Superpowers – Reading and Writing with Modals

Reading activity

🐚 1. The Girl Who Could Hear Memories

I woke up with a strange ringing in my ears. When I touched a seashell on my nightstand, I suddenly heard a voice. It was my grandmother, laughing. I realized I could hear memories—real, vivid memories—trapped in objects. I could hear joy in a book, heartbreak in a photo, even betrayal in a lost ring.

I might be able to help people recover moments they’ve forgotten. I could reunite families, uncover stories, or solve mysteries. But I must be careful. Not all memories are kind. Some are terrifying. I shouldn’t explore every object without permission.

I mustn’t tell the wrong people. If the government found out, they might want to use me. I have to protect myself. My best friend says I should go to the police to help with cases, but I don’t trust them. I can barely sleep with all these voices in my mind.

Still, I must learn to live with it. I should train myself to listen only when necessary. One day, I might be able to control it completely. Until then, I have to stay quiet—and let the past speak to me.

🍃 2. The Boy Who Could Borrow the Wind

It started during a storm. I whispered to the trees, and they whispered back. The wind answered me. That’s when I knew I could control it—not just call it, but borrow its strength.

Now I can glide over rooftops and can lift leaves with a thought. I might be able to stop hurricanes one day. I should be proud—but honestly, it’s scary. If I lose focus, I could hurt someone. One time, I laughed too hard and shattered a car window.

My parents say I must hide it. I have to pretend to be normal. They say people might panic if they found out. But I don’t agree. I shouldn’t pretend I’m not special. Maybe I could help the world. I would love to bring rain to dry lands or cool cities during heatwaves.

Still, I must learn discipline. I have to listen to the wind—not command it. I mustn’t become arrogant. This isn’t a toy. It’s a responsibility. I can choose what to be now: a hero, a danger, or maybe both.

😈 3. The Man Who Could Mute the World

They ignored me for years. They laughed, they shouted, they filled every space with noise. But now, I can mute them. One look, one blink, and their voices vanish. I can silence a crowd in seconds.

They should have listened when I begged for peace. They could have respected me. Now they must face the quiet. I might look calm, but every mute I deliver is revenge.

Some people say I mustn’t use this power out of anger. They think I should forgive, but why? I have to do what they never did: make the world listen.

They might try to stop me, but no one can speak if I don’t let them. I would love to erase every scream of hate. I could build a new world—one without lies, noise, or shouting.

Maybe I should feel guilty. Maybe I must question what I’ve become. But I don’t. I can sleep just fine in silence. And soon, the whole planet will have to do the same.

Writing Prompt: “A Day with Superpowers” – Modal Verbs Challenge

Instructions:

You wake up one morning and discover that you suddenly have superpowers!
Write a short story (120–180 words) describing what happens during your day.
You must use at least 8 different modal verbs in your writing.
(Make sure they are highlighted or underlined.)

Try to answer these questions in your story:

1. What superpower(s) do you have?
2. What can you do now that you couldn’t do before?
3. What should you do with your new powers?
4. Are there things you mustn’t do?
5. What would you do if someone needed help?
6. Who might find out about your powers?
7. What could go wrong?
8. Do you think you have to keep your secret?

Modal verbs to include:
→ can, could, should, must, mustn’t, might, would, have to