CBSE Class 10 English Modals MCQs Set 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for Class 10 English: Modals

Review structured MCQ sets for Class 10 English Modals. Built according to official CBSE guidelines, these downloadable questions support daily revision and core concept reinforcement.

Practice Modals MCQs for Class 10 English

Navigate directly to the 50 objective questions for Modals using the digital viewer below. Each practice set includes verified answer keys, allowing students to instantly cross-check their work and identify areas requiring further revision.

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1: Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option:
Holes in the grow bags mean that excess water ______ drain away into the pond keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
(a) should
(b) can
(c) would
(d) might
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) can

Explanation:
1. The holes make it possible for water to drain.
2. Possibility or capacity is expressed by 'can'.

Teacher's Note:
1. Each modal has a fixed meaning: can = ability, should = advice, would = past habit or prediction, may = possibility.
2. A modal is always followed by the base form of the verb.

Question 2: Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option:
As a young lad of 12, Jagan ______ accompany his grandfather planting saplings around their village.
(a) was
(b) ought to
(c) could
(d) used to
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) used to

Explanation:
1. 'As a young lad of 12' points to a repeated action in the past.
2. A past habit is expressed by 'used to'.

Teacher's Note:
1. Each modal has a fixed meaning: can = ability, should = advice, would = past habit or prediction, may = possibility.
2. A modal is always followed by the base form of the verb.

Question 3: She ______ look after her mother.
(a) have to
(b) has to
(c) may
(d) shall
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) has to

Explanation:
1. The sentence shows an obligation.
2. 'She' is third person singular, so 'has to', not 'have to'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Have to' changes with the subject: has to for he/she/it.
2. Unlike pure modals, 'have to' agrees with the subject.

Question 4: We ______ obey our teachers.
(a) may
(b) must
(c) has to
(d) will
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) must

Explanation:
1. The sentence states a duty or strong obligation.
2. 'Must' expresses strong obligation; 'has to' does not agree with 'we'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Must' shows duty or necessity.
2. 'May' shows permission or possibility, not duty.

Question 5: She ______ pass the exam this time.
(a) has
(b) is
(c) ought
(d) ought to
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) ought to

Explanation:
1. A modal followed by the base verb 'pass' is needed.
2. 'Ought' always needs 'to' before the verb: ought to pass.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Ought to' is one of the few modals followed by 'to'.
2. It expresses expectation or moral duty.

Question 6: He ______ not buy a car. (no necessity)
(a) has to
(b) shall
(c) must
(d) need
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) need

Explanation:
1. The cue asks for absence of necessity.
2. 'Need not' means it is not necessary; as a modal it takes no -s.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Must not' means prohibition; 'need not' means no necessity.
2. Modal 'need' is used mainly in negatives and questions.

Question 7: He works hard lest he ______ fail.
(a) must
(b) may
(c) can
(d) should
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) should

Explanation:
1. 'Lest' means 'for fear that'.
2. 'Lest' is followed by 'should'.

Teacher's Note:
1. Remember the pair: lest ... should.
2. 'Lest' already carries a negative sense, so never add 'not'.

Question 8: Do you ______ cook your own meal?
(a) have to
(b) should
(c) must
(d) may
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (a) have to

Explanation:
1. The question is formed with 'do', so a verb-like modal is needed.
2. Only 'have to' can follow 'do' in a question.

Teacher's Note:
1. Pure modals (should, must, may) never follow do/does/did.
2. 'Have to' behaves like a main verb and uses 'do' in questions.

Question 9: The villagers ______ use kerosene lamps a few years ago.
(a) shall
(b) can
(c) had to
(d) will
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c) had to

Explanation:
1. 'A few years ago' shows a past time.
2. Past necessity is expressed by 'had to'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Had to' is the past form of 'must/have to'.
2. Shall, will and can refer to the present or future.

Question 10: You ______ start doing more exercise.
(a) should
(b) ought
(c) might
(d) need
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (a) should

Explanation:
1. The sentence gives advice.
2. 'Should' is used for advice; 'ought' would need 'to'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Should' and 'ought to' both give advice.
2. Do not drop 'to' after 'ought'.

Question 11: She ______ finish this work before I go. (obligation)
(a) shall
(b) may
(c) had to
(d) must
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) must

Explanation:
1. The cue asks for obligation in the present or near future.
2. 'Must' expresses present obligation; 'had to' is past and clashes with 'before I go'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Must' is used for obligation now or in the near future.
2. 'May' expresses permission or possibility, not obligation.

Question 12: We ______ prepare our lessons well before examination.
(a) could
(b) may
(c) ought to
(d) can
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c) ought to

Explanation:
1. The sentence states a moral duty.
2. 'Ought to' expresses duty or what is right to do.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Ought to' is close in meaning to 'should'.
2. 'Can/could' show ability, not duty.

Question 13: I ______ be obliged if you help me in this matter.
(a) must
(b) shall
(c) could
(d) may
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) shall

Explanation:
1. This is a formal polite expression.
2. 'I shall be obliged' is the standard formal phrase with the first person.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Shall' is used with I/we in formal future expressions.
2. Formal letters often end requests with 'I shall be obliged'.

Question 14: ______ you lend me some money? (most polite request)
(a) Can
(b) Could
(c) Will
(d) Might
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) Could

Explanation:
1. The cue asks for the most polite form of request.
2. 'Could' is more polite than 'can' or 'will'.

Teacher's Note:
1. Use 'could' or 'would' for polite requests.
2. 'Might you...?' is not used for requests in modern English.

Question 15: The wound ______ not heal in spite of all the treatment he had.
(a) will
(b) would
(c) shall
(d) should
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) would

Explanation:
1. 'He had' shows the sentence is in the past.
2. 'Would not' expresses past refusal or failure to happen: the wound would not heal.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Would not' can describe something that refused to happen in the past.
2. Keep the modal in line with the past time of the sentence.

Question 16: As you sow, so ______ you reap.
(a) will
(b) shall
(c) should
(d) would
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) shall

Explanation:
1. This is a well-known proverb.
2. The fixed form is 'As you sow, so shall you reap', where 'shall' shows certainty.

Teacher's Note:
1. Proverbs keep their fixed traditional wording.
2. 'Shall' here expresses certainty of result.

Question 17: ______ you rather have tea or coffee?
(a) Would
(b) Should
(c) Must
(d) Can
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (a) Would

Explanation:
1. 'Rather' signals a preference.
2. Preference is asked with 'Would you rather...?'

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Would rather' is a fixed expression of preference.
2. The others cannot combine with 'rather' this way.

Question 18: It ______ rain, it is so sultry.
(a) dare
(b) can
(c) shall
(d) might
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) might

Explanation:
1. The sultry weather suggests a possibility.
2. 'Might' expresses possibility.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'May/might' show possibility.
2. 'Can' shows ability or general possibility, not a guess about now.

Question 19: I ______ play the piano but I gave it up last year.
(a) can
(b) would
(c) used to
(d) shall
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c) used to

Explanation:
1. 'Gave it up' shows a past habit that has stopped.
2. A discontinued past habit is shown by 'used to'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Used to' + base verb = past habit no longer true.
2. 'Can' would mean you still play.

Question 20: Usha ______ run a hundred metres in ten seconds.
(a) shall
(b) can
(c) would
(d) may
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) can

Explanation:
1. The sentence talks about Usha's ability.
2. Ability is expressed by 'can'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Can' = present ability; 'could' = past ability.
2. 'May' shows permission or possibility, not ability.

Question 21: When I was a boy, I ______ walk ten miles a day.
(a) can
(b) must
(c) should
(d) used to
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) used to

Explanation:
1. 'When I was a boy' refers to the past.
2. A regular past habit is shown by 'used to'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Used to' describes repeated past actions.
2. 'Can' is present and clashes with 'was'.

Question 22: ______ you like to have lunch now?
(a) Could
(b) Should
(c) Would
(d) Can
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c) Would

Explanation:
1. This is a polite offer.
2. Offers use the fixed phrase 'Would you like...?'

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Would you like' is used for offers and invitations.
2. 'Could/can you like' is not idiomatic.

Question 23: He ______ not go there.
(a) needs
(b) need
(c) has
(d) have
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) need

Explanation:
1. 'Need' followed by 'not' and a bare verb is a modal.
2. Modals do not add -s, so 'need not'.

Teacher's Note:
1. As a modal, 'need' has no -s: he need not go.
2. As a main verb it would be 'he does not need to go'.

Question 24: He ______ not speak like this.
(a) dares
(b) has
(c) have
(d) dare
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) dare

Explanation:
1. 'Dare' followed by 'not' and a bare verb is a modal.
2. Modals do not add -s, so 'dare not'.

Teacher's Note:
1. Modal 'dare' and 'need' are used mainly in negatives and questions.
2. 'Dares not speak' is incorrect.

Question 25: My father is very busy these days. But he ______ find some time for you.
(a) might
(b) has to
(c) must
(d) can to
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c) must

Explanation:
1. The speaker is sure the father will find time.
2. 'Must' expresses strong certainty or insistence here.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Might' shows only a weak possibility.
2. No modal is followed by 'to' except ought to.

Question 26: I am very badly in need of a job. I ______ if you grant me the favour.
(a) shall obliged
(b) shall be obliging
(c) shall be highly oblige
(d) shall be highly obliged
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) shall be highly obliged

Explanation:
1. The formal phrase is 'I shall be obliged'.
2. After 'be', the past participle 'obliged' is needed.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Obliging' means helpful, which changes the meaning.
2. 'Shall' must be followed by 'be' here.

Question 27: Only good books ______ be good friends.
(a) can
(b) will
(c) used to
(d) may
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (a) can

Explanation:
1. The sentence talks about what good books are capable of.
2. Ability or possibility in general is shown by 'can'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Used to' refers to past habits.
2. 'May' shows uncertain possibility or permission.

Question 28: John Keats is one of those poets who ______ never go into the world of oblivion.
(a) will
(b) is
(c) was
(d) are
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (a) will

Explanation:
1. The base verb 'go' needs a modal before it.
2. 'Will never go' expresses certainty about the future.

Teacher's Note:
1. Is/was/are cannot be followed by the base form 'go'.
2. In 'one of those poets who', the verb agrees with 'poets'.

Question 29: Our examination is drawing near. We ______ work hard.
(a) could
(b) will
(c) should
(d) can
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c) should

Explanation:
1. The sentence gives advice suited to the situation.
2. Advice is expressed by 'should'.

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Should' shows what is right or advisable.
2. 'Could' and 'can' show ability.

Question 30: Ravi: “______ you mind telling me the way to the post office?”
(a) Will
(b) Can
(c) Would
(d) Should
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c) Would

Explanation:
1. This is a polite request.
2. The fixed phrase is 'Would you mind ...?'

Teacher's Note:
1. 'Would you mind' is followed by the -ing form.
2. 'Can you mind' is not used.

Question 31: “Shall we ______ you cut the vegetables?” we asked Mother.
(a) help
(b) helps
(c) helped
(d) to help
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (a) help

Explanation:
1. A modal such as 'shall' is followed by the base form of the verb.
2. So 'Shall we help...?' is correct.

Teacher's Note:
1. Modals never take -s, -ed or 'to' after them (except ought to).
2. 'Shall we...?' is used to offer help.

Question 32: You __________ borrow my books for your research.
(a) need to
(b) can
(c) have to
(d) ought to
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) can

Explanation:
1. The speaker is giving permission.
2. 'Can' is used to give informal permission.

Teacher's Note:
1. Can / may = permission; need to / have to = necessity.
2. Read the situation to identify the function of the modal.

Question 33: You__________ask your mom before submitting the application.
(a) would
(b) could
(c) can
(d) should
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (d) should

Explanation:
1. The speaker is advising.
2. 'Should' expresses advice or the right thing to do.

Teacher's Note:
1. Should = advice or moral duty.
2. 'Can' would only give permission, not advice.

Question 34: You__________have read the terms and conditions before you signed the document.
(a) could
(b) should
(c) would
(d) might
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b) should

Explanation:
1. 'Should have + past participle' expresses regret or criticism about a past action not done.
2. The listener did not read the terms, which was a mistake.

Teacher's Note:
1. Should have + V3 = it was right to do it, but it was not done.
2. Could have + V3 only shows past possibility.

Question 35: If you are nervous, __________ I speak to her?
(a) shall
(b) would
(c) can
(d) could
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (a) shall

Explanation:
1. The speaker is offering to do something.
2. 'Shall I...?' is the standard form for offers.

Teacher's Note:
1. Shall I / Shall we = offers and suggestions.
2. Offers are made in the first person with 'shall'.

Free study material for English

Modals Objective Questions & Solutions for Class 10 English

Download Multiple Choice Questions: Modals (Class 10 English)

Explore reliable practice questions for Modals tailored for Class 10 English learners. Use these multiple-choice formats to evaluate preparedness and strengthen problem-solving skills.

Concept Clarification for Modals

Each question includes structured solution keys mapped directly to standard CBSE textbooks, helping students evaluate their reasoning and correct mistakes early in their revision.

Additional Study Resources for Class 10 English

Follow up your worksheet practice by attempting the interactive online English MCQ test for this chapter to evaluate your execution speed. All platform resources are free to access.

FAQs

Where can I access latest CBSE Class 10 English Modals MCQs Set 02?

You can get most exhaustive CBSE Class 10 English Modals MCQs Set 02 for free on StudiesToday.com. These MCQs for Class 10 English are updated for the 2026-27 academic session as per CBSE examination standards.

Are Assertion-Reasoning and Case-Study MCQs included in the English Class 10 material?

Yes, our CBSE Class 10 English Modals MCQs Set 02 include the latest type of questions, such as Assertion-Reasoning and Case-based MCQs. 50% of the CBSE paper is now competency-based.

How do practicing English MCQs help in scoring full marks in Class 10 exams?

By solving our CBSE Class 10 English Modals MCQs Set 02, Class 10 students can improve their accuracy and speed which is important as objective questions provide a chance to secure 100% marks in the English.

Do you provide answers and explanations for CBSE Class 10 English Modals MCQs Set 02?

Yes, English MCQs for Class 10 have answer key and brief explanations to help students understand logic behind the correct option as its important for 2026 competency-focused CBSE exams.

Can I practice these English Class 10 MCQs online?

Yes, you can also access online interactive tests for CBSE Class 10 English Modals MCQs Set 02 on StudiesToday.com as they provide instant answers and score to help you track your progress in English.