Week 5 - Graded Assignment 5

Course: Jan 2026 - English II

Week 5 - Graded Assignment 5

Question 1

• Ought to
• Can
• Might
• Will

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Analyze Context]: The situation describes a persistent problem necessitating a recommended action.
2. [Evaluate Strength]: Select a modal expressing advisable duty or moral obligation.
3. [Decision rule]: "Ought to" fits specific recommendations built on logic or duty.

Procedure

• Step 1: "Can" implies ability; "Might" implies weak possibility; "Will" implies future certainty.
• Step 2: "Ought to" expresses a strong recommendation based on what is sensible for the subject's well-being.
• Result: Ought to

Question 2

• Can
• Be
• Might
• Your

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Distinguish Function]: Identify the helping verb used to signify possibility.
2. [Watch for Homonyms]: Do not confuse the modal "can" (ability) with the noun "can" (container).
3. [Decision rule]: Locate the word preceding the main verb ("be") that changes its mood.

Procedure

• Step 1: "Can" refers to a container (noun).
• Step 2: "Be" is the main verb; "Your" is a possessive identifier.
• Step 3: "Might" expresses possibility regarding the identification.
• Result: Might

Question 3

• Be
• Could
• Here
• All of the above

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Auxiliary Mapping]: Locate the helping verb modifying the root predicate.
2. [Decision rule]: Modal auxiliaries always precede the base form of the main verb.

Procedure

• Step 1: "Be" is the main verb.
• Step 2: "Here" and "Tomorrow" are adverbs.
• Step 3: "Could" indicates possibility/potentiality as the auxiliary.
• Result: Could

Question 4

• True
• False

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Define Modal Properties]: Determine if modals inflect like regular verbs.
2. [Decision rule]: Modals are "defective" verbs and remain invariant across all subjects.

Procedure

• Step 1: Test across persons: "I may," "He may," "They may."
• Step 2: Observe that the form never changes (no "mays").
• Result: False

Question 5

• Permission
• Ability
• Request
• Advice

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Mood and Pragmatics]: Identifying the speaker's intent in interrogative modal forms.
2. [Decision rule]: Using "could" as a question to induce an action from a listener is a polite Request.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Analyze intent: The speaker wants the listener to perform a task (close the door).
• Result: Request.