Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
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The first 3 of 8 cards
the verb after it stays bare
A modal is tiny, but it controls the verb group. One slip spoils an otherwise good sentence.
Cities should to buildno 'to' lanes, because lanes can reducesno -s traffic and people cannot able toone, not both cross safely.
IELTS Band 7 wording: “error-free sentences are frequent”.
two questions, in this order
Have to, need to and be able to take endings (has to, was able to). The main verb never does.
strength, not time
| Job | Modals | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Advice | should, ought to | You should rest. |
| Duty | must, have to | You must stop. |
| Not required | don't have to | You don't have to pay. |
| Banned | must not | You must not park. |
| Possible | may, might, could | It may rain. |
| Ability | can, could | Nia can repair bikes. |
Card 4 of 8 onwards
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Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both. The lesson is in the IELTS and the PTE study library, so it opens whichever exam you prepare for.
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