REPORTED SPEECH - exercises

STATEMENTS exercise 1
Yesterday you met a friend of yours, Charlie. Charlie told you a lot of things...
1. Im thinking of going to live in Canada.
2. My father is in hospital.
3. Nora and Jim are getting married next month.
4. Ill tell Jim I saw you.
5. I havent seen Bill for a while.
6. Ive been playing tennis a lot recently.
7. I dont know what Fred is doing.
8. I hardly ever go out these days.
9. Tom had an accident last week but he wasnt injured.
10. I saw Jack at a party a few months ago and he seemed fine.
Later that day you tell another friend what Charlie said. Use reported speech.
1. Charlie said (that)
______________________________________________________________
2. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
3. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
4. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
5. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
6. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
7. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
8. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
9. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
10. He said (that)
__________________________________________________________________
exercise 2
In this exercise someone says something to you which is the opposite of what they said
before You have to answer : I thought you said
Example: That restaurant is expensive. I thought you said it wasnt expensive.

1. Ann is coming to the party. I thought you said she

_________________________________________
2. Bill passed his examination. I thought you said
___________________________________________
3. Ann likes Bill. I thought you said
_______________________________________________________
4. Ill be here next week. I thought you said
________________________________________________
5. I can afford a holiday this year. I thought you said
_________________________________________
QUESTIONS exercise:
1. What caused the explosion? The journalist
asked_____________________________________________
2. Has Bill passed his examination? Tom asked
_______________________________________________
3. Where did you play last Sunday? She asked us
_____________________________________________
4. Will you be here next week? Jim asked Ann
________________________________________________
5. What are you doing with your mobile? The teacher asked me
___________________________________________
ORDERS , REQUESTS , ADVICE (conselhos) exercise:
1. Shut the door but dont lock it, she said to us.
She told
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Will you please tell Sam I miss him?, Susan asked me.
Susan
____________________________________________________________________________
3. Can you please speak more slowly ? I cant understand what you are saying , the foreign
girl said to Jim. The foreign girl
____________________________________________________________ , because
_________________________________________________________________________
4. Why dont you make your presentation in power point instead?, the teacher said to us.

The teacher advised

________________________________________________________________
1. Mary "I love chocolate."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ chocolate."
a. loved
b. loves
c. loving
2. Mary: "I went skiing."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ skiing."
a. went
b. had gone
c. have gone
3. Mary: "I will eat steak for dinner."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ eat steak for dinner."
a. willing
b. will
c. would
4. Mary: "I have been to Sydney."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ to Sydney."
a. had been
b. has been
c. was being
5. Mary: "I have had three cars."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ three cars.
a. has
b. has had
c. had had
6. Mary: "I'm going to go to Long Beach."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ going to go to Long Beach."
a. is
b. was
c. went
7. Mary: "I don't like spinach."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ like spinach."
a. doesn't
b. don't
c. didn't
8. Mary: "I have never been to London."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ never been to London."
a. had
b. has
c. have
9. Mary: "I was swimming."
Jill: "Mary said (that) she ___ swimming.
a. has been
b. had been
c. have been
10. Mary: "I had a cat."
Jill: Mary said (that) she had ___ a cat."
a. have
b. has
c. had
A.

Change the following statements into reported speech

1.

I am going to the cinema with my girlfriend.

He said________________________________________________________.

2.

You have bought yourself a lovely new dress!

He told her_____________________________________________________.

3.

They are waiting outside.

He announced__________________________________________________.

4.

I have been smoking too much.

She said_______________________________________________________.

5.

I lost my temper last week.

He said________________________________________________________.

6.

I was as sick as a dog yesterday.

She told me____________________________________________________.

7.

You play the piano very well.

He told her_______________________________________________.

8.

She has given me a birthday gift!

He announced that_________________________________________.

9.

He is sitting right behind me.

I told her that______________________________________________.

10.

I will answer the phone.

He announced that_________________________________________.

B.

Change the following questions into reported speech

1.

"Will Mary arrive by five?" Fred asked me _________________________.

2.

"Did you see that film last month?" Jane asked me __________________.

3.

"Do you want to go to the cinema?" Jill asked me ___________________.

4.

"Are you going to help us?" Jim asked me _________________________.

5.

Where are you going? He asked me_____________________________.

6.

How did you do that? They wanted to know______________________.

7.

Who will come to the cinema with us? They asked_________________.

8.

Why were you so sad an hour ago? She asked me_______

9.

What is the matter? They wondered____________________

10.

How could they be so impatient? I wondered____________

C.

Change the following orders into reported speech

1.

"Sit down." He told me_________________________________.

2.

"Dont put your books away." She ordered me_____________

3.

"Take out your pen." Dan asked me_______________________________.

4.

"Dont smoke here." He told me___________________________________.

5.

"Do well on the pop quiz." She told me____________________________.

Worksheet: Direct to Reported Speech

Change the following sentences from direct to reported speech.
1. "When was the last time you saw her?"
Alice asked
2. "Has Israel sent any films to the Cannes Film Festival this year?"
The film reviewer asked
3. "Did you enjoy her birthday party last night?"
My friend wanted to know
4. "Have you ever dyed your hair?'
Tali asked
5." Roses are my favorite flowers."
Nicole said
6. "Summer in Israel is very hot."
The weather man said
7. " Are you going to visit her in hospital?"
My mother asked
8. "I have a collection of masks hanging on the wall."
Nicole told her friend
9. "Can you dance the Salsa?"
The dancing instructor asked
10. "May I please be excused?"
The pupil politely asked the teacher
11. "Will you give me her phone number so I can phone her later?"
Gil asked me
12. "I am looking forward to seeing you soon."
Sam said
13. "Drive carefully!"
My mother told me
14. "I hope you will do well on the English exam next week."
Nicole said
15. "Where have I put my glasses?"
My grandmother asked

16. "Why can't I ever switch on this television?"

Talia wanted to know
Test 1. Complete the reported speech sentences using the verb given.
1) Why dont you sit down for a moment? -She suggested...........
2) I could make you something to eat if you like- She offered........
3) Im feeling hungry, actually. - I admitted.............
4) Im sorry that I was so late. - I apologized...........
5) What happened? - She asked him........
6) I got stuck in the traffic. - I told her........
7) Now dont forget you have to practice every day. - She reminded me........
8) Of course. Ill practice every afternoon after school. -I promised........
9) And dont leave your books at school again! - She warned me...........
10) If I were you, I wouldnt spend so much time playing computer games. -She advised
me.........
11) Lets go to the cinema tonight. - She suggested........
12) Dont drive through the center of town. -He advised his wife.........
13) I definitely didnt leave the window open! - He denied........
14) Could you please have the papers ready by 11 oclock? - He asked his secretary............
15) Dont do that again, or therell be trouble. - The teacher warned........
16) Dont forget to switch off the lights before you leave. - She reminded.........
17) Youve stolen my pen! Give it back! -Peter accused........
18) Come to my birthday party on Saturday. - He invited.........
19) Im sorry I ever took your advice. - She regretted........
20) I will not eat this pizza- Ann refused..........
Test 2. Complete each sentence in reported speech, using these verbs:
promised,
suggested, insisted, refused, accused, explained,
advised

said,

1) Why dont we go for a walk?

2) I wasnt anywhere near the scene of

6) I gave you my homework last week.

7) Could you come and pick me up from

the crime.
3) This spot is the best place for a
picnic.
4) The swallows return every spring and
fly past my window.
5) Can you answer the phone? Im
having a shower!

school today, dad?

8) If I were you, I wouldnt drink so
much.
9) I wont help you because you didnt
help me.
10) Ill bring it back tomorrow.

asked,

Test 3. Complete each sentence in reported speech.

1) The camera needs two batteries. -The instructions say........
2) Ive finished the letters you asked me to write. - Jill said........
3) Pandas live in China. - The teacher said........
4) Its time for bed. - Dad says.......
5) I have to tidy my bedroom now. - Toby said...........
6) I should have bought her a present. - He said.....
7) Coal is found underground. -He said........
8) You ought to go to the doctors. -She said to her son......
9) If I had more time, I would take up a hobby.- Eric told me.......
10) If I hadnt parked my car on a double yellow line, I wouldnt have got a ticket. - Sam
said.......
11) Dinner is ready. -Mum says......
12) If I were you, I would save some money. -She told me......
13) Kangaroos live in Australia- She told them.......
14) I can help you tidy the attic on Saturday. _Karen said to Joe......
15) You could be right. -I said....

16) I live in St. Petersburg. -She told me.........

17) I watch TV every day. -She has said that........../ -She will say that............
18) Where is Natali? - Sam wanted to know.............
19) What do you want?- John asked ...........
20) When I saw them they were playing tennis. - He said that.........

Test 4. Turn the following into reported speech.

1) You must hand in your homework tomorrow morning, our teacher said to us.
2) I dont want to go to school today, Sammy said to his mother.
3) Ill buy some milk on my way home from work, said John.
4) Tommy hasnt finished eating his dinner , Lucy said to Roy.
5) My mother can look after the children next week, Sue said to Harry.
6) Tony was practicing the clarinet last night, his father said.
7) The last time I saw Jean was two months ago, Diane said.
8) Mr. White comes to my cafe for a cup of coffee every morning, Don said.
9) Eric has just opened his new shop, Ian said to Ben.
10) You must pay the bills on Monday, Clare said to Alan.
Test 5. Turn the following into reported speech.
1) Did you go to Bills party last night? asked Mark.
2) Have you ever been to Italy? she asked me.
3) Will you drive me to work today? Carla asked Richard.
4) Do you like reading the cartoons section of the newspaper? Brad asked Susan.
5) Where does he live? he wondered.
6) When did you graduate from university? Laura asked Tanya.
7) Do you know how to use the internet? our teacher asked us.
8) Can I go to the cinema this weekend? she asked her mother.
9) Why is he so late for our appointment? Sara wondered.
10) How old were you when you first travelled on an airplane? Sally asked me.
11) Will you take the dog for a walk? asked Fred.
12) Where did you go on Saturday night? Paul asked Tina.
Test 6. Turn the following into reported speech.
1) Do you enjoy being a writer?
6) Have you travelled to many exotic
2) What was your first book about?
places?
3) How many books have you written?
7) Who is your favorite author?
4) Have any of your books been
8) Which actors would you like to star in
bestsellers?
a film based on one of your books?
5) Do you do a lot of research for your
9) What is your latest book called?
books?
Test 7. Match the direct speech sentences in column A with the appropriate introductory
verbs
in column B. Then turn the sentences into reported speech.
a) threaten
1) Im sorry I didnt follow the instructions.
b) invite
2) You should see a doctor right away.
c) refuse
3) Ill look after your plants while youre away.
d) ask
4) Stay away from the cliff.
e) apologise
5) Would you like to go on a picnic with us.
f) advise
6) No, I wont lend you my bicycle.
7) Lets meet for lunch at the Bistro.
g) warn
h) remind
8) Ill call the police if you dont turn down the
i) promise
music.
j) suggest
9) Dont forget to lock the kitchen door.
10) Could you tell us whats on todays menu?
Test 8. Turn the following into reported speech.

1) You should enter the poetry competition, Helen said to me.

2) No, I didnt take your credit card, Rick said to Kim.
3) I have noisy dogs in my neighborhood, George said.
4) You cheated in the Math test, Mr. Nicholas said to Mike.
5) You meet clean your room tomorrow, Mum said to me.
6) Im the fastest runner of all, Carl said.
7) Tell me why you didnt do your homework, Mrs. Rees said to Cindy.
8) I saw a tall man with blond hair break into the shop, Mr. Parker said.
9) You mustnt drive my car without asking me first, Dad said to me.
10) Yes, I used your mobile phone, Max said to Donna.

Test 9. Turn the following into reported speech by using the appropriate verb.
1) In the beginning, the Beatles performed music influenced by American rocknroll and
rhythm-and-blues.( reminded the public/warned) The expert...............................
2) Butter melts in the heat. (suggested /explained) The teacher...................
3) We are not complaining about our working conditions. (accused/ denied) They...............
4) We may need to limit financial aid to a handful of students. ( refused/ admitted
The school officials..........................
5) The terrorist attacks on the US will result in retaliation and war. (offered/ warned)
The US president.............
6) Why havent they followed the instructions in the manual? (claimed/ wondered)
The employer...............
7) OK, I will show you the places worth seeing in our town. (agreed/insisted) My pen friend......
8) Tom, you have committed a serious offence. (accused/threatened) The policeman............
9) Teenage rebelliousness is a natural part of growing up. (promised/ suggested)
The psychologist....................
10) Prices rose dramatically under the previous government. (insisted/ inquired)
The new Prime Minister................
Test 10. Turn the following into reported speech by using the appropriate verb.
Accused, admitted,
asked,
refused, reminded , suggested ,

denied,
warned

explained,

inquired,

promised,

Teacher: How is everybody today? Did you all remember to bring in your homework
assignment?
Michael: I havent got mine. My mother came down with malaria yesterday.
Teacher: You are pulling my leg again, Michael! I wont put up with your miserable excuses any
more!
Michael: Im not lying. You can call the hospital to check.
Teacher: I wont do it, Michael. Stop wasting everyones time! Enough is enough! Remember
youll
all be sitting the exam next month.
Michael: OK,OK, Im sorry. Ill bring my homework assignment tomorrow.
1) The teacher asked the class...............................
2) She also.........................
3) Michael.........................
4) He..................................
5) The teacher....................
6) She also...........................
7) Michael............................
8) He also..............................
9) The teacher.......................
10) She also............................
11) He......................................
Test 11. Turn the following into reported speech.
1) Im tired , he said . I didnt sleep properly last night.

2) Its cold in here, she said. Shall I light a fire?

3) Ann: I must go. Im late.

4)
5)

6)
7)

Dave: Whats the hurry?

Ann: Ive got an important meeting. It starts in twenty minutes.
Have you finished your report? she said. The boss wants it now.
Sam: Can you help me? Im lost.
Gill: Where do you want to go?
Sam: Ive got a meeting at the Town Hall. Its on Regency Road.
Im bored, said Kate. Shall we do for a walk?
Tom: I havent got time to have lunch today.
Peter: Why not?
Tom: Ive got a lot of work to do for the presentation. It starts at 3 oclock.