Tasks for MODAL VERBS
Exercise 1. Choose the modal verb which, from your point of view, suits the situation better. Remember – your choice is of vital importance – how many troubles happen because of misunderstanding!
1. The cake (must, can, is) be almost ready now. – Are you sure? – Yes, practically.
2. You (must, have to, should) put sausage, cucumber, onion, potatoes, eggs and sour cream to make the Russian salad tasty.
3. (can, may, should) you have failed to put sugar and vinegar in the biscuit again? How (can, are able to, may) you be so careless?
4. You (may, can, have to) take the fork, knife and plate. I don’t need it any more.
5. The beefsteak (can’t, mustn’t, shouldn’t) be so raw and untasty. I’ve cooked it properly!
6. (Should, shall, ought to) I buy a loaf of bread or some curds?
7. No, you (can’t, mustn’t, shouldn’t) eat ice-cream in the street in winter.
8. (shall, may, can) it be that the pork was spoiled?
9. (could, must, will) you show me how to slice the cabbage and carrots for this soup.
10. You (could, might, have to) have cooked lunch before our arrival.
11. You’ve overfried the potatoes. You (should, could, might) be more accurate about cooking.
12. Don’t put too much salt in the dough. We (can, may, might) spoil everything.
13. (can, may, should) it be that the child has eaten so much candies?
14. Don’t you know that one (can’t, mustn’t, needn’t) eat milk and cucumbers?

Exercise 2. A. Complete the sentences.
1.You should have … . 2. … have baked it properly. 3. Could you … ? 4. … be putting apricots and apples in the cake now. 5. … have treated him with another portion of mashed potatoes and pork. He may be offended. 6. You can … 7. … have laid the table before our arrival. 8. You might … 9. Shall I … ? 10. … that she’s still peeling potatoes? 11. … drink such hot tea – it’s harmful for your stomach! 12. … keep to a diet, you’ve promised! 13. You can’t … . 14. Can it be that … ? 15. … have failed to fry potatoes? This is so simple! 16. … ? – No, you may not. … keep to a diet! 17. Not to die … eat and drink. 18. … have helped me! Now I have to do all the cooking by myself! 19.What’s wrong? – The child has taken a knife. – How awful! He … hurt himself! – Well, luckily it hasn’t happened. 20. Where’s Ann? — I don’t know. She … now. – Oh, no. She … now. – Are you sure? – Practically. 21. How careless you are! You might … . 22. Why did you have to … ? 23. You are to … . – Why? – It is written in the recipe-book. 24. You … . – Yes, I’m sorry I’ve done it. 25. What shall I do now? – You should … . 26. It would … . – Oh, yes, I stick to this idea!