Fill in the blank with the correct modal.
Cancer is a life-threatening illness, so it ________ as soon as it is found.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → should be treated
Complete sentence: Cancer is a life-threatening illness, so it should be treated as soon as it is found. Life-threatening means it can cause death. So the right course is to treat it quickly.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) might be treated | a weak chance. After “so”, the sentence needs advice, not a guess. | The match might be cancelled if it rains. |
| (2) would be treated | an imagined situation, or what someone said earlier. This sentence is about a real illness now and gives advice. | The doctor said the patient would be treated the next day. |
| (3) should be treated (answer) | duty and advice: what is the right thing to do | A deep cut should be cleaned at once. |
| (4) may be treated | possibility or permission. It does not say that treatment is the right step. | Mild colds may be treated at home. |