3. TV might be better than reading.

4. TV is possibly better than reading.

5. TV is probably better than reading.

6. TV may be better than reading.

7. TV could be better than reading.

8. TV is better than reading.

9. TV is certainly better than reading.

10. TV is definitely better than reading.

11. TV is absolutely better than reading.

12. TV could be better than reading. TV may be better than reading. TV might be better than reading. TV is certainly better than reading. TV is possibly better than reading. TV is better than reading. TV is probably better than reading. TV is definitely better than reading. TV is absolutely better than reading. Which version do you find the strongest or most convincing?

13. When we talk or write about an issue, want to argue a point or want to persuade and convince someone of our opinion... we choose to use the strongest words we can.

14. We call these words MODAL AND ACTIVE WORDS

15. WHAT IS MODALITY? Modality is the word used to describe the strength and impact of the word choices we make in our writing.

16. The strength of our word choices is measured in what is called DEGREES OF MODALITY.

17. Draw a diagonal line in your workbook. HIGH MEDIUM Label it in degrees LOW

18. Rank the following words according to degree of modality HIGH MEDIUM LOW

19. should, may, probably, will hopefully, fortunately, must, shall, possibly, definitely, might, certainly, absolutely, can, could HIGH MEDIUM LOW

20. Degrees of Modality could can certainly should must HIGH absolutely definitely will fortunately may shall MEDIUM possibly probably might LOW hopefully

21. could can When we use high modal words we are described as using ACTIVE words. certainly should must HIGH absolutely definitely will MEDIUM LOW

22. When we use low modal words we are described as using PASSIVE words. HIGH MEDIUM probably might LOW hopefully

23. could Exposition writing needs active words with medium to high modality. can certainly should must HIGH absolutely definitely will shall MEDIUM fortunately may possibly LOW

24. Re-read you TV or Books exposition piece and re-write sections using active words with greater modality could can certainly should must HIGH absolutely definitely will shall MEDIUM fortunately may possibly LOW