2. Rewrite the statements into reported speech

1. Tony said: “I don’t want to eat this soup!”

e.g. Tony said (that) he didn’t want to eat that soup.

2. Mandy said: “There was a serious car crash yesterday.”

3. My friends said: “We’re going on holiday next month.”

4. The radio said: “The team has scored 3 goals today.”

5. Mum said: “You must phone me as soon as you arrive.”

6. Alice said: “I’ve prepared breakfast this morning.”

7. My mum said: “We really enjoy living here.”

8. I said: “Your postcard hasn’t arrived, Paul.”

9. The receptionist said: “The doctor won’t come here until six.”

10. Pam said: “It’s the best cheese cake I’ve ever eaten.”

11. The girls said: “Yesterday’s party was quite boring.”

12. Mel said: “The children will be here in a minute.”

3. In which of the following sentences do the tenses not change? Why? Then, turn the following statements from direct into reported speech.

1. “I’ll paint the house next week,” he says.

e.g. Tenses do not change because the introductory verb is in the Present Simple. He says (that) he will paint the house.

2. “A giraffe is bigger than a mouse,” he said.

3. “I’ve put the washing in the washing machine,” Rose said.

4. “I haven’t phoned my uncle since last month,” she says.

5. “We haven’t seen Tom for two weeks,” she said.

6. “Birds can fly,” the student said.

7. “He’s studying for an exam now,’ she said.

8. “Leaves fall from the trees in autumn,” he said.

9. “We visited the circus last weekend,” they said.

10. “She dropped the vase on the floor,” Tony said.

11. “He took the money to the bank this morning,” she said.

12. “The Earth moves round the Sun,” the teacher said.

4. Rewrite the questions into reported speech.

1. I said: “Were you in time for the conference, Tom?”

e.g. I asked Tom if/whether he had been in time for the conference.

2. The traveller said: “When does the next train leave?”

3. Marry said: “Have you ever eaten insects, Terry?”

4. I said: “How many brothers have you got, Anne?”

5. Martha said: “Did you see Peter yesterday, Tom?”

6. Dad said: “Is there anything I can do to help you, Tim?”

7. My sister said: “When are we having dinner out, today or tomorrow?”

8. I said: “Does Mary sometimes visit you, Linda?”

9. Carl said: “How often do you meet your friends, Dick?”

10. Mum said: “Have you prepared tomorrow’s essay, Sam?”

11. Sally said: “Will you email me while you are abroad, Liz?”

12. I said: “How much money can you lend to buy your birthday present, dad?”

5. Use special structures to report the sentences.

1. Sam said: “Shall I open the door for you?” (offer)

e.g. Sam offered me to open the door.

2. Mum said: “You can go out after lunch, children.” (allow)

3. Andy said: “How about sending an email to Paul?” (suggest)

4. We said: “Would you like to come for dinner tonight, Pam?” (invite)

5. Alan said: “I won’t forget to send you a postcard, Carol.” (promise)

6. Susan said: “Can you please pass me the pen, Tim?” (ask)

7. Father said: “Tidy your room, Pete.” (tell)

8. Mother said: “Don’t make any noise” (tell)

9. Kate said: “Please, stay a little longer.” (ask)

10. The police officer said: “Don’t play near the road, children! (warn)

11. The doctor said: “Open your mouth and show me your tongue, Tom!” (tell)

12. Mother said: “Sit down at the table and do your homework.” (order)