Discover how young Scots shape politics — and use modal verbs to talk about possibility and certainty at B2/C1 level.
Read the text carefully, then answer the comprehension questions using the dropdown menus.
In Scotland, young people have a real voice in politics through the Scottish Youth Parliament, or SYP. Founded in 1999, the SYP gives people aged between 12 and 25 the chance to debate the issues that affect their lives and to influence decision-makers.
Every two years, young Scots elect around 160 representatives, known as MSYPs (Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament). These representatives come from every part of the country, from the busy streets of Glasgow to the remote islands of the north. They meet several times a year to discuss topics such as mental health, climate change, education and equality.
The SYP has campaigned successfully on many issues. For example, it played an important role in the campaign to lower the voting age in Scotland to 16. Thanks partly to young campaigners, 16- and 17-year-olds can now vote in Scottish elections — something that is still not allowed in many other countries.
Being an MSYP is not always easy. Representatives must balance their political work with school or university. However, most say the experience is rewarding, because it shows that even teenagers can help to shape the future of their country.
1 The Scottish Youth Parliament was founded in .
2 The SYP is for young people aged between 12 and .
3 Members of the SYP are known as .
4 Representatives are elected every years.
5 The SYP discusses issues such as mental health and .
6 The SYP helped to lower the age to 16.
7 In Scotland, 16-year-olds vote in elections.
8 Most MSYPs say the experience is .
Use modal verbs to make logical guesses: must (I'm sure it's true), can't (I'm sure it's not true), might / may / could (it's possible).
1 She is not answering her phone; she be in a meeting.
2 He knows every political fact; he be very interested in politics.
3 I'm not certain, but the vote happen tomorrow.
4 They win the campaign, but nobody is sure yet.
5 That be the right answer — it makes no sense at all.
6 Young people vote at 16 in Scotland, which surprises many visitors.
7 She worked all night, so she be exhausted now.
8 We finish early if everyone agrees quickly.
Read the meaning, then choose the modal verb that expresses it.
1 (I'm certain she is at home.) → She be at home.
2 (It's impossible that he is the leader.) → He be the leader.
3 (Perhaps they will agree.) → They agree.
4 (It's possible to vote at 16 here.) → You vote at 16 here.
5 (I'm sure this is the wrong room.) → This be the right room.
6 (I'm certain he is clever.) → He be clever.
7 (Maybe it is true.) → It be true.
8 (Perhaps we will finish early.) → We finish early.
Imagine you are a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. Write a short speech (100–130 words) about ONE issue that matters to young people (climate change, mental health, education...). Say what the problem is and what young people could or should do. Use at least three modal verbs.
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