Lesson 34: Theme: Health & Wellbeing (2026)
discuss physical and mental health with topical vocabulary and modals of opinion (should/ought to/could).
Why this matters
Health — especially mental wellbeing — is a rising 2026 theme. Part 3 asks what people/governments should do, which is the perfect place to use modals of obligation and suggestion accurately.
The Tip/Trick
Use modals to give measured recommendations, not commands. "People should…", "Governments ought to…", "It might help to…" sound thoughtful; bare imperatives ("People must do sport!") sound blunt.
- Before: "People must do exercise. Government must build park. Then healthy."
- After: "People ought to build more movement into their day, and governments could help by making green spaces more accessible."
Grammar Focus — Modals of opinion / possibility (might, could, should)
Rule: should/ought to = recommendation; could/might = possibility/suggestion; have to/must = strong necessity. Reference: the "Modals of opinion / possibility (might, could, should)" section.
- "Schools should teach stress management."
- "Employers could offer more flexible hours."
- "Cutting screen time might improve sleep."
Vocabulary Cluster — Health & mental wellbeing (2026)
Add to under "Health & mental wellbeing (2026)".
- to stay in shape — keep fit — "I try to stay in shape."
- a balanced diet — varied, healthy eating — "A balanced diet is key."
- to burn out — exhaust yourself — "Many young workers burn out."
- mental wellbeing — psychological health — "Mental wellbeing is finally taken seriously."
- to switch off / recharge — rest mentally — "We all need time to recharge."
- a sedentary lifestyle — too much sitting — "A sedentary lifestyle harms health."
- to take a toll on (your health) — damage it — "Stress takes a toll on your health."
- work-life balance — balance of work and rest — "Work-life balance prevents burnout."
Drill these as flashcards — flip, then grade yourself.
Answer Outline
- Opinion + modal: "I think people should ____."
- Reason: "because ____."
- A second suggestion (could/might): "Governments could also ____."
- Stance: "Ultimately, ____."
Model Answers: 5.0 vs 7.0
Question: What can people do to improve their mental health?
Band 5.0: "People must sleep more and do sport. Don't use phone too much. Then mental health good. Government must help also."
Band 7.0: "I think the most important thing is that people should learn to switch off and actually recharge, rather than being glued to their phones around the clock. A sedentary lifestyle and constant stress really take a toll on mental wellbeing, so even small habits — a walk, a proper lunch break — can help. Governments could support this by encouraging better work-life balance and reducing the stigma around asking for help. Ultimately, though, it has to start with prioritising it day to day."
What changed:
- Modals: "should learn to switch off", "could support this".
- Collocations: "recharge", "a sedentary lifestyle", "take a toll", "work-life balance".
- Balanced individual + government view.
- Over-using "must" → soften to should/could/might.
- "do sport" is fine, but vary: "exercise", "stay active".
- "mental health good" → "their mental health is good" / "improves mental health".
Your Turn (Record)
Task: Answer 3 questions using a range of modals (should/could/might): (1) How can people reduce stress in daily life? (2) Should schools teach about mental health? (3) Whose responsibility is public health — the individual or the government? ⏱ ~4 min.
Your turn — record & get scored
Part 3- How can people reduce stress in daily life?
- Should schools teach about mental health?
- Whose responsibility is public health — the individual or the government?
Self-Check + Spaced Review
Done when:
- I used ≥3 different modals.
- I used ≥4 health collocations.
- I balanced individual and societal responsibility.
Spaced review:
- From Lesson 31: add a conditional ("If people slept more, they'd…").
- From Lesson 28: link a cause to an effect on health.