State Your Opinion

State what can or should happen.

For thousands of years, humans have used myths, fables, and folk tales to entertain each other while also passing along ideas to the next generation. What do you think: Are stories a good way to make sure that your culture's beliefs and values are passed along? What about these stories in particular: "The Talkative Turtle" and "The Gold in the Orchard?" Are their messages worth sharing? In this lesson, you will write an opinion essay about one of these stories.

When you write an essay explaining your opinion about something, you should start by stating a claim, or position, that you will support with details. Since you’re expressing your opinion, not facts, you should use special words called modal auxiliaries. Modal auxiliaries come before the main verb to express possibility or necessity. Explore the way modal auxiliary verbs work in the table.

should, must	These words come before the main verb and say that it is necessary that main verb happen. Everyone should read this story. Everyone must read this story. Notice that the word should shows your opinion that the action (read) is necessary.
can, may	These words come before the main verb and say that it is possible that main verb will happen. This story can have a terrific impact on people’s lives. This story may have a terrific impact on people’s lives. Notice that the word can shows your opinion that the action (have a terrific impact) is possible.

Try to determine how you would write a sentence using a modal auxiliary verb based on the prompts below. Then, click on the box to see if your solution is correct.

Express that it is necessary for a person to learn to ride a bike.

Express that it is possible for riding a bike to make someone happy.