Modal Verbs: Explanations for Grade 12 Ethiopian University Entrance Questions about Modal Verbs




Brief Overview: 3 Key Things
Read the next 3 key things before directly starting the explanations!
In addition to giving explanations for Grade 12 Ethiopian University Entrance Exam Questions about modal verbs, I am going to do 3 key things:
  • Showing exam techniques: I am going to show how to answer any question about modal verbs in a simple way applying 'Reason Based Elimination'!
  • Giving brief rules summaries: I am going to give brief rules summaries for each of the modal verbs that have been given under each question.
  • Giving practice questions: 20 very challenging questions are given at the end!
I strongly believe that explanations for questions should include at least the above 3 things!

Note
Energizer and Short Key Message are also included in these explanations!
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NB: 
  • CLICK HERE to see the questions (Entrance) if you have not yet seen it!
  • CLICK HERE to read the Smart Note on Modal Verbs if you have not yet read!
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Energizer: Focus on Goals!
☞ Focus on your goals; not on obstacles!

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Section-1: Exam Techniques: 

Reason Based Elimination for Any Question about Modal Verbs
"Reason based elimination technique" is process of eliminating wrong choices based on clues/reason and then, getting correct answer up on which can be 100% sure!
  • You can answer any question about modal verbs using "Reason Based Elimination Technique"!
  • Whenever you are asked questions about modal verbs, do the next 2 simple but powerful things!
1. Understanding Question 
Whenever you are asked questions about modal verbs, first, read carefully and understand the given question: 
  • You have to know specifically what is asked!
  • You have to have clear clues!
2. Eliminating Unrelated Choices
  • Based on your clues/understanding, go to each choice and eliminate all unrelated choices!
  • Finally, you will be left with correct answer upon which you can be 100% sure!
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Short Key Message/Advice
Understanding Question
Dear students, whenever you are asked any question, the first thing you should do is understanding the given question!
  • Read and understand a given question before running to give answer!
  • Trying to answer a question without understanding it (the question) is like trying to break a pot by tying your eyes!

  • Yeroo mara yeroo qormaata fudhattan, deebii keennuuf deemuu keessaniin duratti, gaaffiicha keenname sirritti dubbiisaa hubadhaa!
  • በፈተና ወቅት መልስ ወደ መስጠት ከመሄዳችሁ በፊት፣ ጥያቄውን በትክክል አንብባችሁ፣ ተረዱ!
Understanding Question is very critical!
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Section-2: Detail Explanations

Let's see how to answer the next and any other related question about modal verbs by applying "Reason Based Elimination Technique": understanding + eliminating!

As I said, whenever you are asked questions about modal verbs, the first thing that should be done is carefully reading and understanding the given question based on concrete clues!
First understand the question; then, go to each choice; then, eliminate all wrong choices based on concrete clues/reasons!
  • Read the next explanations and use/apply this technique in future! 
  • I am sure, you will be more effective than ever if you use this technique! 

Q. They had to get together at six in the morning and when we got up at 5:45 a.m, we thought we wouldn't make it. However, we ______ get there before they left. (G-12: Entrance)
A. must be able to       
B. could be able
C. are able to                
D. were able to
Explanation-1: Abiliy (Past particular positive ability)
Look the above given question; this question is generally about 'ability'; specifically, about 'past particular positive ability'. Because the speaker is talking about their past plan that they were able to do before the schedule (clues: see expressions 'at six... but did at 5:45).
Based on these, choices A, B and C are wrong or unrelated choices; they should be eliminated!
Ans. D
Note: If you like to see 'additional explanation', the next explanation!
Additional Explanation
Let me give additional explanations so that students will be able to master the technique and it in future!

  • To answer the above and any other related question, first, 'understand the given question!" 
  • That means, you should know what is asked: "is it about 'obligation/ ability/absence of obligation/ deduction/possibility...'?"

Sometimes, this may not be enough; you should know "what is exactly asked"!
For example, the above question is about 'ability' as clue, look the speaker said that they reached before the expected time!
Here, still you must know what is exactly asked since there are different structures about ability on different choices.

The above question is specifically about 'past particular positive ability', as clues:
  • About ability (clues: plan was 'at six'; they reached 'at 5:45 a.m')
  • Past (clues: look verbs 'had to get, got, left...')
  • Particular ability (clue: this only one time: it was not long term ability...)
Based on rules about 'ability', we use 'be able to' (were/was able to + verb1) for past particular positive ability!
Now, using the above clues/reasons,  eliminate choices A, B and C.
A. must be able to: present positive ability (obligation: possible); not for past ability.
  • Eliminate choice A!
  • Probability of getting increased from 25 to 33%!
NB: When we eliminate 1 choices from 4 choices, our probability of getting increased from 25 to 33%!
B. could be able to: grammatically wrong: "could" and "be able to' are not used together.
  • Eliminate choice B!
  • Probability of getting increased from 33 to 50%!
C. are able to: present positive ability; not for past ability.
  • Eliminate choice C!
  • Probability of getting increased from 50 to 100%!
NB: "100% sure, choices A, B and C are wrong" means, '100% sure choice D is correct answer!'
Ans. D
Q. He has been paralayzed for months and was literally bed-ridden. Thanks God, he now is _____ walk around in the house.  (G-12: Entrance)
A. able to   
B. interested in  
C. feeling able to  
D. turning able to
Explanation-2: Ability (Present positive ability)
This question can also be answered by applying 'reason based elimination technique': understanding and eliminating. 
  • Look this question is about 'present positive ability'. As clues:
  • Sentence-1 shows that he was not able to walk (clue: see ''... paralayzed for months...'') but sentence-2 shows the opposite (clue: see "Thanks God, he now..."). 
  • This means, now, he can walk.
  • Based on these, choices B, C and D are wrong; they can't be used to express 'present positive ability'; eliminate them.
Ans. A
Additional
Choices B, C and D are unrelated to the above given question/context.
  • The question has nothing to do with 'interest'; eliminate choice B
  • In the above context, no need of using other adjectives/verbs (feeling/turning፦ before 'able to'!
  • Rule: 'Be able to + verb1' (walk is verb1) is used for 'present positive ability'.

Brief Rules Summaries: Ability 

In previous explanations, we have seen generally, how to answer questions about modal verbs; specifically, questions about ability.
Now, let's briefly summarize some of the key rules about ability.
  • Ability can be expressed by simple present tense and also modal verbs!
  • Most common modal verbs to express ability: can, be able to, could, is/am/are/was/were able to...
Examples:
  • Biden speaks 5 languages. (simple present)
  • I can/am able to support my families.
General vs Particular Ability 
  • 'General ability' refers to abilities for long time! (speaking English)
  • 'Particular ability' refers to abilities for short time! (e.g. reaching on time)
For more, see the next smart summary charts!
Smart Summary-1: Present Ability
Smart Summary-2: Future Ability
Smart Summary-3: Past Positive Ability 
Smart Summary-4: Past Negative Ability
Note: 
If you like detail explanations with examples (about 'ability'), you can go to the Smart Note (click here) and read number 3: "How to Express Ability"!

Q. It was announced yesterday that would be a staff meeting tomorrow at 9:00 am and we all have been urged that no one miss it. I think, we _____ attend. (G-12: Entrance)
A. do not have to  
B. must   
C. should   
D. have to 
Explanation-3: Obligation (Future positive obligation: externally imposed obligation)
The above question is about 'future positive obligation'. As clues:
  • More specifically, it is 'externally imposed obligation because attending staff meeting is rules of organizations. 
  • Based on rules (about obligation), we use 'has to /have to + verb1' for externally imposed obligation. 
  • Moreover, the question is about future (see 'tomorrow').
  • Using all these as clues/reasons, choices A, B and C are wrong; eliminate them because none of them is externally imposed obligation. 
Ans. D
Note: I think this question has error; for 'future positive externally imposed obligation', we use 'will + have to + verb1'!
The answer is D but 'will' is missed!
Additional Explanations
We have proved that the above question is generally about 'obligation'; specifically, about 'futur positive obligation': externally imposed obligation!
  • Now, let's see how to eliminate all the wrong choices.
  • NB: The above given blank space is followed by verb1 ('meet')!
Choices A, B and C are wrong; eliminate them because:
A. 'do not have to +verb1' is used for present absence of obligation; not for future...
  • Eliminate choice A.
B. 'must +verb1' is used for personally imposed present obligation
  • Eliminate choice B.
C. 'should +verb1' is used for suggestion.
  • Eliminate choice C.
Q. Ms. Adanech strictly warned her students that missing classes without having due reason will be costly. She is of the opinion that everybody ______ attend class regularly. (G-12: Entrance)
A. should  
B. has to  
C. needs to  
D. must 
Explanation-4: Obligation (Positive present obligation: personally imposed obligation)
Look this question is about positive present obligation; specifically, personally imposed obligation (clues: see the expressions "Ms. Adanech strictly warned her students...").
  • We use 'must + verb1' is used for personally imposed obligation. 
  • Based on these, choices A, B and C are wrong; eliminate them. Because none of them is used for personally imposed obligation. 
Ans. D 
Q. You _______ go to bed before midnight if you have the habit of getting up late. (G-12: Entrance)
A. will not        
B. may not       
C. must not     
D. cannot
Explanation-5: Suggestion/negative obligation
Look the given question; the speaker is giving suggestion/negative obligation about sleeping (clue: see the subject 'You').
Based on this, look each choice; none of them is used to give suggestion except C.
Eliminate choices A, B and D!
Ans. C
Q. Lab Technician: "Should you have worn your gloves?"
Student: "_____ my gloves." (G-12: Entrance)
A. No, I will not wear   
B. No, I should have worn  
C. Yes, I should have worn  
D. Yes, I shouldn't have worn
Explanation-6: Obligation (Unfulfilled past obligation) 
This question is unfulfilled past obligation. As clues:
  • "should + subject + have + verb3" is used (see 'should you have worn').
  • We use "should + subject + have + verb3" for unfulfilled past obligation (in question/ interrogative sentence) to show something which was expected to be done but not done in past.
  • The response by the student must be in past form.
  • Based on these, eliminate all the choices except C.
Ans. C
Additional Explanations
A. No, I will not wear: simple future; not about unfulfilled past obligation.
  • Eliminate choice A.
B. No, I should have worn: grammatically wrong; 'no' should be used with negative verbs in 'yes/no question'. 
  • Eliminate choice B.
D. Yes, I shouldn't have worn: grammatically wrong; 'yes' should be used with positive, not with negative ('not').
  • Eliminate choice D.
Ans. C
Brief Rules Summaries: obligation
Previously, we have seen explanations (explanations3-6) for questions about obligation. 
  • Here are brief rules summaries about obligation.
  • Look the next brief rules summaries about obligation!
  • Most common modal verbs to express obligation: must, have to/has to, need to, had to, should, ought to...
1. Do you know difference among?
  • positive obligation
  • negative obligation 
  • absence of obligation 
2. Do you know difference between must and have to?
Basic Concepts 
I. Positive, Negative & Absence of oblig.
  • Positive obligation: something must be done: it is obligation.
  • Negative obligation: something which is not allowed 
  • Absence of obligation: not necessary to be done: it is not obligation.
II. 'Must' vs 'have to/has to'
  • 'Must': for obligation from the speaker or for moral obligation.
  • 'Have to': externally imposed obligation.
Look the next smart summary charts that briefly summarize rules about obligation!

Smart Summary-1: Present and Future  
Smart Summary-2: Past Obligation 
Note: 
If you like detail explanations with examples (about 'obligation'), you can go to the Smart Note (click here) and read number 1: "How to Express Obligation"!

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Q. We are not sure but there _____  be another rise in the price of petrol. (G-12: Entrance)
A. could 
B. should   
C. will 
D. would
Explanation-6: Possibility (Future positive possibility)
Read and understand the above question!
Look; it is about 'future positive possibility'!
As clues:
  • The speaker is not sure (has doubt). 
  • Another rise in the price of petrol is expected.
Based on these, choices B, C and D are wrong/unrelated choices; eliminate them.
  • B. should: for suggestion/obligation.
    • Eliminate choice B.
  • C. will: for future tense/conditional type-1...
    • Eliminate choice C.
  • D. would: for conditional type-2...
    • Eliminate choice D.
    • 100% sure A is correct answer!
Ans. A
Q. I couldn't hear what the teacher was saying during the lesson, but I think I _______ him to be louder. (G-12: Entrance)
A. would have asked    
B. could ask  
C. could have asked     
D. would ask
Explanation-7: Past possibility: missed past opportunities

The speaker is talking about past possibility (past missed opportunity) that he/she had but didn't use. 
As clues:
  • It was past (see 'was saying...').
  • He/she said that it was not possible to hear what the teacher was saying.
  • He/she also said that he/she had opportunity to ask the teacher to be loud but did ask (see the word 'but').
Based on these, choices A, B and D are wrong; they should be eliminated. 
  • None of them is used to express past missed opportunity.
  • We use 'could + have + verb3' for 'past missed opportunity'.
Ans. C
Additional Explanation 
Choices A, B and D are wrong; eliminate them. Because:
  • 'Would have asked' (A) is used for conditional type-3...; not for 'past missed opportunity'.
    • Eliminate choice A!
    • Probability of getting increased from 25 to 33%!
  • 'Could ask (B) is used for present/future possibility or past general ability; not for 'past missed opportunity'.
    • Eliminate choice B!
    • Probability of getting increased from 33 to 50%!
  • 'Would ask' (D) is used for conditional type-3/past habitual action... not for 'past missed opportunity'.
    • Eliminate choice D!
    • Probability of getting increased from 50 to 100%!
Ans. C
Q. It is a pity she didn't see her brother. Had she arrived a day earlier, she _______ met him and enjoyed a bit of time with him.  (G-12: Entrance)
A. will have  
B. must have   
C. should have  
D. could have 
Explanation-8: Possibility (Past possibility: 'past missed opportunity')
Look the second sentence; it is 'inverted conditional type-3' that show missed opportunity/unfulfilled past opportunity.
  • "Had she arrived a day earlier" means, if she had arrived a day earlier. 
  • This means, "she had opportunity to see her brother but didn't use it". 
  • Look the clause ''... didn't see her brother...''.
Based on these, choices A, B and C are wrong; none of them is used for 'past missed opportunity'; eliminate them.
Ans. D
Additional Explanation 
Choices A, B and C are wrong; they should be eliminated.
Note: Look the blank space is followed by verb3 'met'.
  • 'Will have + verb3' (A) is used for future perfect...
    • Eliminate choice A.
  • 'Must have + verb3' (B) is used for past deduction... 
    • Eliminate choice B.
  • 'Should have + verb3' (C) is used for unfulfilled past obligation... 
    • Eliminate choice C.
  • 100% sure A, B and C are wrong and eliminated: 100% sure D is correct answer.
Brief Rules Summary: Possibility 

Q. My watch _____ be wrong as I set it by the radio clock this morning. (G-12: Entrance)
A. can't    
B. may not    
C. will not    
D. need not
Explanation-9: Deduction (Present negative deduction)
The above question is generally about 'deduction', specifically, about 'present negative deduction'. 
As clues: 
  • Based on rules, 'deduction' is used to express a conclusion based on evidence.
  • Look this question; evidence based conclusion is given. 
  • Setting his watch by radio watch is 'evidence'; believing that his watch can't be wrong is 'conclusion'. 
  • These show that the above question is about 'present negative deduction'! 
  • We use 'can't + be/verb1' is used for 'present negative deduction'. 
Based on these, choices B, C and D are wrong; eliminate them. None of them is used for 'present negative deduction'.  
Ans. A
Brief Rules Summaries: Deduction
Smart Summary-1: Present/Future 
Smart Summary-2: Past Deduction


Hawi ___ with her young brother to the new supper market last week. Because he told her that he knows the way to the supper market while they were coming back to home.  (NEW)
A. had to go                       
B. didn't need to go 
C. should have gone       
D. need not have gone
Explanation-10: Absence of Obligation (Past absence of obligation)
This question is generally about 'absence of obligation'; specifically, about 'past absence of obligation'.
  • Look the question talks about something which was not necessary to be done but it was done. 
  • It was not necessary to go with Hawi's brother to the new supper marker but she went with him. 
  • Look sentence-2 he knows the way but he told her this after they came back to home.
  • Based on rules (about absence of obligation), we absence of obligation structures to express something which is not necessary/obligation to be done.
We use 'need not + have + verb3' for 'past absence of obligation' that was done/ happened: not necessary to happen but happened.
Based on the above ideas (clues), choices A, B and C are wrong; they should be eliminated. 
Ans. D
Additional Explanation 
Let's see why choices A, B and C are wrong; they should be eliminated. 
  • 'had to + verb1' (A) is used for 'past full filled obligation'.   
  • 'didn't need to + verb1' (B) is used for 'past absence of obligation' that didn't happen...
  • 'should have + verb3' (C) is used for 'past unfullfilled  of obligation': something which was necessary to be done/to happen but not done/happen... 
Brief Rules Summaries: Absence of Obligation 
Smart Summary-1: Present/Future 


Smart Summary-2: Past  


Section-3 Practice Questions 

Dear students, previously we have seen:
  • How to answer any question about modal verbs by applying 'reason based elimination technique': understanding question and eliminating wrong choices!
  • Brief rules summaries (ability, obligation, possibility, deduction, absence of obligation...)!
Now, you are given very challenging practices questions; check yourself doing the questions (20) on the next link!
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