Modality refers to a broad range of grammatical resources used to temper or modulate positions so that the audience is given some ‘room to move’ (Humphrey et al., 2011, p. 86). It is a form of negotiation between writer and audience in which the writer is attempting to convince the audience of the validity of their position. It can be significantly more effective than just strongly hammering home one point of view, which the audience could outrightly reject. Using resources of modality can subtly persuade an audience to side with the writer. It is important to recognise how modality is used in texts which may be convincing you of a particular point of view. It is equally valuable to be able to use resources of modality in your own writing to more effectively communicate your own ideas to your audience. Using resources of modality can help your ideas to be taken more seriously by your audience. It shows you are aware of other points of view.

 Expresses degrees between the poles of ‘it is so’ and ‘it isn’t so’.  Demonstrates the writer’s awareness that even the strongest evidence may be open to question.  Modal verbs are the most straightforward way of expressing degrees of possibility. Low possibilityMedium possibilityHigh possibility might may could can would will should must (Humphrey et al., 2011, p. 87)

1. Identify the modal verbs in the passage below: Literature has many forms and can do many things. It can make us cry, make us laugh, it can let us escape to a fantasy or awaken us from the illusions we might have of the world around us…but can it change the world? Can simple words written down change the way the world works and thinks? History shows us that the answer is yes. (Humphrey et al., 2011, p. 87) 2. How high or low is the possibility expressed through each modal verb? 3. How strong is the opinion that is expressed through this passage? 4. How does the use of modal verbs influence the effect of the argument?

Literature has many forms and can do many things. It can make us cry, make us laugh, it can let us escape to a fantasy or awaken us from the illusions we might have of the world around us…but can it change the world? Can simple words written down change the way the world works and thinks? History shows us that the answer is yes. The modal verbs express low to medium possibility, which at this early stage of the argument, suggest that the reader is open to negotiation. The opinion expressed is not yet strong as it is very early in the argument. A typical persuasive strategy is to start with lower modality language to show the audience that you have considered other perspectives reasonably, then to move through to higher modality language by the later stages of your argument where you are convincing the audience of the validity of your position (or showing the audience that your point of view is the correct or best one).

Grammatical resource High modalityMedium modalityLow modality Modal verbs Must, shouldWill, would, canMay, could, might Modal adverbials Certainly, definitely, absolutely, surely, in fact Probably, usually, generally, likely Possibly, perhaps, maybe, sometimes Modal adjectives Certain, definite, absoluteProbable, usualPossible Modal nouns certaintyprobabilityPossibility Modal clauses and phrases I contend (that) … It is obvious/ clear (that) … Everyone knows (that) … I’m sure you will agree (that) … I think/believe (that).. In my opinion, … It is/isn’t likely (that)… If …then … I guess (that) … It seems (that).. This suggests (that) …

Grammatical resource High modalityMedium modalityLow modality Modal verbs must, ought to, need, has to, had to, required to should, supposed tocan, may, could, might, allowed to, let (us) Modal adjectives necessary, obligatory Modal nouns necessity, requirement, obligation, responsibility Modal clauses and phrases It is necessary/ time to… It is required/ expected/ important that… It is your responsibility to… I demand that… I would advise you to… I suggest that you… I urge you to… I’d like you to… Can I ask you to…? Are you able to…? It might be an idea to… One thing you might try is…

When writing your argument (that your friend has given you), make sure you acknowledge other points of view, using the resources of modality given to you in the tables. After you have acknowledged other viewpoints, demonstrate why they are not as good as your own viewpoint. Ensure that you end strongly and demonstrate convincingly why your viewpoint is the most valid. - Read your arguments to each other (or the class) when you’ve finished. - Comment on how convincing or engaging you found each argument to be. Vote on the argument you liked best and say why you liked it. Give the person next to you a topic to write about. It has to be an argument that they are to convince you about using modal resources from the tables provided. e.g. - Recycling your rubbish will reduce global warming - All classes at school should be co-educational (boys and girls together) - Your bedroom should always be tidy and organised. Give your friend a topic that will challenge them…(serious or funny) The length of the argument must be about 1 page long.