“Can” is a modal verb. It shows ability, possibility and permission. After “can” we always use the base verb without “to”: I can swim, she can sing. The form is the same for all persons: I can, you can, he can.

Negative: cannot (written as one word) or can’t. In speaking, “can” is weak: /kən/, but “can’t” is strong: /kɑːnt/. Questions: Can you cook? Can he play the piano? Short answers: Yes, I can. No, I can’t.

We also use “can” for requests and offers: Can you help me? Can I help you? Could is more polite: Could you speak more slowly, please?

“Could” is the past form of “can” for general ability: When I was ten, I could ride a bike. “Couldn’t” is the negative: I couldn’t swim when I was a child.

For one specific past success we use “was able to” or “managed to”: Yesterday I was able to fix the radio. (not “could”).

Adverbs of manner say how we do something. Most are made with adjective + -ly: slow → slowly, quick → quickly, careful → carefully. Some are irregular: good → well, fast → fast, hard → hard.

They usually go after the verb or after the object: She speaks clearly. He plays the piano beautifully.

• What can you do really well?
• What can’t you do yet?
• Can you cook? What can you cook?
• Can you play an instrument?
• What could you do as a child that you can’t do now?
• Can you swim?
• What can you do with your phone?
• Can you type fast?
• Which languages can you speak?
• Can you sing? Sing a line!
• What can you do in the kitchen on your own?
• Who can help you when you have a problem?

• What is the best skill you have learned in the last two years? How did you learn it?
• Tell me about an app or a tool that makes your life easier. What can it do?
• What was difficult for you before, but easy now?
• How do you learn new things: by listening, by doing or by reading?
• What skill would you like to teach other people?
• Who is the most talented person you know? What can they do?
• What do you do when you can’t find something?
• When is it good to ask for help? When is it better to try alone?
• What can voice assistants do for you? What can’t they do?
• Tell me about a time you managed to do something difficult.
• What could you do when you were a child that surprised other people?
• Which skills are important for finding a good job?

• What does independence mean to you?
• Is it more important to be talented or hard-working? Why?
• What do you think technology can’t do yet, but should?
• Should schools teach practical skills such as cooking and money management?
• How can we make tools and technology easier to use for everyone?
• What new skill would change your life the most?
• Is asking for help a sign of strength or weakness? Why?
• If you could master any skill in a week, what would you choose?

• Can you swim? Can you ride a bike?
• Can you play a musical instrument?
• What can you cook really well?
• What could you do when you were ten that you can’t do now?
• Can you speak any other languages? How well?
• Can you help me with something? What can you teach me?
• What are you able to do on your phone that you couldn’t do five years ago?
• Can you drive? If not, would you like to learn?
• Which sport can you play well?
• What can you fix at home?
• How well can you sing or dance?
• What do you want to be able to do next year?

• What skill would you like to learn most? Why?
• Is it important to be good at everything?
• Which is more useful: a talent or hard work?
• Who is the most skilful person you know?
• Can children learn faster than adults? Why?
• What can you do that surprises people?
• If you could have one super-power, what would it be?
• What does ‘being independent’ mean for you in daily life?

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