Teaching
Materials: The Use of Imperatives in Positive, Negative, and Question Forms
Objective:
To help
students understand how to use imperatives effectively in positive, negative,
and question forms. Students will learn how to give commands, make requests,
offer suggestions, and ask questions using imperative sentences.
1. Introduction to Imperatives
- Definition: Imperatives are sentences
that give commands, instructions, or express requests. They are often used
to tell someone what to do or what not to do. Imperative sentences usually
begin with the base form of a verb and do not require a subject.
- Basic Structure:
- Positive: Base verb + (object) +
(other details)
- Negative: Do not + base verb +
(object) + (other details)
- Question: Imperative sentences in
question form typically use a polite structure with "please" or
involve a suggestion with "shall we?"
2. Using Imperatives in Different Contexts
- Giving Commands:
- Example (Positive): "Close the door."
- Telling
someone to perform a specific action.
- Example (Negative): "Do not touch the hot
stove."
- Telling
someone to avoid a specific action.
- Making Requests:
- Example (Positive): "Please pass the
salt."
- Asking
someone to do something in a polite way.
- Example (Negative): "Please don't make any
noise."
- Requesting
someone not to do something.
- Offering Suggestions:
- Example (Positive): "Try the new
dessert."
- Suggesting
that someone do something.
- Example (Negative): "Don’t go out in the
rain without an umbrella."
- Suggesting
that someone should avoid a specific action.
- Asking for Permission or Making
Polite Requests:
- Question: "Can you help me with
this, please?"
- Asking
someone to do something using a polite question form.
- Suggestion Question: "Shall we start the
meeting now?"
- Asking
for agreement or suggesting an action.
3. Forms of Imperatives
Positive Form:
- Structure: Base verb + (object) + (other
details)
- Examples:
- "Turn
off the lights."
- "Read
the instructions carefully."
- "Come
here."
Negative Form:
- Structure: Do not (Don’t) + base verb +
(object) + (other details)
- Examples:
- "Do
not run in the hallway."
- "Don't
be late for the meeting."
- "Do
not forget your keys."
Question Form:
- Structure: (Modal/Please) + base verb +
(object) + (other details)?
- Examples:
- "Could
you open the window, please?"
- "Will
you join us for lunch?"
- "Shall
we go for a walk?"
4. Table Form for Easy Reference
|
Form |
Structure |
Example Sentence |
|
Positive |
Base verb + (object) + (other
details) |
"Turn on the computer." |
|
Negative |
Do not (Don’t) + base verb +
(object) |
"Don't touch that
button." |
|
Question |
(Modal/Please) + base verb +
(object)? |
"Could you pass the pen,
please?" |
5. Detailed Examples of Imperative Usage
- Commands:
- Positive: "Stand up
straight."
- Negative: "Do not enter the
restricted area."
- Question: "Could you close the
window?"
- Requests:
- Positive: "Please take a
seat."
- Negative: "Please don't make a
mess."
- Question: "Can you help me with
this project?"
- Suggestions:
- Positive: "Take a break if you're
tired."
- Negative: "Don't skip breakfast;
it's important."
- Question: "Shall we go to the
park this evening?"
- Polite Instructions:
- Positive: "Please listen
carefully to the instructions."
- Negative: "Don't talk during the
presentation, please."
- Question: "Would you mind turning
down the music?"
6. Practice Activities
Activity 1: Fill in the Blanks
- Fill in the blanks with the
correct form of the imperative (positive, negative, question).
- _______ (read) the book before
the exam.
- _______ (not/speak) loudly in
the library.
- _______ (you/help) me with my
homework, please?
Answers:
- Read
- Do not speak (Don’t speak)
- Could you help
Activity 2: Sentence Transformation
- Rewrite the sentences using the
imperative in a different form.
- "Please take out the
trash." → "_______ out the trash." (Positive)
- "Don’t touch the wet
paint." → "_______ touch the wet paint." (Negative)
- "Could you please hand me
the report?" → "_______ hand me the report, please?"
(Question)
Answers:
- Take
- Do not (Don’t)
- Could you
Activity 3: Creating Commands and Requests
- Create commands, requests, or
suggestions using the imperatives.
- Example:
(teacher/give/homework) → "Teacher, give us more homework."
2.
(you/not/run/pool
area)
3.
(you/wait/a
moment)
4.
(we/go/now)?
Answers:
- Don’t run in the pool area.
- Please wait a moment.
- Shall we go now?
7. Tips for Teaching Imperatives
- Use Real-Life Scenarios: Use classroom management
scenarios or daily life situations to practice imperatives.
- Role-Playing: Have students practice giving
instructions, making requests, and asking questions using imperatives.
- Visual Aids: Use signs, posters, or
flashcards with common commands and requests for visual reinforcement.
- Repetition and Practice: Regularly practice forming
positive, negative, and question imperatives.
- Encourage Politeness: Emphasize using
"please" and polite question forms for requests.
8. Summary
Imperatives
are essential for giving instructions, making polite requests, and offering
suggestions. Understanding their positive, negative, and question forms allows
students to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts. Regular practice
and application in real-life scenarios will help students master the use of
imperatives.
