain. 'Must' signals strong obligation or near certainty, 'should' signals expectation or advice, and 'will' is not a modal verb of possibility but a statement of certainty.

Question 3Hard

Priya's class is going on a bushwalk tomorrow, so she ___ pack her water bottle because it will be very hot.

A) might
B) could
C) must
D) may

Answer: The word 'must' expresses strong obligation or necessity. The context clue 'because it will be very hot' signals that packing a water bottle is essential, not just possible. 'Might', 'could', and 'may' all express possibility rather than necessity, which does not match the strong force required by the context.

How to use Skillo for Year 3 Grammar

  1. Select Year 3 and Grammar on the home screen
  2. Use Quick Practice — questions on modal verbs for evaluation/emotion will appear as part of the session
  3. Check the Skill Breakdown on your profile to track your accuracy on modal verbs for evaluation/emotion specifically
  4. Review explanations after each question to understand the reasoning behind correct answers

Skillo is free, requires no email or account details, and is built specifically for Australian students. Every question is mapped to the Australian Curriculum v9.0 and filtered by skill so your child practises exactly what they need.

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