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Lesson 10 - Review of Reported Speech (Part 1)

A. Reported statements
1. Lizzie has eight voicemail messages. Below are some of the things her friends left on her
voicemail. Complete the sentences to show what she said to her boyfriend about the messages.
1. Rachel said, ‘I’m going to France.’
→ ...............................................................................................................................................................
2. Tom said, ‘My mother’s given me £50.’
→ ...............................................................................................................................................................
3. Jane and John said, ‘We’ve moved into our new house.’
→ ...............................................................................................................................................................
4. Sara said, ‘I can’t finish my essay.’
→ ...............................................................................................................................................................
5. Craig said, ‘I’ll remind John about our meeting.’
→ ...............................................................................................................................................................
6. Lena said, ‘The parcels arrived safely.’
→ ...............................................................................................................................................................
2. You talked to some friends of yours and later the same day, you tell another friend what
they said. Complete the sentences.
1. ‘Are you going to work today, Paul’ - ‘No, I’m feeling ill.’
Paul didn’t go to work today. He said ……………………………………………………………………... ill.
2. ‘Shall we walk to the station?’ - ‘No, it’s too far. Let’s get a taxi.’
I wanted to walk to the station, but Tom said ……………………………………………………………………... far.
3. ‘Have you been invited to the party’ - ‘Yes, but I don’t want to go.’
Anna has been invited to the party but she told me …………………………………………………………………….. to go.
4. ‘When are you going away, Dan?’ - ‘I’ll let you know next week.’
I asked Dan about his travel plans. He said ……………………………………………………………………... next week.
5. ‘Do you ever see Rachel these days?’ - ‘I haven’t seen her for a while.’
I asked Ben about Rachel, but he told me ……………………………………………………………………... for a while.
6. ‘Where can I borrow a guitar?’ - ‘You can borrow mine.’
I needed to borrow a guitar and Kate said ……………………………………………………………………...
7. ‘How’s your job, Sue?’ - ‘I’m enjoying it very much.’
I asked Sue about her job. She said ……………………………………………………………………... very much.
8. ‘Do you still have your car?’ - ‘No, I sold it a few months ago.’
I asked James about his car. He told me ……………………………………………………………………... a few months
ago.
9. ‘What’s the name of the cafe we went to?’- ‘I don’t know.’
I asked Sarah the name of the cafe we went to but she said …………………………………………………………………
10. ‘How many students are there in your class, Amy?’ - ‘Twenty.’
I asked Amy about her school and she told me ……………………………………………………………………... class.

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3. Read the newspaper report and choose the correct words.

In court this week - Maggie Givans reports from Brentford Magistrates’ Court
On Tuesday, local shopkeeper Barry Southgate appeared in court for dangerous driving. Police
Constable Harriet Diamond said that on the night of 14 February she had seen a dark blue Volkswagen
Golf travelling at high speed through a residential area. She stopped the motorist, Mr. Southgate, and
asked him to tell her his driving speed. He replied that he (1. has/ had) no idea. When PC Diamond asked
to see his driving license, he replied that he (2. would/ will) bring it to the police station (3. tomorrow/
the following day), closed his door and drove off, again at high speed.
In response to Magistrate Richard Pound questions, Mr. Southfate said (4. I/ he) knew he had been
over the speed limit, but he didn’t know exactly what speed he (5. was/ had been) travelling at. He also
said that he (6. has/ had) forgotten to take his license to the police station (7. the next/ next) day. The
magistrate wanted to know how he could forget something important like that, and Mr. Southgate
explained that his wife (8. has had/ had had) their first baby that day, so he (9. can’t/ hadn’t been able
to) take his license to the police station. He added that he had been rushing to the hospital (10. the
evening before/ yesterday evening), and that was why he had been driving so fast. Magistrate Pound said
that Mr. Southgate still (11. must/ had to) pay the fine for speeding but that he (12. wishes/ wished) him
and his new family all the best.

4. Complete the reported statements. Make all the changes you can.
1. Politician (to reporters): I’m ready to answer your questions.
The politician told the reporters ………………………………………………………………………………….. to answer their
questions.
2. Reporter: People were offended by remarks in your speech.
A reporter said people ………………………………………………………………………………….. remarks in the politician’s
speech.
3. Politician: I didn’t make any offensive remarks in my speech yesterday.
The politician stated ………………………………………………………………………………….. any offensive remarks in his
speech …………………………………………………………………………………..
4. Politician: I was just describing my plans for the next year.
He said that ………………………………………………………………………………….. his plans for the next year.
5. Reporter: You must know that people have asked for your resignation.
The reporter said the the politician ……………………………………………………………………….. for his resignation.
6. Politician: I can’t understand it myself. I simply described the situation in the country.
The politician said ………………………………………………………………………………….. himself. He ………………………….
…………………………………………………….. the situation in the country.
7. Politician: I have been working very hard and I see no reason to resign.
He added that ………………………………………………………………………………….. and he saw no reason to resign.
8. Politician: I will make a full statement about my plans tomorrow afternoon.
He ended by saying that …………………………………………………………………………………..

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5. Match the speech bubbles with the reported ones. Two more of the speech bubbles can
match two reported statements.
A. She said she’d already taken an exam that week.
B. He said he had taken an exam the week before.
C. She said he’s revising for an exam at the
moment.
D. He said he was revising for the exam that
evening.
E. She said she’s already taken an exam this week.
F. She said she was revising for an exam then.
G. He said he was going to take the exam that
week.
H. She said she was going to take the exam the
next day.
I. He said he’s revising for an exam this evening.
J. She said she’s revising for an exam at the
moment.
K. He said he was revising for an exam then.
L. She said she was revising for the exam yesterday
evening.

0. ...F, J... 1. ……….. 2. ……….. 3. ……….. 4. ……….. 5. ……….. 6. ……….. 7. ……….. 8. ………..

6. Report the quotes in reported speech. Do NOT change the tense if it is possible not to.
1. ‘The museum was opened to the public in 1965.’
The guidebook says ..................................................................................................................................
2. ‘I’ll take a taxi home after the film tomorrow evening.’
John told us last Friday .............................................................................................................................
3. ‘Humans first walked on the moon in 1969.’
The lecturer said .......................................................................................................................................
4. ‘Samir’s ill and can’t come to school today.’
Mrs Richards, Samir’s mother said ...........................................................................................................
5. ‘Jason had been working for me for two years at that point.’
The manager told the police officer .........................................................................................................
6. ‘We’re meeting our cousins from Vancouver at the weekend.’
Lou and Jane told us last week .................................................................................................................

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7. Read the dialogue, then complete the text.
Suzy Hi, Jane. What are you doing here?
Jane I’m buying some curtains.We moved into our new house last month and there’s lots of work to
do.
Suzy Really?
Jane Yes, we finished painting our house last week and John cleared the garden yesterday. We’ve got
a bit of a problem though. Our new furniture was delivered a couple of weeks ago but I can’t
arrange it until next week because the carpets haven’t arrived. I hope it will look nice when it’s
finished. My parents are coming to visit us next month.
I saw Jane in the DIY store a few weeks ago. I asked her what she was doing (1) ………………………………...
and she said she was buying new curtains. She told me that they’d moved into their new house (2)
…………………………….... She said that they’d finished painting it (3) …………………...…………. and that John
(4) ……………………………. the garden the day before. She explained that their new furniture had been
delivered (5) ……………………………., but she couldn’t arrange it until the following week because the
carpets (6) ……………………………. She said she hoped it would look nice when it was all finished, and
added that her parents (7) ……………………………. to visit them (8) …………………………….

B. Reported questions
1. Write the words in the correct order to make reported questions. Start with the underlined
word or phrase.
1. My friend / couldn’t come / why / to his party / asked / I
...................................................................................................................................................................
2. had / to know / The officer / if / wanted / the keys / I
...................................................................................................................................................................
3. how long / She / it / asked / had taken / to get there.
...................................................................................................................................................................
4. he could have / his boss / a pay rise / asked / John / whether
...................................................................................................................................................................
5. Maria / to know / if / liked / her hairstyle / we / wanted
...................................................................................................................................................................
6. The salesman / whether we / the car / or not / asked / wanted to buy
...................................................................................................................................................................
2 Read the dialogue and then complete how Suki later reported the meeting to a friend. Use
say, tell or ask for the reporting verb and standard changes in the tenses.
Eric Hello, Suki. What are you doing in Brighton?
Suki I came to visit my aunt but I’ve decided to stay for a couple of days. Do you live here?
Eric Yes, I’ve lived here since 2004. Where do you live?
Suki Near Gatwick Airport. I have a small flat there.
Eric This afternoon I’m going to the aquarium. Do you want to join me?
Suki I can’t. Some friends are coming to see us.
Eric OK. See you next week at work then.

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I saw a colleague called Eric when I went shopping. He (1) ……………...……... me …………….………... in Brighton.
I (2) ………………..…….. him that I (3) ………..…………... to visit my aunt. I also (4) ……………….……….. that I (5)
………………...…….. to stay a couple of days. I (6) ………………...…... him (7) ………………...………... in Brighton and
he (8) ………………...……... me that he (9) ……………...………... here since 2004. Then he (10) ………………...………...
me (11) ………………...………... and I (12) ………………...………... that I (13) ………………...………... a small flat near
Gatwick Airport. He (14) ………………...………... me he (15) ………………...………... to the aquarium later and (16)
………………...…... me (17) ……………...……….. to join him. I (18) ……………...………... that I (19) ………………...………..
because some friends (20) ………………...………... to see us. We’ll see each other next week, anyway.
3. Read the reporter’s questions and complete the text with reported questions.
1. Are you going to leave the show?
2. Who caused the break-up?
3. Why can’t you sort out your problems?
4. Are you unhappy because Annette gets more money than you?
5. Do you think Annette’s a better singer than you?
6. What will you do next?
7. Have you thought about giving up singing?
“That reporter was horrible. He wouldn’t go away. He asked so many questions. He asked me whether (1)
………………………………………………… He wanted to know who (2) ……………………………………………… and also why
(3) ……………………………………………………………… Obviously, I didn’t say anything. Then he asked me (4)
……………………………………………… because Annette got more money than me, and he was so rude - he asked
(5) ……………………………………………… Imagine that! He wanted to know (6) ……………………………………………………
and then he asked (7) ……………………………………………………! At that point, I told him I wasn’t going to answer
any more questions and shut the door in his face.”

4. After leaving school, Zara has an interview for an administrative job. Read the interview
and then complete what she said to her parents.
Helen Let me start by asking you some questions about school. Did you like school?
Zara I enjoyed some subjects more than others. I’ve always preferred science subjects.
Helen Yes, that’s clear from your report. Do you have any language qualifications?
Zara No, I don’t, but I speak French fairly well. You see, my father’s French and I often visit my
cousins in France.
Helen I see. What about hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?
Zara I’m a voluntary paramedic?
Helen Really? What does a paramedic do?
Zara Well, I work at the weekends helping ambulance staff.
Helen Did you do a course to become a paramedic?
Zara Yes, everybody has to do a course before they can start.
Helen I’m not sure that you’d like administrative work. There isn’t much opportunity for you to use
all your skills.
Zara Are there any other vacancies?
Helen The company doctor is looking for a new assistant, I’ll speak to him and I’ll let you know what
he says.

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The interviewer asked me (1) ………………………………………. and I told (2) ………………………………………. some
subjects more than others. I also said (3) ………………………………………. science subjects. She asked (4)
………………………………………. any language qualifications and I said (5) ……………………………………. French fairly
well because of you, Dad, and because I often (6) ………………………………………. my cousins in France. Then
she asked me (7) ………………………………………. in my spare time and I told (8) ………………………………………. a
voluntary paramedic. I said (9) ………………………………………. at the weekend with the ambulance staff. She
asked me (10) …………………………………. a course and I told her (11) ……………………………………. a course before
they (12) ……………………………………. At the end of the interview, she said she (13) …………………………………….
sure that (14) ………………………………………. like administrative work and she said that there (15)
………………………………………. much opportunity to use all of my skills. I asked (16) ……………………………………….
any other vacancies. She said the company doctor (17) ………………………………………. an assistant and she said
that (18) ………………………………………. and let me know what he (19) ……………………………………….

5. Yesterday Tina had an interview for a job at a pet shop. The next day Tina told her friend
Sharon what they had asked her. Give Tina’s word (E.g. They asked me how old I was. They
asked me if I’d had a job before.)

Ex Ex

1 3 4
5
2 6
7

1. .....................................................................................................................................................................
2. .....................................................................................................................................................................
3. .....................................................................................................................................................................
4. .....................................................................................................................................................................
5. .....................................................................................................................................................................
6. .....................................................................................................................................................................
7. .....................................................................................................................................................................
8. .....................................................................................................................................................................

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C. Mix
1. Look at the conversation Jeff had yesterday, and then complete his report to his friend Kat.
Jeff: You haven’t done any of your washing-up again. - John: I don’t have time. I have to get to college.
Jeff: I’ll have a cup of tea if you’re making some. - Sonya: I’m not your servant.
Steve: I can’t work while you’re all talking. - Jeff: I’m going out for some fresh air.
I’m having a difficult time with my flatmates at the moment. Yesterday I told John that (1) ………………………
……………………… again. He said (2) ……………………………………………… because …………………………………………………
to college. Then he went to his bedroom, and I noticed Sonya in the kitchen, and so I said that (3)
………………………………………………… if ………………………………………………… some. She replied that (4)
………………………………………………… servant! Finally, Steve looked up from his computer and told us that (5)
………………………………………………… while ………………………………………………… talking! So I just said that (6)
………………………………………………… for some fresh air. Perhaps the flat is too small for the four of us.
2. Stanley Arnold, the multi-millionaire businessman and head of Arnold Motors, has just died.
He wasn’t a very popular man. Below are some examples of what the press said about him
during his lifetime. Report what they said.
1. ‘Arnold has never paid any tax.’ - News Extra
...................................................................................................................................................................
2. ‘Arnold spends the company’s money at a Las Vegas casino.’ - Newsday Magazine
...................................................................................................................................................................
3. ‘When he dies, he will probably leave more than $500 million.’ - International News
...................................................................................................................................................................
4. ‘Stanley Arnold never speaks to his children.’ - Modern World
...................................................................................................................................................................
5. ‘He is planning to leave his money to a dogs’ home.’ The Daily Free Press
...................................................................................................................................................................
6. ‘Arnold has friends in the Mafia.’ - World Magazine
...................................................................................................................................................................
7. ‘The police ought to ask Stanley Arnold some questions.’ - The Saturday Reporter
...................................................................................................................................................................
8. ‘No one will be sorry when he’s gone.’ - The Daily Talk
...................................................................................................................................................................
3. Look at the conversation Stella had in New York, and then complete her report to her
colleague Mike.
Pamela I’m feeling very positive about transferring your musical to Broadway. I had a meeting with some
producers this morning. While you’re here I’ll introduce you to an actor who wants to audition for the
main role.
Stella What musical parts has he played before?
Pamela He was amazing in a live TV show two days ago on NBC. He may be free for dinner tonight or for
lunch tomorrow at ‘Capri’s’.
I met Pamela Pearce in New York on Wednesday last week. She said (1) ………………………………… Broadway.
She told me that (2) …………………………………… morning. She also said that while (3) ……………………………………
role. I wanted to know (4) …………………………………… before. She said that (5) …………………………………… NBC.
She told me (6) …………………………………… ‘Capri’s’.
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4. Adam does his shopping at Brisco supermarket. Yesterday a woman who works for Brisco
stopped him on his way out and asked him some questions. She wrote the answer on the form
below. Later, Adam told his friend Don about it. Give Adam’s words
Brisco Supermarkets 1. ..................................................................................
Customer questionnaire ......................................................................................

How often do you shop at Brisco? 2. ..................................................................................

......................................................................................
Twice a week.
3. ..................................................................................
Are you happy to shop here?
......................................................................................
Yes.
4. ..................................................................................
Why do you shop here? ......................................................................................
Because it’s cheap. 5. ..................................................................................
Can you get everything you want at Brisco? ......................................................................................
Can’t get good bread. 6. ..................................................................................
......................................................................................
How far away is your home?
7. ..................................................................................
One mile.
......................................................................................
Have you come here by car? 8. ..................................................................................
Yes. ......................................................................................
How much have you just spent?
About £15.
Will you come to Brisco again?
Yes.

5. Look at the things Brian heard and said on Monday. Then complete his conversation with
Colette.
Radio There is going to be heavy rain today.
Brain What’s the problem with the angine?
Mechanic You won’t be able to drive your car without a full check-up at the garage.
Policewoman Your Managing Director was arrested yesterday evening at home.
Brain What has he done?
Policewoman We believe he hasn’t paid any tax for ten years.
Colette What kind of week have you had?
Brain Not great. On Monday, they said on the radio that (1) ………………………………………….. So I
decided to drive to work, rather than take the bike. But my car broke down halfway
there. A guy came quite quickly from a local garage, though. I asked him (2)
………………………………………….. engine, and he said that (3) …………………………………………..
without a full check-up at the garage. So I had to get a taxi to work.
Colette Great start to the week!
Brain Exactly. Then a policewoman visited us at work later the same day. She told us that (4)
………………………………….... home. Of course I wanted to know (5) ……………...……………...……..
wrong. She said that they (6) ………………………………………….. years!

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