The document discusses the strength of arguments and persuasiveness of language. It introduces the concept of modality, which refers to the strength of word choices. Words are ranked on a scale of high, medium, and low modality. High modality words like "absolutely" and "definitely" are considered active words that make for a stronger, more convincing argument compared to low modality words like "possibly" and "probably" which are more passive. The document encourages using active words with medium to high modality in expository writing to strengthen arguments and persuade readers.

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 pointor want to persuade and convince someone of our opinion...we choose to use the strongest words we can.

14. We call these wordsMODAL 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 inwhat is called DEGREES OF MODALITY.

17. Draw a diagonal line in your workbook.HIGHMEDIUMLabel it in degreesLOW

18. Rank the following words according to degree of modalityHIGHMEDIUMLOW

19. should, may, probably, will hopefully, fortunately, must, shall, possibly, definitely, might, certainly, absolutely, can, couldHIGHMEDIUMLOW

20. Degrees of ModalitycouldcancertainlyshouldmustHIGHabsolutelydefinitelywillfortunatelymayshallMEDIUMpossiblyprobablymightLOWhopefully

21. couldcanWhen we use high modal words we are described as using ACTIVE words.certainlyshouldmustHIGHabsolutelydefinitelywillMEDIUMLOW

22. When we use low modal words we are described as using PASSIVE words.HIGHMEDIUMprobablymightLOWhopefully

23. couldExposition writing needs active words with medium to high modality.cancertainlyshouldmustHIGHabsolutelydefinitelywillshallMEDIUMfortunatelymaypossiblyLOW

24. Re-read you TV or Books exposition piece and re-write sections using active words with greater modalitycouldcancertainlyshouldmustHIGHabsolutelydefinitelywillshallMEDIUMfortunatelymaypossiblyLOW