TOEIC Part 5: Modal Verbs of Obligation - Rule, Examples, and 20 Practice Questions

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Understanding Modal Verbs of Obligation

Modal verbs of obligation in TOEIC Part 5 include:

• Must: Strong obligation or necessity (e.g., "You must submit your application by Friday.")
• Have to: Similar to 'must' but often used for external obligations (e.g., "I have to attend the meeting.")
• Should: Suggests advice or weak obligation (e.g., "You should review the guidelines.")

Key Rules

1. Must and have to are often interchangeable but 'must' is stronger.
2. Should is used for advice, not strict obligation.
3. Modal verbs do not change form for tense or person.
4. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb.

Model Answers

Score Level 6.0

Prompt: The company policy states that all employees ______ wear their ID badges at all times.

Answer: The company policy states that all employees must wear their ID badges at all times.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'must' to express obligation.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate word choice.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Clear and straightforward.
• Task Response: Directly answers the prompt.

Score Level 7.0

Prompt: According to the safety regulations, workers ______ use protective gear in the laboratory.

Answer: According to the safety regulations, workers have to use protective gear in the laboratory.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'have to' to express obligation.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate word choice.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Clear and straightforward.
• Task Response: Directly answers the prompt.

Score Level 8.0

Prompt: To ensure timely delivery, the package ______ be shipped by Friday.

Answer: To ensure timely delivery, the package must be shipped by Friday.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'must' to express strong obligation.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate word choice.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Clear and straightforward.
• Task Response: Directly answers the prompt.

Score Level 9.0

Prompt: Employees are advised that they ______ attend the mandatory training session next week.

Answer: Employees are advised that they should attend the mandatory training session next week.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'should' to express advice.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate word choice.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Clear and straightforward.
• Task Response: Directly answers the prompt.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Obligation: The state of being required to do something (e.g., "It is your obligation to follow the rules.")
2. Necessity: The state of being necessary (e.g., "It is a necessity to wear a helmet.")
3. Advice: Guidance or recommendations (e.g., "I gave her some advice on the matter.")
4. Regulation: A rule or directive (e.g., "The regulation states that all employees must comply.")
5. Policy: A course of action adopted by an organization (e.g., "The company policy is clear on this issue.")
6. Protective gear: Equipment designed to protect (e.g., "Wear protective gear when handling chemicals.")
7. Timely delivery: Prompt and punctual delivery (e.g., "Ensure timely delivery of the package.")
8. Mandatory: Required by law or rules (e.g., "Attendance is mandatory for all employees.")
9. Session: A meeting or period of work (e.g., "The training session will last two hours.")
10. Comply: To act in accordance with a rule or request (e.g., "All employees must comply with the new policy.")
11. Guideline: A rule or principle providing guidance (e.g., "Follow the guidelines for safety.")
12. Application: A formal request for something (e.g., "Submit your application by Friday.")
13. Submit: To present something for consideration (e.g., "Submit your report by the deadline.")
14. Attend: To be present at an event or meeting (e.g., "You must attend the meeting.")
15. Review: To examine something carefully (e.g., "Review the guidelines before proceeding.")
16. Ensure: To make certain that something happens (e.g., "Ensure timely delivery.")
17. Handle: To deal with or manage something (e.g., "Handle the chemicals with care.")
18. Compliance: The act of following rules or regulations (e.g., "Ensure compliance with the new policy.")
19. Recommendation: A suggestion or piece of advice (e.g., "Follow the recommendations for safety.")
20. Directive: An official instruction (e.g., "The directive states that all employees must comply.")

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing 'must' and 'should': Using 'should' when 'must' is required and vice versa.
2. Incorrect verb form: Using the wrong verb form after the modal verb.
3. Overusing 'have to': Using 'have to' when 'must' is more appropriate.
4. Ignoring context: Not considering the context when choosing between 'must' and 'have to'.
5. Misplacing modals: Using modal verbs in the wrong part of the sentence.

20 Practice Questions

1. The rules state that all participants ______ arrive on time.
2. To avoid penalties, you ______ submit your taxes before the deadline.
3. According to the guidelines, all employees ______ complete the safety training.
4. It is necessary that you ______ wear a seatbelt while driving.
5. The manager said that we ______ attend the meeting tomorrow.
6. For your own safety, you ______ follow the instructions carefully.
7. The policy requires that all staff ______ sign the confidentiality agreement.
8. To ensure accuracy, you ______ double-check your work.
9. The regulations state that all vehicles ______ be inspected annually.
10. It is advisable that you ______ consult a doctor before starting the medication.
11. The company policy states that all employees ______ wear their ID badges at all times.
12. According to the safety regulations, workers ______ use protective gear in the laboratory.
13. To ensure timely delivery, the package ______ be shipped by Friday.
14. Employees are advised that they ______ attend the mandatory training session next week.
15. The guidelines recommend that all participants ______ arrive on time.
16. To avoid penalties, you ______ submit your taxes before the deadline.
17. According to the regulations, all vehicles ______ be inspected annually.
18. It is necessary that you ______ wear a seatbelt while driving.
19. The manager said that we ______ attend the meeting tomorrow.
20. For your own safety, you ______ follow the instructions carefully.

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