5

UNIT

The exhibition teamLab

Modals and Related Borderless, which covers

107,000 square feet and

Expressions features 50 examples of

moving artwork that is
designed to respond to
and stimulate each of the
senses, The Mori Building
Digital Art Museum in
Tokyo, Japan

HIGH-TECH
WORLD
The real danger is not that computers
will begin to think like men, but that
men will begin to think like computers.
SYDNEY J. HARRIS
 Updating Your Password?
COMPREHENSION  Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false.
1. It’s a good idea to use personal information in your passwords.
2. It’s not advisable to use the same password for most of your accounts.

UPDATE YOUR THINKING FIRST 3. According to a study, only around 25 percent of passwords are strong enough.

THINK ABOUT IT  Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group.

Read the following article. Pay special attention to the words in bold. 5.1 1. How concerned are you about cybercrime? Does it affect your enjoyment of the Internet? Explain.
2. Which of the password tips are the most important, in your opinion?
Let’s face it: Passwords are a pain! While you might base for your password. So, “Taylor Swift is my
think it’s a good idea to use your pet’s name or your favorite singer.” would become “TSimfs.”
birth year, research shows that passwords must be much
stronger now than in the past. You may have noticed
3. Whatever you choose as the base for your 5.1  Modals—An Overview
password, adding numbers and special symbols
that you have to create longer and more complex can make it stronger. The modal verbs are can, could, should, would, may, might, must, and will. Modals add
passwords for your new accounts. Instructions might
4. Do not keep your passwords in a notebook near meaning to the verbs that follow them.
say something like: You must include uppercase letters,
your computer. EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
special symbols, numbers, and so on. They may also tell
us that we cannot use dates, repeated numbers, or other 5. Yes, it’s annoying, and yes, it takes time, but You should change your password frequently. A base form follows a modal.
patterns. This is supposed to provide better protection, tell yourself that you must create a strong, safe The password for my bank account must include A modal never has an -s ending.
password every time. at least one number.
but in reality, most people still follow a small number of
predictable behaviors. Criminals, meanwhile, are happy Of course, you may be tired of trying to remember You should not tell anyone your password. To form the negative, we put not after the modal.
that you are doing this. different passwords for all your online activities, and I cannot remember so many passwords. The negative of can is written as one word:
cannot. The contraction for cannot is can’t.
So, what can you do to create a strong but this could tempt you to start using the same password
for several different accounts. Bad idea! A recent Passwords should be changed frequently. To form the passive with a modal, we use the
easy-to-remember password? It has to be strong
study of 61 million passwords that hackers stole from Passwords must be entered exactly. modal + be + past participle.
enough to protect your information from increasingly
sophisticated cybercriminals, but it should still be easy websites found over 16 million passwords—more I can’t remember so many passwords. = I am not able Expressions that are like modals in meaning are:
than 25 percent—that were reused or only slightly to remember so many passwords. have to, have got to, be able to, be allowed to,
to remember. Here are a few tips from the experts:
modified, making life very easy for hackers. This be permitted to, be supposed to, had better.
1. You should not use easy-to-guess information such demonstrates that most of us do not take our You must use letters and numbers. = You have to use
as a birthday or other personal details. online security seriously, but experts warn letters and numbers.
2. Choose a short, memorable sentence. Then take that we had better start to care, or one day, we Observe these seven patterns with a modal:
the first letter of each word and use that as the might regret it. Affirmative Statement: You should choose a password.
Negative Statement: You shouldn’t choose your name or birthday.
Yes/No Question: Should you choose a long password?
Short Answer: Yes, you should.
Wh- Question: Why should you choose a long password?
Negative Wh- Question: Why shouldn’t you choose your name?
Subject Question: Who should choose a long password?

EXERCISE 1  Listen to the conversation. Write T for true or F for false. 5.2

1. The woman has no trouble remembering her passwords.

2. The man doesn’t like having to create new passwords.
3. The man and woman agree that technology has made life more complicated in some ways.

134  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 135

 EXERCISE 2  Listen to the conversation. Fill in the blanks with the words you hear. 5.2 EXERCISE 3  This is a conversation between a granddaughter and a grandfather about technology.
Change the maybe statement under each blank to a statement using the modal given.
A: I’m trying to get into my credit card account, but I can’t remember my password.
1.
A:  I might buy a new computer. If I do, Grandpa, do you want my old one? It’s two years old.
B: It’s so frustrating. I my passwords, either. I 1.  maybe I’ll buy/might
2.
B:  two years old is old, but for me it’s practically new. The one I have now is
them down. Otherwise I them. The problem is I 2.  maybe you think/may
3. 4.
good enough for me. I just do e-mail.
where I put the paper.
5.
A: There’s more than e-mail on a computer. to try social media.
A: I was told that you them down. What if someone into 3.  maybe you’ll want/may
6. 7.
B: I’m not interested in those things. a lot of online friends, but I’d rather
all your accounts? 4.  maybe you have/may

have two or three very good friends.

B: Well, most sites have a “forgot your password” link.
A: OK. But there are practical things you can do, too. Have you ever tried online banking?
A: The problem is, they often tell me I a completely new password.
8.
easier for you.
They sometimes say, “You a password that you haven’t used in the past 5.  maybe it will be/might
9.
B:  right. But I like going into my bank and talking to real people.
year.” So then I of something completely new—and remember it! 6.  maybe you are/could
10.
A: Why don’t you just try it? Let me show you how.
B: Another frustration is this: If I’m doing online banking and I leave the computer for 10 minutes, I get
B: No, thanks. I’ll have to get a password. And it.
timed out. Then I all over again. 7.  maybe I won’t remember/may
11.
A: If you think you’ll forget it, you can keep a record of your passwords, using hints.
A: I thought technology our lives easier.
12.
B: What do you mean?
B: It our lives in some ways, but in other ways, it has made our lives more
13.
A: For example, if my password is my dog’s name, my hint is “DOG.” Let me help you get a hint for
complicated.
each password.

5.2 Possibility: May, Might, Could B: If I tell you my passwords,

8.  maybe you will steal/might
all my money!

A: Very funny, Grandpa.

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
The answer to my security question might be “King” or We use may, might, or could to show possibility about
it may be “King High School” or it could be “King HS.” I
don’t remember.
the present. 5.3  Necessity / Obligation: Must, Have to, Have Got to
I may open a new account. We use may or might to show possibility about the EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
I might start to do my banking online. future. This password must include one uppercase letter. Must shows necessity or obligation based on a rule, a
You may not remember all your passwords. For negative possibility, we use may not or might not. We It must be at least eight characters long. law, or an instruction. It has an official or formal tone.
You might not be happy with technology. don’t make a contraction with may not or might not. Sometimes you have to answer security questions. Have to shows necessity or obligation. It has a less
Maybe my password is my dog’s name. Maybe, written as one word, is an adverb. It usually Your password has to have at least one number. official tone than must.
comes before the subject. For my bank account, I’ve got to choose a password. It’s Have got to is an informal way to show necessity or
My password may be my dog’s name. May be, written as two words, is a modal + verb. It comes got to be very strong. obligation. Have and has are usually contracted with the
after the subject. subject pronoun.
I may/might change my password. Compare using the modals may or might for the future My old computer was too slow. I had to buy a new one For past necessity or obligation, we use had to.
Maybe I will change my password. with using maybe for the future. last week.
Note:
continued
We don’t use could not for negative possibility. It means was/were not able to.

136  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 137

 Note: A: OK. But now I’m going to one more password. Now what do I
9.
When using have to, don’t make a contraction with the subject pronoun and have.
 ?
I have to change my password. 10.

  not I’ve to change my password. B: See those funny letters and numbers? You them.
11.
Pronunciation Notes:
A: They’re so hard to read. What’s this for?
1. Have to is usually pronounced hafta or /hæftә/ and has to is usually pronounced hasta or /hæstә/.
2. With have got to, got to is often pronounced gotta or /gαtә/. B: It’s a safety feature. The letters and numbers exactly.
12.

A: You’re so good with computers.

B: I haven’t always been so good. I , just like you. It’s getting late, and I
GRAMMAR IN USE  13.
When talking about a personal obligation, we tend to avoid must because it sounds very official or urgent and is a friend in half an hour.
too strong for personal situations. It is more natural to use have to or have got to. 14.

I have to open an online account. A: Thanks for your help! See you later.

I’ve got to choose a username and password.

ABOUT YOU  Write a few obligations you have at your job, at your school, with your friends, or with your
family. Use modals of necessity or obligation. Share your answers with a partner.

EXERCISE 4  Two friends are talking about online banking. Use the phrases from the box to 1. My grandmother bought a new computer. I have to help her set it up on Saturday.
fill in the blanks. Use contractions where possible.
2.
have got to meet must use have to do have to fill out must have
3.
have to remember have to click have got to leave have to log on has got to match
4.
have got to copy have got to include must be copied had to learn
5.
A: Can you help me access my bank account online?

B: I ’ve got to leave

1.
in about 15 minutes. But I think we have enough time. First you 5.4 Expectation: Be Supposed To
 . Have you ever signed in before?
2. EXAMPLES EXPLANATION

A: I’m not sure. Maybe not. I’m supposed to help my parents with their smart phones. Something may be expected because of:
We are supposed to change our passwords every 30 days. •  a personal obligation
B: Then you “register here.” Technology is supposed to make our lives simpler, but •  a law or a requirement
3.
sometimes it doesn’t. •  something we are told to expect
A: OK. Now I this long form.
4. I know I’m supposed to change my password every month, Be supposed to shows a rule that is frequently
B: The information here the information on your bank account. So if you but I don’t do it. broken or an expectation that isn’t met.
5. I know I’m not supposed to write down my passwords, but I do.
used “David,” you “David” here, too. Don’t use “Dave.” I was supposed to help you with your computer yesterday, For the past, we use was/were supposed to. It
6.
but I forgot. shows an expectation or obligation that was not
A: Of course, I knew that! met.
B: Now you need a password. It at least one uppercase letter. And you Pronunciation Note:
7.
The d and t in supposed to link together and form one sound. Supposed to sounds like supposta or /s^powztә/
at least one number.
8.

138  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 139

 EXERCISE 5  Fill in the blanks using a form of be supposed to and one of the words from the box. ABOUT YOU  Write some rules, customs, or expectations that you don’t (or didn’t) follow. Discuss your
If you see not, use the negative. Use contractions where possible. answers with a partner.

copy make memorize pay send use 1. I’m supposed to turn off my cell phone in class, but I sometimes forget to do it.
help meet open read text I was supposed to write a paper for my history class, but I didn’t have time.
2.

1. W hen you see “I accept,” you ’re supposed to read   what it says, but most people don’t. 3.

2. Typing those funny letters and numbers   the website safer. 4.

3. You   those numbers and letters exactly as you see them. 5.

4. My friends and I share music online. I know we for the music, but we often
5.5 Advice: Should, Ought to, Had Better
give it to each other for free.
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
5. I know I all my passwords, but I can’t. So I write them in a notebook.
You should change your password every month. Should shows advisability. It is used to say that something
6. Students (not) in class, but I often see them texting under their desks. is a good idea.
You shouldn’t use your birthday. Shouldn’t means that something is a bad idea.
7. My bank me a statement each month, but I didn’t get one this month.
Before I click “accept,” I ought to read the terms, but I Ought to is another way of saying should.
never do.
I’ll look for it online.
You ought to use online banking. It’s much quicker than Ought to is not usually used for negatives and questions.
8. I typed in my password, but I got an error message. Oh, now I know what I did wrong. going into a bank.
My password is too weak. I’d better choose a stronger one. Had better is used in conversation and informal writing for
I uppercase for the first letter, but I used lowercase by mistake. Your password should be a secret. You’d better not tell it advisability. It states or implies a negative consequence.
to anyone. We use ’d to contract had with a pronoun.
9. Children under 13 (not) a social media account, but some kids lie about
Pronunciation Notes:
their age and open an account anyway. 1. Ought to is sometimes pronounced like one word: oughta.
2. The ’d in had better is often omitted or hard to hear and sounds like you better.
10. My grandparents don’t know much about computers. I them this weekend.

11. You me at 6:00 to help me with my computer. It’s 7:30. Did you forget?
EXERCISE 7  Give advice for each situation. Practice should, ought to, and had better.

EXERCISE 6  Report some rules in the following places: in your home or dorm, in traffic, on 1. My computer is about seven years old. It’s very slow.
the Internet, in a library, in class, on an airplane, or at an airport. Use must to give an official tone.
Use have to or be supposed to to give an informal tone. In my opinion, you should throw it away and buy a new one. A seven-year-old computer

1. In an airport, you must take off your shoes when you go through security. is too old.

2. In my dorm, we’re not supposed to make noise after 11 p.m. 2. I can’t decide if I should buy a laptop or a desktop computer.

3.

4.

5. 3. My little brother uses my laptop a lot. I think it has a virus now.

6.

7.
continued

140  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 141

 4. My daughter is 10 years old and wants a social media account. B:  it right now. I’ll use my birthday.
d.
A:  such an obvious password. Choose something that’s more secure.
e.
3. A: My younger brother uses my laptop when I’m at work. Sometimes he goes into my files.

5. I have at least 25 passwords, and I can’t remember them. So I wrote them all down and keep the What  ?
a.
paper near my computer. B:  a guest account. That way he can’t get into your files.
b.
A: How do I do that?

B: I can help you. Let me see your computer . . . OK. I set up a guest account for you. A guest doesn’t need a

password, but your account does. a password that your brother can’t guess.
EXERCISE 8  Fill in the blanks with one of the phrases from the box. c.

A: Even more important, I a password that I can remember!

d.
you shouldn’t I should he shouldn’t should I buy I’d better you ought should I do
make give play do to protect
EXERCISE 9  Circle the correct modal or expression to complete the sentences. In some cases, both
you’d better you’d you should he ought you ought ’d better answers are possible. In those cases, circle both choices.
not use better be choose to play to set up choose
1. You (’d better not /must not) write your passwords on a piece of paper. What if someone finds the paper?

1. A: My old computer isn’t fast enough. Should I buy a new one or add more memory to 2. For each new account, you (’ve got to/should) choose a password.
a.
3. Some websites require an uppercase letter. For those sites, you (’re supposed to/ought to) include at least one
my old one? My computer’s already nine years old.
uppercase letter.
B: That’s a very old computer.
4. I’m so tired of passwords. Why (do I have to/should I) remember so many passwords?
A: Maybe it to my grandson.
b.
5. Sometimes when you forget your password, you (have to/’d better) answer some questions, such as
B: He probably likes to play games, so he’s probably not interested in a slow computer.
“What’s the name of your pet?”
A: You’re right. But I think computer games.
c.
6. You (must/should) choose a password that’s hard for other people to guess. So it’s not a good idea to use
with friends, not just computers.
d.
your birthday.
2. A: Can I use your laptop for a few minutes? Can you fill in your password?
7. I know I (ought to/should) create a strong password, but I like using the same password for all my accounts.
B: I don’t have a password.
8. I got timed out of my account when I answered the phone. When I came back, I (had to/must) log in again.
A: That’s not good. your laptop with a password.
a. 9. Your password is case-sensitive. That means you (must/ought to) type it exactly the way you typed it
B: I don’t think that’s necessary. That’s just one more password to remember.
originally, with uppercase and lowercase letters.
A: What if someone steals your laptop? it easy for the thief to access your
b. 10. T hey say you (should/must) change your password every month, but I never do.
accounts. Mine was stolen in a coffee shop once.
11. My grandmother needs help with her online bank account. I promised to help her tomorrow. She
B: Really? How did that happen?
(is supposed to/must) bring her laptop to my house. But it (must/is supposed to) snow tomorrow, so I don’t
A: I left it on the table and went to buy coffee. When I came back, it was gone!
c. know if she’s still coming.
careful and password-protect your computer as soon as possible. 12. T hose funny letters and numbers are so hard to read. You (ought to/’ve got to) copy them exactly.

142  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 143

 Taking a Break from
ABOUT YOU  Write sentences about computers, passwords, online shopping, online banking, or online
music using the words given. Discuss your sentences with a partner.

1. have to When I order something online, I sometimes have to pay for shipping.

Technology
2. should

3. have got to

4. must

5. ought to 5.3
Read the following article. Pay special attention to the words in bold.
6. had better
Levi Felix has started a new kind of summer camp to admire a spectacular mountain before pulling out
7. be supposed to in California called Camp Grounded. Even though it’s their smartphone to take a picture.
only three days long, campers can get away from their
Levi Felix wants people to interact with each
daily routine and swim, hike, take yoga classes, and
other, not with their tech devices. At Camp Grounded,
5.6 Suggestion: Can / Could enjoy nature. Most of all, campers can interact with each
campers are not allowed to talk about their jobs.
other. So what’s so special about this camp? It’s only for
They are not even permitted to use their real names.
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION adults. And there’s one important rule: Campers must
They have to pick a nickname. They are supposed to
To remember passwords, you can create a hint for each We use can and could to give suggestions. not be connected to technology while there.
get to know each other as people, not through their
password. You could keep the hint in a notebook. Many adults report that when they are on professional lives. Felix hopes that campers can get to
You can open a bank account online, or you could go We use can or could when several options are possible. vacation, they aren’t able to stay away from their know themselves better as well.
into the bank and do it in person. We use should when you feel that there is only one devices and often check their work-related e-mails.
Why do people have to go to camp to do this? Why
You should change your password frequently. right way. Even when out in nature, they may not take the time
not just unplug for the weekend? Many people say that
they can’t control themselves when they have a device
nearby. They know they don’t have to respond every
EXERCISE 10  Offer two suggestions to answer each of the following questions. You may work with a
time they hear a beep from their phone, but they do.
partner. Use can or could.
Felix is not against technology, but he thinks
1. How can I make my password more secure? technology shouldn’t control us. We don’t have to
give up our devices, but we need more balance
You can mix uppercase and lowercase letters. You could include a number or symbol.
in our lives.
2. How can I open a new bank account?

3. How can I remember all my passwords? A young woman paddles a kayak

in the morning near Vancouver,
B.C., Canada.

4. How can I pay for something online?

5. How can I compare prices on a new TV?

144  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 145

 COMPREHENSION  Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false. 5. Campers (aren’t supposed to/don’t have to) bring their devices to camp, but some of them do.
1. Levi Felix has created a technology camp for adults. 6. According to the camp rules, you (must not/may not) use a tech device for three days.
2. At Felix’s camp, people talk about their professions.
7. If you don’t want to take a yoga class at camp, you (must not/don’t have to). It’s your choice.
3. Felix wants adults to interact with each other at his camp.
8. I want a break from technology. I (don’t have to/shouldn’t) go to camp. I can just turn off my phone.
THINK ABOUT IT  Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group.
9. You (may not/don’t have to) use a computer at Camp Grounded.
1. W
 ould you like to visit a place like Camp Grounded? What would you find enjoyable? What would you find
difficult? Give your reasons.
EXERCISE 12  Circle the correct words to complete the conversation. In some cases, both answers are
2. D
 escribe the role technology plays in your life. Do you feel you are too dependent on your computer, phone, possible. In those cases, circle both choices.
and so on? Explain.
A: Every time I get a credit card or bank statement, I just throw it in the garbage.

5.7  Negative Modals B: You (shouldn’t /don’t have to) do that. Someone (can/should) steal your identity. I read that thieves go
1. 2.

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION through the garbage looking for personal information.

Campers must not be connected to technology while Must not shows that something is prohibited. It has an A: But they (don’t have to/can’t) use my number without my credit card.
there. official tone. 3.
B: They can and they do. They make purchases by phone and charge it to your credit card. You
Campers cannot use technology at this camp. Cannot and may not show that something is not
They may not talk about work. permitted. The meaning is similar to must not but is less (may not/might not) realize your information has been stolen till you review your bill a month later.
They are not allowed to use a cell phone. formal. Other expressions that show prohibition are be 4.
They are not permitted to use their real names. not allowed to and be not permitted to. You (must not/shouldn’t) just throw away papers with personal information. You (must/should) shred
5. 6.
Campers are not supposed to talk about their jobs. Be not supposed to is also used to show that something
them. You (could/can) buy a shredder at an office supply store or online. Look. On this shopping site,
I wasn’t supposed to use my cell phone at camp, is not permitted. It is often used when a rule has already 7.
but I did. been broken. if you spend over $25, you (are not supposed to/don’t have to) pay for shipping.
8.
Technology shouldn’t control you. You should control Should not shows that something is not advisable.
technology. A: OK. I’ll buy one.

If your phone beeps, you don’t have to respond to it Not have to shows that something is not necessary B: I do all my bill payments online. This way I (don’t have to/must not) write any checks.
immediately. You can wait. or required. 9.
A: I don’t know how to set up an online account. Can you help me?
Notes:
1. In the affirmative, have to and must have the same meaning, although must sounds more official. B: Sure. Let’s find your bank’s website. OK. Now choose a password. You (shouldn’t/don’t have to) use
10.
You must give up your cell phone for three days. = You have to give up your cell phone for three days.
your birthday. It’s too easy for a thief to figure out.
2. In the negative, the meanings are completely different. Must not shows prohibition. Not have to shows that
something is not necessary or required. A: OK. Let me try my mother’s maiden name. Oh. It rejected this.
One camp rule is that you must not use a cell phone for three days.
When my cell phone rings, I don’t have to answer it. I can wait. B: You used all letters. You (couldn’t/can’t) use just letters. You (have to/can) include at least one number.
11. 12.
Now try to memorize it.

EXERCISE 11  Circle the correct words in each item about Camp Grounded. In some cases, both A: I (’m not supposed to/can’t) memorize so many passwords. It’s impossible.
answers are possible. In those cases, circle both choices. 13.
B: You (have to/'ve got to) find a way to keep track of your passwords.
14.
1. At Camp Grounded, you (may not /don’t have to) use a cell phone.
ABOUT YOU  Write about a rule, law, or custom from your country or culture that other people may find strange.
2. When your phone rings, you (cannot/don’t have to) answer it if it’s not an emergency.

3. According to Levi Felix, technology (shouldn’t/can’t) control you.

4. At Camp Grounded, you (don’t have to/are not allowed to) use technology.

146  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 147

 COMPREHENSION  Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false.
A group of people 1. Ancestry sites are more popular than they have ever been before.
on a DNA profile
2. A relative told police the identity of the Golden Gate Killer.
3. It is easy for the police to obtain information from ancestry sites.

THINK ABOUT IT  Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group.

1. Should the police get permission to use people’s online DNA information?
2. W hat do you think about the man who was arrested in the California case? Explain.

5.8  Ability / Possibility: Can, Be Able To

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
You can research your family history on an ancestry site. Can shows ability or possibility.
You can’t stop the police using your information.

Could Your Ancestry Research

Are you able to find distant relatives? Be able to is another way to express ability/possibility.
Could you do the DNA test? = Were you able to do the We use could or was/were able to for past questions and

CATCH A KILLER?
DNA test? negative statements.
I couldn’t do the DNA test. = I wasn’t able to do the
DNA test.
I was able to find several new cousins. In affirmative past statements, we use was/were able to
for a single past action.
I could only find out about close relatives before I joined We use could to express used to be able to.
an ancestry site.
Read the following article. Pay special attention to the words in bold. 5.4
Pronunciation Note:
We’ve all seen the ads for websites that provide the crime scene with that of ancestry site users living Can is usually reduced in affirmative statements. The vowel almost disappears. In negative
you with information on your ancestry1. On some in the area where the murders took place. Then, statements, can’t is stressed, and the vowel is clear. We must pay attention to the stress to hear the
difference between can and can’t.
sites, you can send in a sample of your DNA2 and in when a DNA match was found, the police were able
a short time find out more about where you came to locate relatives that fit the killer’s profile and who I can go. I /k’n/ go. I can’t go. I /kænt/ go.
from and discover people around the world that lived in the area. When they narrowed down their
you are related to. The availability of such sites has search to one suspect, they collected a new DNA
skyrocketed in recent years. The number of customers sample from him. His sample matched the DNA of the EXERCISE 13  Ancestry sites have advantages and disadvantages. Fill in the blanks with one of the
using ancestry sites was just a few hundred thousand killer. Without the use of ancestry sites, this individual phrases from the box to complete the statements about ancestry sites.
in 2013 but jumped to over 15 million in 2018. Some could still be walking the streets as a free man.
people go to great lengths to trace their ancestry and can catch can’t find are you able to keep are able to obtain can find out
So, on the face of it, this use of modern technology
might spend several hours a week on their search.
seems to be a good thing. But should we be looking at can find wasn’t able to get can carry out couldn’t identify
Others may only be interested in a bit of fun. But
this issue with regard to personal privacy, too? Police
how many of these millions of users realize that their
were able to get genetic information of the murderer’s 1. On an ancestry site, you can find out about relatives all around the world.
hobby might be helping the police find a killer?
relatives without permission. You put your information
In 2018, police in Sacramento, California, were online for personal reasons and find out later that it 2. your information private?
able to track down and capture a man known as was used without your knowledge. Is this acceptable?
3. Currently, the police information from ancestry sites without permission.
the Golden State Killer. He had committed a series
of horrible crimes in the 1970s and 80s, including 1 ancestry: people who were in your family in previous times 4. Do you think you everyone in your family on an ancestry site?
13 murders. With the use of ancestry sites, police 2 DNA: a substance in human and animal cells that carries genetic
information continued
could compare the DNA data that was collected from

148  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 149

 5. T he police criminals by locating one of their relatives and matching DNA with evidence 4. A: How many text messages do you send every day?

from a crime scene. B: A lot. I must between 100 and 200 messages a day.

6. T he investigator her DNA information until he got permission. A: You must not using the telephone very much.

7. Starting your DNA research is easy: Anyone the simple test. B: For me, texting is more convenient than talking on the phone.

8. You all your relatives on an ancestry site because the databases are incomplete. 5. A: Do you use the same password for all your accounts?

9. T he police obtained DNA information from an ancestry site, but they the criminal they B: Of course not. Like most people, I must more than 30 passwords.

were chasing. A: It must hard to remember so many passwords.

B: It is. It’s very hard.

5.9  Logical Conclusion: Must
6. A: Katya always sends and receives text messages during class.
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
B: Who’s Katya?
When Ariana saw her DNA results, she thought, “This must be a Must shows that something is probably true. It is
mistake. I don’t believe I am part Swedish.” used to make a conclusion based on information A: You must who I’m talking about. She’s the tall woman who sits between us
This site says you can find relatives you don’t know exist. That we have or observations we make.
must be exciting! in class.
A: How many living relatives do you have? We can use must to make an estimate.
B: Oh, now I know. I always call her Kathy.
B: I must have at least 50.
A: A
 re you going to the family reunion? For a negative conclusion, we use must not. 7. A: I hear your ringtone is a Beyoncé song.
B: O
 h, you must not know that it’s been postponed. We don’t use a contraction.
A: N
 o! Really? Why? B: It is.
B: G
 randma and Grandpa must not be back from their trip yet.
A: You must Beyoncé very much.

B: I do. She’s one of my favorite singers.

EXERCISE 14  Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb to make a logical conclusion. Use context
clues to help you. Answers may vary. 8. A: My sister has just joined an ancestry website. She’s going to take a DNA test as soon as it arrives.

1. A: I signed up for a no-tech camp. I plan on having a vacation from technology. B: Really? She must not that the police can obtain your DNA information from

B: You must feel nervous about being without your devices for a few days. those sites, then. You should tell her.

A: I’m not nervous. I’m looking forward to a break from technology. A: Tell her what? I don’t know anything about this.

2. A: Kids love technology. They don’t want to be without it for a minute. B: Oh, you must  ! We read an article about it in class last month!

B: Teachers must angry when cell phones ring during class. 9. A: Whenever I text my daughter, she usually writes “LOL.” She probably means “Lots of love.”

A: The kids are smart about it. They silence their phones in class. B: You must not much about texting abbreviations. “LOL” means “Laughing

3. A: I have a computer problem. I don’t know how to fix it. out loud.”

B: Ask your teenage son. He’s on his computer all day. He must what to do. Kids

know much more about computers than we do.

150  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 151

 5.10  Probability vs. Possibility: Must vs. May, Might, Could EXERCISE 16  Circle the correct words to complete each sentence.

1. A: I’ve decided not to do the DNA test for the ancestry site I joined.
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
A: You’re getting the results of your DNA test this week, If something is probable because an observation leads B: But you already paid, didn’t you?
aren’t you? You must be excited! to a logical conclusion, we use must.
B: Yes, I can’t wait! A: Yes, I did. But I (couldn’t /can’t) go ahead after I realized the police can look at your information
a.
A: You might not realize it, but ancestry websites can If something is possible but we don’t have evidence to without your permission.
cause you a lot of problems. reach a conclusion, we use may, might, or could. These
B: T hat’s crazy. modals mean “maybe.” B: How much (should you/did you have to) pay?
b.
A: You may not believe it, but a man was arrested
because of them. A: $99, plus tax.
B: I suppose you could be right.
B: You (must/are supposed to) be upset about that!
c.

EXERCISE 15  Work with a partner to write a statement about the person who made each comment. Use 2. A:  I just filled out this online application. I clicked “I accept.”
must, may, might, or could to say who the person is, how the person feels, or any other information.
B: You (were supposed to/had to) read the agreement before accepting.
a.
1. T he police used my DNA information without my permission.
A:  Nobody reads that.
The person must be angry. 3. A:  Did you read about Camp Grounded?
2. I discovered I have cousins in Australia! B:  Yeah. It’s not for me. I (don’t have to/can’t) be without my cell phone for a whole weekend.
a.
A: You (must/should) be very dependent on it.
b.
3. But I believed my DNA information was private! B:  I am.
continued

Many adults today go to special camps to “unplug”
4. I sent in my test weeks ago, but I haven’t received my results yet. or take a break from technology.

5. The ancestry site lost my DNA sample.

6. A
 criminal relative was caught by police because I decided to research my family history through an
ancestry site.

7. A n innocent family member was arrested because police obtained my DNA sample.

8. Police came to my house and questioned me after reviewing my brother’s DNA information on an ancestry site.

152  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 153

 4. A: What do you think about the case of the Golden State Killer? The police (didn’t have to/must not)
a.
5.11  Continuous Modals
get permission to obtain DNA information from ancestry websites. I’m shocked!
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
B: Well, they (couldn’t/can’t) catch the murderer without that information. I think they (had to/must) My son is at camp. I haven’t heard from him all week. He must be We use the modal + be + present participle
b. c.
having a good time. (verb -ing) for a present continuous meaning.
take the information to keep the local people safe.
Sam is looking at his phone under his desk. He might be texting. Or
A: I guess that’s true. Still, I’m not sure what I’m going to write in my assignment. he could be using the Internet. He should be paying attention.

B: Assignment?
EXERCISE 17  Fill in the blanks with a verb phrase from the box.
A: Yes. For next week, we (should/’ve got to) write a composition. We (’re supposed to/'re able to) write
d. e. could be charging might be taking must be talking shouldn’t be texting
our opinions about the case.
might be preventing must be making could be learning shouldn’t be using
5. A: Technology (must/is supposed to) make our lives easier. But I have so many passwords, and now I
a. 1. A:  My friend isn’t answering his phone. I know he always has his cell phone with him.
(can’t/don’t have to) remember all of them. I (may/must) have at least 25. might be taking
b. c.
B: He a shower now. I’m sure he doesn’t take his phone into the shower!
B: You (should/must) give yourself a hint for each one. For example, I have the hint “FRST SCHL.” Or he it now. Maybe his battery is dead.
d.
A: That’s easy. It (should/must) mean “first school.” What if someone (is able to/is supposed to) 2. A: I don’t think the police should have access to public ancestry sites. They
e. f.
understand your hint? Your friends (might/are supposed to) know it. people’s private information that way.
g.
B:  I’m not worried about my friends. I’m worried about thieves! B: But the police further crimes, and that’s a good thing.

6. A: I’m so happy. My vacation starts tomorrow. I (must not/don’t have to) work for a week. I hope I won’t 3. A: You in class.
a.

be bored. Any ideas on what I can do? B: I know. But I have to send an important message to my mom right now.

4. A: My friends don’t want to take a DNA test.

B: You (must/could) read. Or you (can/should) just surf the Internet.
b. c.
B: That’s odd. They about their family.
A: I (must/could) spend at least 20 hours a week on my computer at work. Now that I’m on vacation,
d.
5. A: It looks like that man is talking to himself.
I want a break from technology.
B: He on a cell phone. Look carefully. He’s wearing headphones.
7. A:  Can you help me with my computer problem this afternoon?
6. A: More people than ever are signing up to online ancestry sites these days.
B:  Sorry, I can’t. I (’m supposed to/could) help my mom this afternoon. She’s expecting me.
a. B: I know. They a huge amount of money!
8. A: I’m going to trace my ancestry online. Do you want to trace yours, too? We could do the DNA
FUN WITH GRAMMAR
test together.
Race your classmates! Work in a group of three. Read a situation. You must write as many sentences as possible
B: No, I (’d better not/might not) —I can’t stand the sight of blood! in two minutes using modals of probability or possibility. Which group wrote the most sentences?
a.
Example: You notice classmates cheating on a test.
A: Oh, come on, it’s just a drop. You (may/should) be braver!
b. They might misunderstand the rules. They must be desperate for a good grade.
9. A:  I heard your parents gave you $1,000 for your graduation. What are you going to do with the money? They must be crazy! They shouldn’t be cheating.
Situations:
B: I (might/must) buy a new computer. I (don’t have to/must not) make up my mind right away.
a. b. 1. You realize you lost your friends while hiking in the mountains.
I’m going to think about it first. 2. Your doctor tells you that you need to exercise, but you feel fine.
3. You have been offered two jobs: one pays a lot of money, and the other pays very little, but is something
you really want to do.

154  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 155

 SUMMARY OF UNIT 5 REVIEW
EXAMPLES MEANING Each item mentions an aspect of creating an online bank account. Circle the right words to complete the
statement. In some cases, both answers are correct, so circle both options.
To use this ancestry site, you must take a DNA test. Necessity or obligation because of a rule, law, or
instruction (official tone) 1. Sign up online or call this toll-free number: 800-555-1234
You must not cheat on the test. Negative: prohibition
I have to choose a password to bank online. Necessity or obligation (unofficial tone)
I (can /might) enroll online, or I (could/must) call a toll-free number.
She’s got to send a sample of her DNA.
2. If you call us, please have your Social Security number ready.
If your phone beeps, you don’t have to look at it. Negative: not necessary
I’m supposed to read the agreement before clicking Expectation because of a rule or requirement, or
I (don’t have to/can’t) apply for online banking without a Social Security number.
“I accept.” But I never do. because we are told what to expect
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier. 3. Choose a password. Use at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one symbol, and one number.
At a no-tech camp, campers are not supposed to bring Negative: prohibition; rule often broken or
their cell phones, but some people do. instructions not followed
I (can/’ve got to) choose a complicated password. How (am I supposed to/must I) remember all of that?

You should change your password frequently. Advice 4. Apply now. You can have an account in a few minutes.
You ought to use a combination of lowercase and
uppercase letters.
I (must not/don’t have to) go into a bank. I (can/should) do my banking any time of day.
You shouldn’t use your name or birthday in your password.
5. We need a driver’s license or state ID.
You’d better think carefully before providing your DNA to Warning: negative consequence is stated or implied
an online ancestry site.

I don’t have a driver’s license. It says I (am supposed to/can) use a state ID.
You’d better not join an ancestry site if you are concerned
about privacy. 6. What’s the best phone number where we can reach you? What is your alternate number? (optional)
You can /may discover you have relatives you never knew Permission
existed.
I (shouldn’t/don’t have to) give an alternate phone number.
You are allowed to /are permitted to join as many ancestry
7. There are three types of accounts. Choose one.
sites as you wish.
You can’t /may not prevent the police from reviewing your Negative: prohibition; less formal than must not

I’m not sure which is the best for me. I (ought to/should) call the bank for more information.
online DNA information.
I can’t understand all the fuss about online ancestry sites. Ability/inability 8. After you read the agreement, click “I accept.”
Before ancestry sites, you could trace your family history, Past ability/inability
but it took a lot of time and effort.
I (’m supposed to/may) read the whole agreement, but it’s too hard to understand.

With your DNA information online, you may /might /could Possibility 9. For information in Spanish, click here. (Para información en español, haga clic aquí.)
get some unpleasant surprises.
How can I get away from technology? Suggestions
Spanish speakers (should/can) get information in Spanish.
You could turn off all your devices for a few days.
Or you can go to a no-tech camp. 10. Do you want to sign up for automatic bill payment? (optional)

It must be hard for some people to give up technology for Logical conclusion about the present
I (can/have to) sign up for automatic bill payment if I want to.
a few days.
I must have at least 50 passwords. An estimate 11. There are so many questions on this application.

There (must/should) be at least 30 questions. It (could/was supposed to) be an easy process, but it’s not.

12. If you apply today, you will get a check for $50.

That sounds like a good idea. I (am supposed to/should) apply today.

13. Only U.S. citizens can apply online. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please visit one of our banking locations.

I (must/have to) be a U.S. citizen to apply online. I’m not a U.S. citizen, so I (can’t/must not) apply online.

156  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 157

 FROM GRAMMAR TO WRITING
PART 1  Editing Advice My sister is raising her daughter differently. Maya is four years old, and she not permitted
10.
1.
Don’t use to after a modal (exception: ought to). use technology at all. My sister thinks that Maya got to learn social skills first. She’s not allow to
11. 12.
You should to drive more carefully. watch more than one TV program a day. In nice weather, she’s got to play outside and get some
13.
Don’t forget the d in supposed to.
2.
exercise. Sometimes she sees her friends playing with a tablet. She asks my sister, “Why I can’t
d 14.
You are suppose to stop at a red light.
have a tablet?” My sister has to explain to her that people are more important than electronic
Don’t forget the d to express had in had better.
3. 15.
’d devices. It’s not easy raising children today. But we got to set a good example for them.
You better not provide your DNA if you are worried. 16.

4.
Use have / has before got to.
’ve WRITING TIP
You got to have a password for each account.
After you brainstorm ideas for a writing topic, it’s always a good idea to organize those ideas. A T-chart is especially
5.
Don’t forget be or to in these expressions: be supposed to, be able to, be permitted to, be allowed to. helpful when your topic can be divided into two sides, such as with advantages and disadvantages.
are
You supposed to be careful with your private information. TECHNOLOGY IN DAILY LIVES
to ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
I’m not able remember so many passwords.
6.
Use correct word order in a question with a modal.
convenience distraction
can I
How I can trace my family history?
7.
Don’t put can after another modal. Change to be able to.
be able to
You must can pay in advance to receive your DNA test in the mail. PART 3 Write
Read the two prompts. Choose one and write one or more paragraphs about it.
PART 2  Editing Practice
Some of the shaded words and phrases have mistakes. Find the mistakes and correct them. If the shaded 1. Write about some advantages and disadvantages of technology in our daily lives.
words are correct, write C. 2. Do you think it’s important to take a break from technology from time to time? Why or why not?

I don’t think technology is good for small children. Kids should to play with other kids, not PART 4 Edit
C 1.
Reread the Summary of Unit 5 and the Editing Advice. Edit your writing from Part 3.
just devices. How can they develop social skills if they always play with devices? I have a five-
2.
year-old nephew. He must to spend at least four hours a day on his tablet. He doesn’t even like to
3.
watch TV anymore. He should spend more time outdoors with other kids. I often tell my brother,
4.
“You better put some limits on how much time Kyle can play with his tablet.” My brother always
5.
tells me, “What we can do? We’re too busy to take him to the park to play.” I think my brother
6.
and his wife supposed to set a good example for their son. Instead, Kyle sees his parents always
7.
texting, tweeting, checking e-mail, etc. They think he should be able have good technology skills
8.
before he goes to school. I can’t convince my brother and sister-in-law to change their habits.
9.

158  Unit 5 Modals and Related Expressions 159