[D-C] Modals of Ability and Obligation 2

LET'S READ! 📖

Direction: Read the passage below then answer the questions being asked.

Embracing Environmental Responsibility

Modals of Ability and Obligation 2-01

In the not-too-distant past, our planet faced environmental challenges that demanded our attention and action. We could have done more to protect our natural resources and mitigate climate change. We had the ability to invest in renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and embrace sustainable practices. Preserving biodiversity was an urgent obligation, requiring us to prioritize conservation efforts and restore damaged habitats.

Looking back, we realize that we didn’t have to contribute to the excessive consumption of single-use plastics and disposable products. We should have chosen sustainable alternatives and reduced waste. We needed to listen to the warnings and calls for action from scientists and environmentalists. We should have heeded their advice, raised awareness, and pushed for policy reforms. Our actions could have made a significant difference.

However, it’s not too late to make a positive impact. We can still commit to sustainable practices, invest in renewable energy, support conservation efforts, and advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet. Let’s learn from our mistakes and take decisive action, ensuring sustainability in every aspect of our lives.

QUESTIONS

1. What could we have done to protect our natural resources in the past?

2. What was the urgent obligation mentioned in the article related to environmental responsibility?

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

Past modals

🔺 Could / be able to

1. Use could (not) or was/were (not) able to for ability in the past. Could is more common than was/were able to.

Use was/were able to (NOT could) when talking about one event in the past. In the negative, both forms are possible.

Example:

She could not conceal a snort of laughter.
I was able to gain invaluable experience over that year.

🔺 Had to, needed to, didn't have to

1. There is no past form of must. Use had to for statements and questions about obligation in the past.

- Use couldn't or wasn't allowed to for negatives.

- Use needed to and had to for what was necessary in the past.

Example:

She had to change her lifestyle and eating habits for the growing baby inside her.
I wasn't allowed to eat anything except lettuce and celery and dreadful stuff like that.

🔺 Should have

1. Use should have + past participle for something that was necessary in the past but that you didn't do.

- Use should not have + past participle for something that was unnecessary in the past but that you did anyway.

Example:

Mae talked all the way through the movie. I should not have invited her to the cinema.
I should have reviewed my answers before I submitted my paper.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

A. Direction: Please select at least 1 scenario listed below and provide advice using past modal verbs. Elaborate on your responses to provide comprehensive guidance.


Scenario 1: Your brother had an argument with his best friend, and now he wants to ask for advice on how he could have handled the situation differently and how to mend the friendship.
Scenario 2: Your co-worker went on a trip and encountered some difficulties along the way. Now she wants to ask for advice on what she could have done differently to avoid those problems.
Scenario 3: Your friend had a job interview last week, but he feels like he didn't make a good impression. Now he wants to ask for advice on what he should have done to perform better during the interview using past modal verbs.

Now, it's your turn.

YOUR TURN Photo