Talking about screen habits: advice with modals
To give advice politely, use should and shouldn’t with a calm voice: You should set a timer. You shouldn’t play before bed. For something very important use must: You must ask an adult before you buy anything online. Soften advice with I think, Maybe or Why don’t you …? Phrasal verbs are verbs with a small word. Turn on starts a machine or light and turn off stops it; keep … away from means stay at a distance; pick up can mean lift or learn (She picked up the book; he picked up a new habit). Notice the place of the object: turn it off, not turn off it. Use connectors to join your ideas: and adds, also adds another point, so gives a result, because gives a reason, but shows a contrast. I was tired, so I went to bed (result). I went to bed because I was tired (reason). Your book has a talk between a mother and her son on page 67: read it after this lesson and find two pieces of advice. Then use the role-play on page 68 with your own ideas.
| Connector | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | adds an idea | I use my phone for homework and for calls. |
| also | adds another point | I also read before bed. |
| so | gives a result | I was tired, so I went to bed. |
| because | gives a reason | I went to bed because I was tired. |
| but | shows a contrast | I like games, but I stop at eight. |
Yassin, you have been playing since lunch, and your eyes look tired.
I know, Teta, but I want to finish this level.
I understand, and I also want you to rest. You should set a timer, so the game will stop by itself.
Good idea. But what if I forget to turn it on?
Then you must ask me, because I will help you to remember. You shouldn’t play before bed. Keep the tablet away from your bed.
Okay. I will turn it off at eight and read a book.
That sounds wonderful. May I join you?
Of course, and you can choose the book!
Advice cards. Write four situations on cards (a game until late, too many notifications, a phone at dinner, a very tired friend). With a partner, take turns to give polite advice with should, shouldn’t or must and one phrasal verb, and a reason with so or because. Then change roles.