9-9 EXPECTATIONS: BE SUPPOSED TO (a) The game is supposed to begin at 10:00.

(b) The committee is supposed to vote by secret ballot.

Be supposed to expresses the idea that someone (I, we, they, the teacher, lots of people, my father, etc.) expects something to happen. Be supposed to often expresses expectations about scheduled events, as in (a), or correct procedures, as in

(c) I am supposed to go to the meeting. My boss told me that he wants me to attend.

(d) The children are supposed to put away their toys before they go to bed.

Be supposed to also expresses expectations about behavior.

In (c) and be supposed to gives the idea that someone else expects (requests or requires) certain behavior.

(e) Jack was supposed to call me last night. I wonder why he didn't.

Be supposed to in the past supposed to) expresses unfulfilled expectations. In The speaker expected Jack to call, but he didn't.

D EXERCISE 18. Error analysis: BE SUPPOSED TO. (Chart 9-9) Directions: Correct the errors.

The building custodian supposed to unlock the classrooms every morning. 2. We're not suppose to open that door.

3. Where are we suppose to meet?

4. I have a meeting at seven tonight. I suppose to be there a little early to discuss the agenda.

When we go to the store, Annie, you not suppose to handle the glassware. It might break, and then you'd have to pay for it out of your allowance.

6. I'm suppose to be at the meeting. I I'd better go. 7. Where have you been? You suppose be here an hour ago!

8. A: I can't remember what the boss said. Should I supposed to work in the mail order room tomorrow morning and then the shipping department tomorrow afternoon? Or the other way around?

B: How am I supposing to remember what you suppose to do? I have enough trouble remembering what I supposed doing.

/ suppose = I guess, I think, I believe. I'm supposed to = I am expected to. 166 CHAPTER 9

EXERCISE 19. BE SUPPOSED TO. (Chart 9-9)

Directions: Answer the questions in complete sentences, using be supposed to. Switch roles after Item 6 if you work in pairs.

Example:

SPEAKER A (book open): If you're driving and a traffic light turns red, what are you supposed to do?

SPEAKER B (book You're supposed to come to a complete What are you supposed to do if you're involved in a traffic accident? 2. What are you supposed to do prior to take-off in an airplane?

3. What are some things athletes in training are supposed to do, and some things they're not supposed to do?

4. What are you supposed to do later today or this week?

5. If you're driving and an ambulance with flashing lights and blaring sirens comes up behind you, what are you supposed to do?

Can you think of something you were supposed to do yesterday (or sometime in the past) but didn't do?

7. What are we supposed to be doing right now?

8. Tell me about any job you've had. What were you supposed to do on a typical day? 9. Where are you supposed to be at o'clock tomorrow?

What were you supposed to do sometime last week that you didn't do? If someone tells you a secret, what are you not supposed to do?

In the place you live or work, who is supposed to do what? In other words, what are the duties or responsibilities of the people who live or work with you?

EXERCISE 20. Necessity, and expectations. (Charts 9-5 9-9) Directions: Which sentence in each pair is stronger?

1. a. You have got to wear your seatbelt. b. You should wear your seatbelt. 2. a. You had better wear your seatbelt.

b. You ought to wear your seatbelt. 3. a. You must wear your seatbelt.

b. You had better wear your seatbelt. 4. a. You have to wear your seatbelt.

b. You are supposed to wear your seatbelt. 5. a. We are supposed to bring our own

b. We have to bring our own pencils. 6. a. We ought to bring our own pencils.

b. We have got to bring our own pencils. 7. a. We had better bring our own

b. We should bring our own pencils.

*Note the use of impersonal you. See Chart 8-5, p. 140.

EXERCISE Necessity, advisability, and expectations. (Charts 9-5 > 9-9)

Directions: Complete the following and discuss the meaning you wish to express by giving reasons for your statement.

Example: I'd better

I'd better write my mother a letter. (Reason: If I don't, there will be a bad result: she'll be angry or start worrying about me or feel hurt.)

I should 2. I'm supposed to . . . . 3. I ought to . . . . 4. I'd better 5. I have to . . . . 6. I've got to . . . . 7. I must 8. I shouldn't

9. I'm not supposed to 10. I'd better not

I don't have to . . . . 12. I must not

EXERCISE 22. Necessity, advisability, and expectations. (Charts 9-5 9-9)

Directions: Choose one (or more) of the following topics for writing, group discussion, or role-playing. Include these words and expressions.

a. should b. have to c. be supposed to d. shouldn't g. must h. ought to i. must not do not have to e. be not supposed to f. had better k. have got to Topics:

Pretend that you are the supervisor of a roomful of young children. The children are in your care for the next six hours. What would you say to them to make sure they understand your expectations and your rules so that they will be safe and cooperative?

a. You should pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them. b. You have to stay in this room. Do not go outside without my permission. c. supposed to take a short nap at one

d. Etc.

Pretend that you are teaching your younger sister/brother how to drive a car. This is her/his first time behind the wheel, and she/he knows little about driving

regulations and the operation of an automobile.

Pretend that you are a travel agent and you are helping two students who are traveling abroad for a vacation. You want them to understand the travel

arrangements you have made, and you want to explain some of the local customs of the countries they will be visiting.

Pretend that you are the supervisor of salesclerks in a large department store and that you are talking to two new employees. You want to acquaint them with their job and your expectations.

Pretend that you are instructing the babysitter who will watch your three young children while you are out for the evening. They haven't had dinner, and they don't like to go to bed when they're told to.

9-10 MAKING SUGGESTIONS: LET'S, WHY