Expressing necessity
Overview
In this elementary-level ESL lesson, students will learn the most common structures we use to express necessity in English. Learning to use need to and have to correctly is essential for students to communicate obligations, requirements or demands in different situations.
The lesson plan includes a suggested boardwork example showing one strategy for presenting the target language. This introduction sets the stage for several low-resource activities, all aimed at engaging students in collaborative speaking exercises. Finally, we wrap up with a fun classroom game, offering a lively and enjoyable way for students to review and apply what they have learned.
Not a member? Sign up today to get instant access to the entire TEFLHandbook library.
Lesson Outline
Classroom activities
Use of the board
The students review some common structures for expressing necessity in English.
The board work below shows one way to step through and introduce the target language for this lesson. Write each of the functional uses on the board and confirm that your students understand them. If possible, confirm in L1. Next, for each functional use elicit some example sentences. Use the colour-coded text to determine what you should attempt to elicit.
Keys to success
For this group speaking activity, the students will use the target language to explain how to achieve certain goals.
Should I bring...?
The students make statements of necessity using the information from a table on the board.
Activity mime
A speaking activity where students have to mime and describe a process to their classmates.
Classroom games
20 Questions: Modal verbs of necessity
Players have to ask yes/no questions to determine which occupation their classmate is thinking about.
More elementary ESL lesson plans
Be sure to check out our entire elementary-level and upper-elementary collections, as well as our complete library of ESL lesson plans.
If you use an iOS or Android device, have a look at the TEFL Handbook app. An ESL lesson planner for English teachers. It has a lot more content and gives you faster access to our ESL resources, making it easier to use in class.
Access the entire
TEFLHandbook library
- 750+ Low-prep classroom activity ideas
- 1100+ Printable ESL flashcards
- 160+ ESL lesson plans
- 8 Distinct language levels
- Offline access through the TEFLHandbook app
750+ Low-prep classroom activity ideas
1100+ Printable ESL flashcards
160+ ESL lesson plans
8 Distinct language levels
Offline access through the TEFLHandbook app
Reduce your planning time and improve the way you present and teach English grammar.
Access the entire TEFLHandbook library
Significantly reduce your planning time and improve the way you present and teach English grammar.
Access the entire TEFLHandbook library
Significantly reduce your planning time and improve the way you present and teach English grammar.