There are lots of modal auxiliaries in comic strips (which is not surprising, since modals often indicate meanings important in social interaction). Look at some of the most recent comics from one of the links below:

• Peanuts
  
• The Born Loser
• Calvin and Hobbes

Look for modals in each cartoon, and for each modal:

• identify the time (past or nonpast?)
• identify the meaning (probability? advisability? necessity? ability? expectation? etc.)
• restate the meaning in your own words

Why do you think each situation has become a problem (try to guess why people have done what they've done) and offer your advice.

Ann Salzmann
Intensive English Institute
University of Illinois