B1 Lesson 11: Modals of Obligations + Screen Time

WARM UP

Think about technology and sleep habits.

• How much screen time do you have every day?
• Do you use smartphones before bedtime?
• Do you ever yawn during the day because you didn't get enough sleep?
• Do digital devices affect your mood?
• Can you concentrate easily after a bad night's sleep?

Answer in full sentences.

VOCABULARY – TECHNOLOGY & SLEEP

• screen time – tiempo de pantalla
Example: My daily screen time is about four hours.

• yawn – bostezar
Example: I often yawn when I am tired.

• bedtime – hora de acostarse
Example: My usual bedtime is 11 p.m.

• sleep – dormir / sueño
Example: Good sleep is important for health.

• smartphones – teléfonos inteligentes
Example: Many people use smartphones before bed.

• concentrate – concentrarse
Example: It is difficult to concentrate when I am tired.

• mood – estado de ánimo
Example: Lack of sleep can affect your mood.

• devices – dispositivos
Example: Children use many digital devices today.

• wondering – preguntándose
Example: I was wondering why I felt so tired.

• feature – función / característica
Example: This app has a useful feature for tracking sleep.

Say each word out loud.
Think about your own technology habits.

GRAMMAR – MUST vs HAVE TO

Both must and have to express obligation.

However, there is a difference.

• must = the speaker believes something is necessary.
• have to = the obligation comes from a rule, situation, or external reason.

Using MUST

Use must when giving strong advice or expressing a personal opinion.

Examples

• You must get enough sleep.
• We must reduce our screen time.
• People must look after their health.
• You must turn off your devices before bed.

Using HAVE TO

Use have to when a rule, situation, or requirement exists.

Examples

• I have to wake up at 6 a.m. for work.
• Students have to follow school rules.
• She has to use a computer at work.
• We have to attend the meeting tomorrow.

Comparison

• I must go to bed earlier.
(my decision)

• I have to go to bed early because I start work at 5 a.m.
(external reason)

• You must improve your sleep habits.
(strong advice)

• I have to stop using my smartphone at night because my doctor told me to.
(external obligation)

DIALOGUE – HEALTHY HABITS

Anna: You look tired today.

Mark: I am. I stayed on my smartphone until midnight.

Anna: You must get more sleep.

Mark: I know. My screen time is too high.

Anna: Do you have to use digital devices for work?

Mark: Yes, I have to use a laptop every day.

Anna: Then you must take breaks and protect your health.

Read again and practise.

SHORT ARTICLE

Many people spend several hours a day using digital devices. As a result, their screen time continues to increase. Experts say that people must develop healthier habits if they want better sleep and a better mood. Many individuals use smartphones until bedtime, and then they struggle to concentrate the next day. Some people are wondering why they feel tired all the time, but the answer may be simple. They often ignore useful app features that track sleep quality. Workers may have to use technology during the day, but they do not need to use it constantly at night.

Read the article twice. Focus on the difference between must and have to.

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Using must

• You must get enough sleep.
• We must reduce screen time.
• People must look after their health.

Using have to

• I have to wake up early.
• She has to use a computer at work.
• We have to follow the rules.

Full sentence model

• I have to use digital devices for work, but I must reduce my screen time in the evening.

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

Answer in full sentences.

• How much screen time do you have every day?
• What is your usual bedtime?
• Do you use smartphones before going to bed?
• Can you concentrate well after a poor night's sleep?
• How does lack of sleep affect your mood?
• What digital devices do you use most often?
• Have you ever used a sleep-tracking feature on a device?
• Are you often wondering how to improve your sleep habits?
• What things do you have to do every day?
• What things do you think people must do to stay healthy?

HOMEWORK (WRITE & RECORD)

Writing

Write 8 sentences:

• 4 sentences using must
• 4 sentences using have to / has to

Use at least 8 vocabulary words from the lesson.

Recording

Read your sentences aloud clearly.
Focus on the difference between personal obligation (must) and external obligation (have to).