Illustrative Situations

The tense of the verb in the original sentence normally changes when this statement is reported as a past event.

a) b) c)

Original statement Reported statement

a) "The road is closed". I told you the road was closed.

b) "They are repairing it." I told you they were repairing it.

c) "The bridge has collapsed." I told you the bridge had col-

lapsed.

d) "No one can cross it." I told you no one could cross it.

While the tense-change shown above is normal, it need not be made if, for example, the speaker wishes to emphasize that the situation described in the actual words spoken still exists and it can also be applied to the time of reporting. Thus:

the road is closed, they are repairing it. the bridge has collapsed, no one can cross it. Bob: I'm tired.

Jim: What did you say?

Bob: I said I'm tired.

In this situation the tense of the verb is not changed because the reported statement is given very soon after the original statement. Olga: Can I miss class tomorrow?

Teacher: What did you say?

Olga: I asked if I can (or could) miss class tomorrow.

The reported statement is near the time and place of the original statement.

Dick:

Present report: Immediate past report: Remote past report: Mary to Jane a month ago: Jane to Lucy a month later:

I'm ready to leave.

Dick says he's ready to leave.

Dick said he's ready to leave. Dick said he was ready to leave. My mother is seriously ill.

Last month I met Mary. She was hurrying to the hospital. She said her mother was seriously ill.

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She was very upset. Yesterday Mary rang me up and said her mother is quite well now. (the event is past, the situation has changed.) Mary to Jane today: My mother is seriously ill. Jane to Lucy on the same day:

— Mary said her mother is seriously ill. She is down with pneumonia.

— I'm very sorry.

(the situation hasn't changed, its relevancy at the present

moment is emphasized).

Jane to her teacher explaining why she was late for class: On my way I met I friend of mine. She looked very upset. She said her mother was seriously ill. I had to stop to talk to her. (Jane merely states the fact of something previously said without emphasizing its relevancy.)

— Why didn't you wait for me?

— You said you were not ready and I was in a hurry, (the event is past)

— Let's call on Alec.

— I don't think he is at home. Robert told me the other day he was in Moscow.

(there is a lapse of time, the situation might have changed)

— Glad to see you, Alec. Peter said you were in Moscow.

— I've just returned.

(the situation has changed)

— Mr Smith told me today he knows five foreign languages.

— Yes, and he speaks three of them fluently, (the situation still exists).

The tense of the original statement is usually not changed when the speaker reports a historical fact or general truth: He said Florida is (or was) in the south-eastern United States. Tom said New York is (or was) bigger than London. I said my name is (or was) Earnest.

Notice that in these situations it is also correct to change the verb into the past. But you must use a past tense when there is a difference between what was said and what is really true. Study this example situation:

You meet Ann. She said: "Jim is ill."

Later that day you see Jim playing tennis and looking well. You say: "I'm surprised to see you playing tennis. Ann said you were ill." (not "you are ill", because he isn't ill).

Here are some more example situations:

(John to Clara at a dance)

You are the prettiest girl I've ever met.

Clara to her friend on the morning after the dance:

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John told me I'm the prettiest girl he has ever met. (It is unlikely that he has met a prettier girl in the interval). But if Clara reports the conversation to a friend after a considerable interval of time, she will probably (unless she is very vain) say:

John told me I was the prettiest girl he had ever met.

While the present tense may be retained if John reports his own words on the same night he has uttered them, he will not preserve the present tense if he is speaking on the following morning:

I told her she was the prettiest girl I had ever met.

He may still feel that she is the prettiest girl he has ever met, but for him the compliment is less immediate than it is for her: she is interested in the substance of what he said — she treasures the compliment and she hears him still saying it; he recollects the fact of saying it, an event irrevocably in the past, and he naturally gives it a past tense.

This point of immediacy or remoteness of interest arises even in cases when the permanence of the situation is absolute. For Mrs Smith the category of her own blood group is a matter of pressing concern at any point of time from the moment when she first learns it from the doctor:

The doctor told me my blood group is B.

Mr Smith, a loving husband, may identify his interests so entirely with those of his wife that he also will invariably use the present tense. But a mere observer will report:

The doctor told Mrs Smith her blood group was B. Study some more example situations:

— Where is Susan?

— Jack said she is still working in the library. He has just seen her there.

(the situation hasn't changed.)

— John said he's leaving for Warsaw tonight.

— I'm going to see him off. (a future event is expressed)

— Who told you I was going to change my job?

— I don't remember.

— Wasn't it Peter?

— Yes, perhaps it was.

— What put that idea into his head, I wonder.

(there is a difference between what was said and what is really true)

— Mike said he would come and help me with my maths but he didn't.

— Don't you know that he has left for Moscow? (the event is past)

— Peter said we shall have a meeting now. Do you know where?

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— In room 25. (the event is future)

Note: Would is generally used even when the event referred to is not yet past)

— Did you speak to Jack yesterday?

— Yes, I did.

— What did he say?

— He said he would finish the scheme next week.

— Dick promised that he would repair my taperecorder tomorrow.

— Last month he promised he would repair my radio-set but he never did.

— Do you know the amazing news? Peter rang me up today and said he has won a car in the lottery!

— Isn't he lucky!

(relevancy, immediacy of interest; seldom used)

Steve told me he saw Lucy yesterday.

Mrs Smith said she moved here two years ago.

(the idea of priority is of no importance, the statements are

reported near the time and place of the original statements.)

ADVERBS AND DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS IN REPORTED SPEECH

Demonstrative pronouns and

adverbs of proximity in time

and space

this (these)

today

this morning (week, month,

summer)

now

here

tomorrow

next week (month, year)

ago

some days (weeks, months,

hours) ago

yesterday

last week (month, Sunday, etc.)

Study these example situations: I passed my final (Peter to you today)

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Demonstrative pronouns and adverbs of remoteness in time and space that (those) that day

that morning (week, month, summer) then there

the next (the following) day the next week (month, year) before

some days (weeks, months, hours) before

the day before, the previous day the previous week (month, Sun­day, etc.) or the week (month, year, etc.) before

exam yesterday. (Peter to you last week)

Peter told me he passed his final exam yesterday.

I saw Peter last Friday and he told me he had passed his final exam the day before, (the pre­vious day)

I shall phone you tomorrow.

(Mike to you today)

Mike promised he would phone

me tomorrow.

(Mike to you last Monday) Mike promised me (last Mon­day) he would phone me the next (the following) day but he didn't.

I am going to England next month.

(Alec to you two days ago) Alec told me he's going to En­gland next month.

(Alec to you three months ago) When I saw Alec he said he was going to England the next (the following) month.

My brother is coming tonight.

(Peter to you today) (Peter to you some days ago)

Peter told me his brother is When I met Peter the other day coming tonight. he said his brother was coming

that night.

I lost my watch some days ago. (Peter to you today) (Peter to you last month)

Peter told me today he lost his watch some days ago.

Peter told me (last month) he had lost his watch some days before.

I saw Jane last week.

(Mike to you yesterday)

Mike told me yesterday he saw

Jane last week.

(Mike to you last month) When I met Mike last month he told me he had seen Jane the previous week.

I'm very busy today.

(Peter to you today)

Peter said he's very busy today.

(Peter to you some days ago) I invited Peter to the cinema last Monday but he said he was very busy that day.

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(Robert to Alec on Monday): I'm leaving tomorrow.

(Alec on the same day): Robert said he's leaving tomorrow.

(Alec on Tuesday): Robert said he is leaving today.

(Alec on Wednesday): Robert said he was leaving yesterday.

(Alec on Thursday): Robert told me on Monday he was leaving

the next day. (the following day)

(Mike's mother to you): He is at the Institute now.

I've just called on Mike. His When I called on Mike yester-

mother said he's at the Institute day evening his mother said he

now. was at the Institute at that time.

(then)

(Your friend Victor to you on leaving Minsk for Kiev): I'll come

here again next summer.

(You to your mother): Victor (Victor to his friend in Kiev):

promised that he would (will) I spent this summer at my

come here again next summer. friend's in Minsk and I promi­sed I'd come there again next summer.

Practice

/. Analyse the use of tenses in reported speech:

I. "I do not deny it. I simply said there is no winter sport in Montreux." (E. Hemingway) 2. "I told you what's been going on for five years- and you didn't know." (F. S. Fitzgerald) 3. That morning the major in charge of the ward asked me if I felt I could travel the next day. I said I could. (E. Hemingway) 4. "Did you tell him that I'm on the vestry?" (B. Shaw) 5. "I told her all about it by the way." "I thought you would." (A. Christie) 6. "I stopped to ask if you were better. They told me you were on duty, so I asked to see you." (E. Hemingway) 7. "The man was surprised. He said he'd never seen Charles in the card-room." (S. Maugham) 8. "She simply said that she's going to church with me." (J. Osborne) 9. "Remember, I wrote you, that he smashed up the car again?" (A. Miller) 10. "I told you I'd get her here and I have." (A. Christie) 11. She warned him that he would have to go, waited for a second and then opened the door wide. (E. O'Brien) 12. "He told me if he could not have dinner with you, he would come here." (G. Green) 13. She wondered if he'd told Miranda where he'd been. (E. O'Brien) 14. Then he smiled and said she had the sort of voice he could listen to all the night. (E. O'Brien) 15. "Did she not tell you I promised her to do so?" (B. Shaw) 16. "Did Denis tell you that Quixote has gone lame- poor boy's had no riding these lovely fine days." (K. O'Brien) 17. He thought, like you, that whisky is a good tonic! (E. O'Neill) 18. I said that I didn't want to

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gо abroad. I said I wanted to stay in England. (A. Christie) 19. "She didn't come back. Somebody said they saw her driving away with an elderly man." (A. Christie) 20. "But talking of that fortune you've promised me. You did say it'll come while I'm still young to enjoy it?" (M. Thomas) 21. "Hawkins told me yesterday he's taken thirty wasps' nests this summer." (A. Christie) 22. Mrs Inglethorp replied that this was an excellent idea, but as she had

k several letters to write she would drop us there, and we could come __back with Cynthia in the pony-trap. (A. Christie) 23. "Did you tell

him his tea was ready?" (J. Osborne) 24. "It was lucky, she said, -that I'd come now." (A. Christie) 25. "Catherine asked me to tell you she was sorry she-couldn't see you this evening." (E. Heming­way) 26. "You told Arthur's mother I'd broken my leg." "It was only a joke." 27. "I told you, didn't I, that Mr Inglethorp has returned?" (A. Christie) 28. "I promised I'd give her the money tomorrow." (S. Maugham) 29. "Did he tell you that he'd used my riding whip on me?" (J. Galsworthy) 30. "Then I hope he told you that my name is Edward, not Willy." (L. Hellman) 31. "Hey! I'm sorry! You hear me? ... 1 said I'm sorry. ... I told you I'm sorry." (T. Williams) 32. "We know what you said." "I said that I did so by request." (T. Dreiser) 33. "We told Miss Mackay how much you liked art." (M. Spark) 34. "Denery told her he saw me in the travel agency. I was sure he would." (L. Hellman) 35. She promised that she would come and see him sometimes and that she would never forget him. (S. Maugham) 36. He said yesterday that he will not be buying a copy of the "Who's Who?" 37. "He said to tell you he's a journalist, sir." (M. Thomas) 38. "She said we see more of you here on your summer vacation than she sees all year round in New Orleans." (L. Hellman)

//. In this situation someone says something to you which is ' opposite of what they said before. You have to answer: I thought you said... e.g. That restaurant is expensive.

I thought you said it wasn't expensive.

1. Ann is coming to the party. 2. Bill passed his exam. 3. I can afford a holiday this year. 3. Steve likes chess. 4. Gemma wants to join us. 5. It often rains here. 6. Victor is keen on theatre. 7. Jane wants to take part in the expedition. 8. I know her address, e.g. — Sorry, but I cannot come with you.

— But you said yesterday you could come with me.

— Yes, I said I could but now I can't, e.g. — They won't join us, you know.

— But they said they would.

— Yes, they said they would but they've changed their minds. 1. Sorry, I cannot do it for you. 2. Alice will not take part in the

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concert. 3. Sorry, but I can't join you. 4. Dick won't be present. 5. Sorry, but I can't lend you my bicycle. 6 Sorry, but I can't go on this excursion. 7. Betty won't stay with us. 8. Dick won't go fishing with us tomorrow. 9. I'm sorry but I can't help you. e.g. — When 1 was in the Crimea!

— But you told me you hadn't been in (to) the Crimea! 1. When I was in London... 2. When I studied French.... 4. When Alec was in the Caucasus.... 5. When Jane phoned me.... 6. When Dick lived in Paris....

///. In this situation there is a difference between what was said and what is really true. e.g. Ann says "I'm tired". Ten minutes later she says "Let's play

tennis". What do you say?

You said you were tired.

1. Your friend says "I'm hungry", so you go to a restaurant. When you get there he says "I don't want to eat." What do you say? 2. Tom tells you "Ann has gone away". Later that day you meet her. What do you say? 3. Mike says "I don't smoke." Later that day you see him smoking. 4. You arranged to meet Jack. He said "I won't be late." At last he arrives 20 minutes late. What do you say? 5. Kate said "I can't come to the party tonight." That night you saw her at the party. What do you say? 6. "The food is very good in that restaurant" were your friend's exact words, so you both went there but neither of you liked the cooking. What do you say? 7. "I know the way" Robert said. You both got lost. What do you say?

IV. In this situation there is a difference between what you thought and what is really true:

^e-g- — I go to work by bus. (tube)

— 1 thought you went to work by tube. 1. I drink coffee, (tea) 2. He smokes cigars, (a pipe) 3. I leave home at 8. (9) 4. I start work at 9. (10) 5. I eat in the canteen, (in a restaurant) 6. 1 get up at 6. (7) 7. He writes detective stories, (love stories) 8. The tram leaves at 4. (4.30) 9. I come from Scotland. (Wales) 10. I play tennis, (golf) 11. I collect coins, (stamps) 12.1 agree with Peter. (Paul) 13.1 always have lunch with Andrew. (George) 14. I paint in water-colours, (oils) 15. He prefers Ann. (Mary) 16. I cook it in butter, (oil) 17. He sells taperecorders. (radios) 18. I teach English. (French) 19. I live in Washington (New York)

V. Report the original statements in the following situations:

Situation: The girl asked Tom about the film. "Wonderful" he

said. He told her it was wonderful. 1. Robert asked his teacher about his mark in the test. "Very

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bad" was the answer. 2. "You are a very good student" the teacher said. Robert was pleased. 3. The doctor looked at Jane and said: "You have a very bad cold!" 4. The doctor looked at Tony and said: "You are too fat!" 5. Mrs Butler put another cigarette in her mouth. It was her 30 th that day. "You smoke too much" her husband said. 6. The mechanic looked at Bert's car and said: "The engine is worn out!" 7. Jane was already in the pool. "The water's very warm" she shouted, so Tony jumped in. 8. The sales­man wanted f 5000 for the car. "The price is too high" Sam said and walked out of the shop. 9. The teenager wanted a drink but the barman looked at him and said: "You are too young." 10. Jane asked the time. "It's five o'clock" was Mary's answer. 11. In the middle of the test Robert said: "I have a terrible headache." The teacher's answer was: "All right. You can go out." 12. Mr Brown's watch was broken, so he asked his friend the time. "3.30" was the answer. "I'm awfully sorry but I have to go now. I have an appoint­ment." 13. "I have done my test" Bill said. "You may go out" said his teacher.

VI. Choose the right word:

1. A few days (before, ago) we celebrated my mother's fifty-fifth birthday. She was sorry her cousin wasn't present. He had gone away on business (yesterday, the day before). 2. I gave my friend my dictionary (last week, the week before) and he promised to return it (tomorrow, the next day). He kept his promise. 3. (Last month, the previous month) I saw John. He looked sun­burnt. He had returned from the south (last week, the previous week). 4. Dick spent last Sunday in the country. He said he had worked hard (today, that day). 5. I saw Mary at 5 (yesterday, the day before). She said she was very busy (now, then). 6. When I was at Victor's some days (ago, before) he showed me a good dictiona­ry. He said he had bought (this, that) dictionary in England. 7. I've just phoned Bill. I learned that he is leaving (tonight, that night). 8. I met John at the library some days ago. He said he would come (here, there) again (tomorrow, the following day).

VII. Report the following statements:

1. Mike to Peter (on Friday): My brother is coming tonight. Peter to Kate (on the same day): Peter to Kate (on Saturday): Peter to Kate (a week later):

2. Mary to Dick (on Tuesday): I saw Harry yesterday. Dick to Jane (on the same day): Dick to Jane (on Wednesday): Dick to Jane (a week later):

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3. John to Lucy (on Monday): I'm taking my English exam to­morrow.

Lucy to Tom (on the same day): Lucy to Tom (on Tuesday): Lucy to Tom (on Wednesday): Lucy to Tom (on Saturday):

4. Betsy to Kate (on Monday): I'm very busy today. Kate to Tom (on the same day):

Kate to Tom (a few days later):

5. Fred to Steve (on Saturday): I wrote to my mother this morning. Steve to Bill (on the same day):

Steve to Bill (on Sunday):

6. Mary (pointing to a table near a window): I left the book there Joan (standing by the window):

Joan (explaining the situation to another):

7. Helen to Mary (on Monday morning): I'm free now. Mary to Barbara (a few minutes later):

VIII. Use the following sentences in situations: e.g. She said she had returned from Italy the previous week.

Last month I met my friend Lucy. I hadn't seen her for a long time. She said she had returned from Italy the previous week. 1. He said he is leaving tonight. 2. He said he had consulted a doctor the day before. 3. He said she is in hospital now. 4. He said he would spend his holidays there again. 5. She told me she saw an interesting film yesterday. 6. He said he would be leaving for Moscow that night. 7. She said she would go to the south this sum­mer. 8. He told me he had bought a car the previous week. 9. He promised he would fix it the next day. 10. She said he was in the library at that time. 11. She said she will be taking her exam tomor­row. 12. She said she would go away on business next week. 13. She said she received a parcel last week. 14. He said he's going to visit Bill today.

IX. Yesterday you met a friend of yours, Charlie. He told you a lot of things. Here are some of the things he said to you:

I'm thinking of going to live in Canada.

My father is in hospital.

Nick and Jane are getting married next month.

I haven't seen Bill for a while.

I've been playing tennis a lot lately.

Later that day you tell another friend what Charlie said. Use

reported speech.

X. Alan is coming to spend a few days with the Smiths. He pho

nes from the station. Betty Smith answers.

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a) She reports Alan's remarks to her husband while the conversation is still going on.

A: I'm phoning from the station.

B: He says he's phoning from the station.

b) This time, Betty reports the conversation later. B: He said he was phoning from the station.

1. I've just arrived. 2. The train was late. 3. The station is packed with football fans from my home town. 4. I can hardly hear you: they are making such a noise. 5. I'll try to get a taxi. 6. But this may take some time as all the football fans want taxis too.

7. 1 may have to leave my luggage in the station and get a bus.

8. I hope to be with you in about an hour. 9. I have a French girl with me called Marie Celeste. 10. Her brother asked me to look after her. 11. We're waiting for her friends but I don't see any sign of them. 12. If they don't turn up I'll have to bring Marie with me. 13. I hope you won't mind. 14. I'm sure you'll like her. 15. She is the most charming girl I have ever met. 16. I'm going to try to get her a job in my college. 17. It's very good of you to put me up. 18. I'm afraid I can only stay three days. 19. I'm looking forward to seeing you again very much. 20. I've got lots of messages for you from my family.

Fluency

1. Listen to the conversations and answer the questions:

1. Reporter: Have you just made a new film, Miss Marsh? Miss Marsh: Yes, I have. Reporter: Are you going to make another? . Miss Marsh: No, I'm not. I'm going to retire. I feel very tired. I don't want to make another film for a long time. Kate: Let's buy a newspaper, Millie. Listen to this: "Ka-

ren Marsh: Sensational News! by our reporter, Alan Jones. Miss Karen Marsh arrived at London airport today. She was wearing a blue dress and a mink coat. She told me she had just made a new film. She said she was not going to make another. She said she was going to retire. She told repor­ters she felt very tired and didn't want to make another film for a long time." Millie: Well, fancy that, Kate!

Questions: Has Miss Marsh just made a new film? What is Miss Marsh going to do? Why doesn't Miss Marsh want to make another film? Who bought a newspaper? Where did Miss Marsh arrive? What was Miss Marsh wearing? What did the reporter write about Miss Marsh?

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2. Reporter: Are you really going to retire, Miss Marsh? ' •'* i Miss Marsh: I may. I can't make up my mind. I shall have to ask my future husband. He won't let me make another film.

Reporter: Your future husband, Miss Marsh? Miss Marsh: Yes. Let me introduce him to you. His name is

Carlos. We shall get married next week

Kate: Look, Millie! Here's another report about Miss

Marsh.

Listen: "Karen Marsh: The Latest. At her London Hotel today Miss Marsh told reporters she might retire. She said she couldn't make up her mind. She said she would have to ask her future hus­band. She said her future husband would not let her make another film. Then she introduced us to Carlos and told us they would get married next week."

Millie: That's sensational news, isn't it, Kate?

Kate: It certainly is. He'll be her sixth husband!

Questions: Is Miss Marsh really going to retire, or is she still not sure? She can't make up her mind, can she? What is the name of her future husband? When will they get married? Did Miss Marsh introduce Carlos to the reporters? How did the reporter describe the news?

Elton Kash, pop star "I'm not staying in England long.

I'm on my way to the United States.

I'm going to record another album.

I've written ten new songs. I like recording in Detroit. I made my last album there. I'll be in Detroit for six weeks."

Stanley Walsh, ex-footballer "I don't like reporters. They've written a lot of lies about me.

They destroyed my marriage. I've got a new career. I'm tired of football. I'll never play in England again. I can't say anything more."

///. Listen to the texts and do some exercises on the texts:

Julia and Jim, her boyfriend, are outside a restaurant. Julia wants to know something before they go in.

"Are you sure it's a good restaurant?"

"Oh, yes!" Jim is saying. "I've been here before. It's very good. I know the owner and I always get good service."

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1. Where are Julia and Jim?

2. Correct the statements:

a) Jim says it is a bad place.

b) He says he has never been here before.

c) He says he does not know anyone.

d) He says he never gets good service.

Jim and Julia have been in the restaurant for an hour and they still have not been served. Julia is angry. "You said this was a good place!" she is saying. "You said that you had been here before! You said you knew the owner and always got good service!"

1. Where are Julia and Jim?

2. Ask "How long...?" and answer.

3. Why is Julia angry?

4. What did Jim say before they came?

a) good place b) before

c) the owner d) good service

It is lucky Julia takes the same bus every morning and knows the conductor. This is their conversation this morning:

"I'm sorry. I've left my money at home."

"It doesn't matter. You can pay tomorrow." Unfortunately an inspector is going to get on the bus at the next stop.

1. Why is it lucky she knows the conductor? 2. What are her exact words? 3. What are the conductor's exact words? 4. What is going to happen at the next stop?

The inspector got on a minute ago and he wants to see everyone's ticket. Julia is explaining why she has not got one.

"I told the conductor I had left my money at home. He told me it did not matter and that I could pay tomorrow." 1. What does the inspector want to do' 2. What is Julia doing? 3. What did she tell the conductor? 4. What did he tell her?

Tom is going into town and Susan wants him to do something for her there.

"It's my mother's birthday tomorrow. Will you get her some flowers in town? She loves roses."

Tom is saying: "Don't worry. I'll get her some. I won't forget." 1. What does Susan want Tom to do? 2. Ask why! (and answer) 3. Ask and answer these questions! a) When/birthday b) What sort of flowers 4. What is Tom saying?

Tom has come back from town but he has forgotten to get the roses. Susan is very upset.

"I told you it was my mother's birthday tomorrow and that she loved roses. You said you would get her some' You said you wouldn't forget!"

1. Ask why Susan is upset! (and answer) 2. What did she tell him? 3. What did he say?

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Self check

/. Use the proper tense forms.

When I (ring up) my friend he (prepare) for his trip. He (say) that he (pack) everything but he (not, buy) a ticket yet. I (promise) him that I (help) him. I (be free) and I (can) go to the booking-office. He (thank) me and (add) that he (be grateful) to me. At 3 o'clock I (bring) his ticket and my friend (start) for the railway station.

Mrs Hudson (be) about 40 when she (begin) to feel pains in the heart. She (go) to the doctor and (tell) him that she (not, feel) well for the last two months. The doctor (ask) her if she (have) a lot of work about the house. She (say) she (have) a large family — 2 sons and 3 daughters to look after. Her husband (die) two years before. Her younger son, Mike, (fall) ill the previous week and she (be afraid) he (not, get well) soon. Her elder son, Earnest, (join) the army some days before. The doctor (advise) Mrs Hudson not to work so hard. He said she must take care of herself because her heart (be) really weak. She said it (not, be) easy but she (do) her best.

One day an old lady (happen) to be passing by a lunatic asylum. Seeing one of the lunatics she (stop) to talk to him. After they (talk) for some time the old lady (observe) that she (not, think) he (be) mad at all. The man (assure) that he certainly (not, be). He (say) that his relatives (send) him there just to get rid of him. The old lady (promise) that she (look) into the matter and (go) down the road. Suddenly a big piece of wood (hit) her in the back of her neck. She (turn) round and (see) the lunatic waving at her, so she (ask) what (be wrong). Nothing, he said, he merely (want) to remind her.

John Robinson just (return) home from the Continent and (have) a rest at his home in the suburbs of London after a long trip by air. A friend of his, whose name was James Dobson, (ring) him up saying that he (be) glad his friend (arrive) home safely and that he would like to see John at his place on the following day. John said he (feel) a bit tired after a long journey across Europe and (be, not) sure he (be able) to come.

UNIT 13 TOPIC: FINDING THE WAY

COMMUNICATION: GRATITUDE. ARRESTING SOMEONE'S ATTENTION.

TEXT. PUBLIC TRANSPORT

A taxi, sometimes called a cab, is the most comfortable way to travel. You simply hail a taxi in the street or go to a taxi-rank where there are several taxis waiting, for example, at a station. At the end of your journey you can see how much the fare is by looking at the meter. You add a tip to this, and that's all. Very simp­le. But expensive!

What about taking a bus? It has two floors, it's called a double-decker and you can get a good view from the top. If it has only one floor, it's called a single-decker. Most buses have a two-person crew: the driver who drives, of course, and the conductor (or the conductress if it's a woman) who takes your money. Keep your ti­cket because an inspector might want to check it. You catch a bus by waiting at a bus-stop. You can see where a bus is going because the destination is written on the front. But try to avoid the rush hour.

Quicker than the bus is the underground (called the tube in London, the subway in New York and the metro in Paris and many other cities). You buy your ticket at the ticket-office. Go down to the platform on the escalator or in the lift. The train comes. The sli­ding doors open. You get on. You look at the map of the under­ground system. Very simple.

For longer distances take a train or a long distance bus, usual­ly called a coach which is slower but cheaper. The train is very fast. Put your luggage on the rack and sit and wait till you arrive.

Comprehension

/. Listen to the text "Public Transport" and answer the ques­tions:

What is the most comfortable way to travel? How do you take a taxi? What are the buses in England like? Which is the quickest means of transport? How do you travel by the underground? What is a coach?

//. Read the text and analyse its language peculiarities. Do some exercises in the next section to remember them.

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Special Difficulties

/. Use "avoid + gerund":

An old man is talking to his doctor.

A: I travelled overnight and felt awful afterwards.

B: Then try to avoid travelling overnight.

I ... and felt awful afterwards.

I. got very angry 2. drank too much. 3. went to bed too late 4. rushed about 5. stood for a long time 6 made a long speech (Use speeches) 7. read in a bad light 8. carried a heavy suitcase (Use suitcases) 9. played cards all night 10. took sleeping pills 11. tra­velled by jet 12. worked all weekend 13. quarrelled with my neigh­bours.

//. Paraphrase using one sentence:

e.g. He was able to pass the exam. He worked very hard. He passed his exam by working very hard.

1. We managed to get to the station on time. We took a taxi. 2. He was able to complete his education. He got a part-time job. 3. She improved her pronunciation. She listened to English records. 4. She saved some money. She typed all the papers herself. 5. He was able to finish the article by the end of the month. He worked at night. 6. I improved my grammar. I did a lot of exercises. 7. She enlarged her vocabulary. She read a lot.

///. Paraphrase using the modal verb "might" to express uncer­tainty:

e.g. Perhaps it will rain today. It might rain today.

I. Perhaps Jane will come by the 5 o'clock train. 2. Perhaps the bus will be late. 3. Perhaps Betsy won't come. 4. Perhaps John will catch the 7.30 train. 5. Perhaps it will snow tonight. 6. Perhaps the article will be published in tomorrow's newspaper. 7. Perhaps Jackson will play today.

Text Exercises

/. Ask questions on the means of public transport in England.

II. Speak on the public transport in England.

III. Speak on the public transport in your city.

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Conversation Practice Gratitude. Arresting Someone's Attention.

a) How to arrest someone's attention:

Excuse me, (please) ...

Pardon me...

Sorry to ... (interrupt, interfere, bother), but...

Look here!

Just a minute¹

b) How to reply:

Yes?

Well?

What is it?

What can 1 do for you?

c) How to thank someone:

Thank you (very much)/so much.

Thanks.

Thank you very much indeed.

That's nice (kind) of you.

Thank you anyway

I'm very grateful to you.

d) How to reply to gratitude:

(Oh) that's OK/all right. Not at all. You're welcome. Don't mention it It's a pleasure.

/. Listen to the following phrases, imitate and learn them:

Where is it?

Here.

There.

To the right.

To the left.

On the corner.

Where is the place you are talking about?

It's here. It's a little farther.

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It's on the main street. It's on Fifth Avenue. Which way? This way? That way?

It's right here. It's near.

It's there. It's not very far.

It's farther. It's far from here.

— Is it far? — No, it's a five minutes' walk from here.

— Is it far from here? — It's an hour's ride away.

— Is it near here? — No, it's quite a long way from here.

— How far is it? — It's ten miles from here.

— How far is it from here to there? — It's twenty miles from here.

How far are we from New York?

How many miles is it from here to New York?

— Where is the bus-stop? — It's just round the corner.

— Where is the post-office? — It's on the other side of the street.

— Where is the police-station? — It's at the end of the street.

— Where is the hospital? —The hospital is two blocks from here just before you come to the highway.

— Where is the chemist's? — It's the third block to the right. Turn right. Turn to the right. Follow this road.

Turn left. Turn to the left. Take route seven. Go this way. Go straight ahead. Go to the corner and turn le.ft. Go straight three blocks and then turn to the right. Go along this street as far as the monument and turn to the left. Go along this street as far as the traffic lights, then take the street on your right.

Go straight along this road as far as the chemist's, then take the first turning on your right.

Take a number 24 bus and go as far as the supermarket. Then chan­ge for a 131 bus.

Take this bus and go three stops. Then take a trolley-bus. Catch a 22 bus and go as far as Fifth Avenue. There you'll have to change for the subway.

How do I get there? How do I get to New York from here? At what stop do I get off? Where do I get off? At what station do I get off? Do I get off here? Do I get off at the next stop? Do I change buses here? What bus do I take to get there? Do I take the Underground to get there?

Will this bus take me to the Grand Hotel? Does this bus go to the bank?

Will you please let me know when we get to Regent Street? Which is the right way to London Bridge? Which is the shortest way to the railway station? Which is the quickest way to Oxford Street? Am I right for the centre? Am I right for Darwin Street?

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Am I right for Hyde Park? Am I on the right bus?

Is this the right bus to the Central Park?

Is there a bus from here to the Bristol Hotel?

Is there an underground station not far from here?

Could you give me some information? — Gladly.

Can you tell me the way to Liverpool Station?

Could you please show me the way to the centre?

Can you tell me how to get to the Bristol Hotel?

Can you direct me to the British Museum?

Can you tell me where King Street is, please?

Can you tell me how I can get to this place?

Can you tell me how I can get to this address?

How can I get to Broadway?

I'm trying to find my way to Columbia LJniversity.

I want to get to the British Museum.

I'm looking for a post-office.

I don't know this town and I can't find my way round.

I'm afraid I've lost my way. = I'm afraid I'm lost.

You see I'm a stranger here.

What's the fare, please?

Give me two tokens, please.

//. Listen to the dialogues and learn them. Make up similar dialogues.

1. — Excuse me, can you tell me where South Street is, please?

— Take the second turning on the left and then ask again.

— Is it far?

— No, it's only about five minutes' walk. *

— Many thanks.

2. — Excuse me, please. Could you tell me the way to the sta-

tion? - Turn round and turn left at the traffic lights.

— Will it take me long to get there?

— No, it's no distance at all.

— Thank you.

— That's O.K.

3. — Excuse me, but I'm trying to find the Town Hall.

— Take the third on the right and go straight on.

— Should I take a bus?

— No, you can walk it under five minutes.

— Thank you very much indeed.

— That's quite all right.

4. — Excuse me, please. Could you tell me how to get to the town

centre?

— First right, second left. You can't miss it.

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— Is it too far to walk?

— No, it's only a couple of hundred yards.

— Thanks very much.

— It's a pleasure.

5. — Does this bus go to the station?

— No, you'll have to get off at the bank and take a 192.

— Can you tell me where to get off?

— It's the next stop but one.

6. — Am I O.K. for St Mary's Church?

— No, we only go as far as the park, but you can walk frorn there.

— How much further is it?

— It's quite a way yet, but I'll tell you in good time.

7. — Is this the right bus for the Town Hall?

— No, you should have caught a 12. Jump out at the bridge and get one there.

— Could you tell me when we get there?

— It's three stops after this one.

8. — Excuse me.

— Yes?

— Could you tell me the way to the hospital, please?

— Yes, go along this street and turn right at the traffic lights. The hospital is on the left.

— Thank you.

— That's O.K.

9. — Excuse me.

— Yes?

— Could you tell me how to get to the bank, please?

— Yes, of course. Go along this road as far as the traffic lights. Then turn left into the High Street and it's on the right.

— Is it far?

— No, not very far.

— Thank you very much.

— You're welcome.

10. — Excuse me, miss. Is this where the 33 bus stops?

— Well, several buses stop here. The 33 stops here too. Where do you want to go?

— I want to get to La Guardia Airport.

— The 33 will take you there.

— Thank you.

— Not at all.

11. — Excuse me... I want to get to Palladium Theatre. Do I get off

at the next stop?

— Well, what's that stop? Oh no! You go farther. Two or three

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stops more. Oh ... wait a moment. You may get off here and take another route bus. It'll be probably quicker. - - Yes, it surely is more convenient.

/// Listen to the conversations, ask and answer questions, role-play the conversations.

Conversation 1 >

Brian: Excuse me.

Woman: Yes?

Brian: Sorry to bother you, but could you tell me the way to

Castle Road, please?

Woman: I'm afraid I've no idea. I'm a stranger here myself. Brian: Oh, I see. Well, thank you anyway.

Woman: Sorry, I couldn't help.

(He walks for a little while. He comes up to a taxi-driver.)

Brian: Excuse me.

Taxi-driver: Yes? What is it?

Brian: Could you tell me how to get to Castle Road, please?

Taxi-driver: Castle Road? Let me think now ... Yes ... Go along this

road as far as Tesco's — that's a large supermarket.

Then turn left and Castle Road is the first turning

on the right. Brian: I see. Straight on as far as the supermarket...

then left... then right. Taxi-driver: Yes, that's right. Brian: It's not too far from here, is it?

Taxi-driver: Oh no, only a few minutes. Brian: Oh, good. Well, thank you very much.

Taxi-driver: Not at all.

Questions: What is Brian looking for? Can the woman help him? Who helps him find the way to Castle Road?

Conversation 2

Student: Excuse me, can you tell me the way to London

University, please? Londoner: I'm afraid I can't. I'm sorry. Ask the policeman

over there. He will be able to tell you. Student: Where is the policeman? I can't see him.

Londoner: Over there, on the other side of the road.

Student: Oh, yes, I'll go and ask him. Thank you very

much. Could you tell me how to get to London

University, please?

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Policeman: London University? Go to Oxford Circus and

then take a bus. You can't get a bus direct from here.

Student: How do 1 get to Oxford Circus?

Policeman: Go straight along this street till you get to the

traffic lights, turn right at the light, keep stra­ight on a little way, then take the second turning on your left and that brings you to Oxford Cir cus. You can't miss it.

Student: And what bus must I take when I get there-

Policeman: The 73.

Student: And what stop must I go to?

Policeman: Goodge Street. Book to Goodge Street and ask

the bus conductor to lell you when you get there.

Student: One more thing, how long will it take me to get

to the University?

Policeman: About half an hour, I think.

Student: I must hurry then. I mustn't be late.Many thanks.

(Later at Oxford Circus)

Student: Does the 73 bus stop here?

Passer-by: No, you're in the wrong queue.

Student: Where does it stop, please?

Passer-by: It stops just round the corner.

Student: Thank you

Passer-by: There's a 73 coming now. If you hurry you'll catch

it.

Student: (to bus conductor): Does this bus go to Goodge

Street?

Bus Conductor: Goodge Street? Yes, that's right.

Student: Would you tell me when I get there, please?

Bus Conductor: Yes, I'll tell you Jump on now. You're holding up

the queue. Questions: What is the student looking for? Who helps him

find London University? What directions does the policeman give

the student?

/I Now work in pairs taking turns to ask for and give direc­tions from point X to the following:

1 the bank. 2. the post-office. 3. the police-station. 4. the che­mist's 5. the cinema 6. the supermarket 7.the library 8 the railway station 9. the hotel 10. the hospital

V Act out the following situations:

1. You've got a new fiat and are going to have a house-warming party. You've invited some of your friends. At the moment you are

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telling your friend how to get to your place.

2. You arranged to meet your friend at his/her office. At the moment he/she is telling you how to get there.

3. It's dinner time. You are hungry. You stop a passer-by and ask him/her the way to the nearest restaurant.

Listening I Forgot to Put You Off

I love travelling in the country, but I don't like losing my way. I went on an excursion recently, but my trip took me longer than I expected.

"I'm going to Woodford Green", I said to the conductor as I got on the bus, "but I don't know where it is".

"I'll tell you where to get off", answered the conductor.

I sat in the front of the bus to get a good view of the country side. After some time the bus stopped. Looking round, I realized with a shock that I was the only passenger left on the bus.

"You'll have to get off here", said the conductor. "This is as far as we go."

"Is this Woodford Green?" I asked.

"Oh dear", said the conductor suddenly. "I forgot to put you off."

"It doesn't matter", I said. "I'll get off here."

"We are going back now", said the conductor.

"Well, in that case, I prefer to stay on the bus," I answered.

Questions: Where did the writer want to go? Did he know the way or not? What did the conductor promise to do? Did they arrive at the bus terminus or not? What did the writer ask? What did the conductor realize then? Why did the writer stay on the bus?

Linda is Going to Marble Arch

Linda Blake is a young journalist. Yesterday she went т an interview for a job with the EBC.

The interview was at 10 o'clock The company's headquarters was near Marble Arch, in the centre of London

She got on a bus at 9.15 It was a number 79. The conductor asked for her fare. She told him she was going to Marble Arch.

"We don't go to Marble Arch. This is a 79 You want a 79 A," he said. Then he told her she could catch л 79 A at the next stop.

She got off and waited at the next stop. She looked at her watch. She did not have very much time Another woman was at the stop, too. She told Linda that the 79 A did not stop there but up

the road.

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Then she asked Linda where-she wanted-to go." *

"Marble Arch," Linda answered. "You want an 89B then, not a 79A!" the woman said.

Linda got on an 89B. It was now 9.45. Marble Arch was only a mile away. She asked the conductor how long it took to get there.

"It takes about half an hour this time of the day. It's all the traf­fic. If you're in a hurry, you ought to take the Underground or walk. It's much faster!" the conductor answered.

Questions: Where did Linda want to go? Why did she want to go there? What happened on the first bus? What did Linda find out after she had got off the first bus? Describe what happened on the second bus (the 89B)

On a London Bus

A strange thing happened to Henri yesterday. He was on a bus and wanted to get off. So he stood up and rang the bell. To make sure the driver heard him, he rang it twice, but the bus didn't stop, and the conductor came and shouted at him.

The conductor was so annoyed and spoke so fast, that Henri didn't understand a word. The bus stopped at the next bus stop and Henri got off. As he got off he heard someone say: "I think he's a foreigner.".

When Henri got home, he told his landlady about the incident. "How many times did you ring the bell?" she asked. "Twice", said Henri. "Well, that's the signal for the driver to go on," his land lady explained. "Only the conductor is allowed to ring the bell twice. That's why he got so annoyed." Henri nodded. "I see," he said.

Questions: Where was Henri? What did he want to do? How did Henri indicate to the driver that he wanted to get off? How many times did he ring the bell? Did the bus stop? What did the conductor do? Why couldn't Henri understand the conductor? Was the con­ductor annoyed? What did Henri do when the bus stopped? What did he hear someone say? Who did he tell about the incident? Who is allowed to ring the bell twice?

Reading

Getting around a city on public transportation in the US is ge­nerally not as easy as it is in many other countries, but it is possible. Only a few cities have subways, but most towns of 50 000 or more have some kind of city bus service.

There are several ways to pay for bus transportation in the city. In some cities, you drop your money into the fare box. In others,

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you have to buy tickets before you get on the bus. In some you can buy a special pass to be used for the day, week or month. And in so­me you buy tokens, which look something like coins, and you use them to get on the bus and enter the subway.

Subways in cities are known by different names. In Boston, the system is the MTA, sometimes called "the T". Washington, D.C., has a new subway they call the Metro, and the San Francisco Bay Area's system is BART — Bay Area Rapid Transit. In New York, it's the subway, but people often say the name of the line, e.g. the 8th Avenue. And in Chicago, the tracks are partly under­ground and partly elevated, and people call the system "the el."

If you can't get where you want to by bus or subway, you can always take a cab. In many cities it is almost impossible to stop a cab on the street. It's easier to call a taxi company listed in the Yellow Pages and ask them to send a cab to your door. The meter will show the amount you have to pay. The driver will usually expect a tip at least 10 %. In New York, cabs are everywhere on the streets, and cabbies expect a tip of 15 %.

Self check

/. Translate into English:

1. — Извините, сэр. Здесь останавливается автобус № 27?

— Да. Куда вы хотите проехать?

— В аэропорт.

— 27 довезет вас туда.

— Спасибо.

2. — Извините, сэр, боюсь, что я заблудилась. Вы не можете

мне помочь?

— Куда вам надо пройти?

— В гостиницу «Минск».

— Это в пяти кварталах отсюда. Идите по этой улице до све­тофора. Вы видите его?

- Да.

— Затем поверните налево у светофора, пройдите три кварта­ла и вы увидите гостиницу «Минск».

— Спасибо.

— Не стоит благодарности.

3. — Простите, как доехать до Центрального Универмага?

— Садитесь на автобус 84 и езжайте до остановки «Централь­ный Универмаг». У вас уйдет около двадцати минут, чтобы доехать туда. Попросите кого-нибудь сказать вам, где выйти.

— Спасибо. • •

— Не за что.

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4. — Простите, этот автобус идет до вокзала?

— Нет, вам нужен № 31. Он довезет вас прямо до вокзала

5. — Каким троллейбусом ты едешь на работу?

— Я не езжу троллейбусом. Вначале я еду на автобусе, а по­том пересаживаюсь на метро.

6. — Вы не скажете, есть ли недалеко отсюда почта?

— В конце улицы.

Fluency

/. Answer the questions:

A. What is the traffic in your city like? What kind of city trans­port do you like? What is the most convenient kind of city trans port? At what time does the bus service begin in your city? Till what time do buses run? What do we call the hours when the cit\ transport carries the greatest number of passengers? When art buses usually full? What do we call the money passengers pa\ for their trip on buses? What is the fare on the Minsk buses? Art there conductors on buses in Minsk? Have you ever travelled abroad? What countries have you visited? Is the public transport in those countries different from the public transport in this co­untry?

B. What street do you live in? Where do you work? Is youi office far from your house? How do you get to work? What number bus do you take to get to work? Do you have to change on your way to work? Where do you change? How long does it take you to get to work? How did you get here? How long did it take you? What's the easiest way to get to these places from this building: the Town Hall; the nearest cinema; the market, etc. Have you ever been lost in a large city? Where? When? Have you ever had to give directions to a stranger in this town/city? Do you always buy a map when you go to a new city in this country or abroad' Why/Why not?

//. Speak on:

a) public transport in your city/town

b) how you get to work

c) your experience in finding the way in this country or abroad

///. Compare the public transport in your city/town and the public transport in the country you visited some time ago.

IV. In pairs, ask and give directions to places in this town/city from this building.

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V. Act out the following situations:

1. An English speaker stops you in the street in your home town or city and asks you the way (in English) to the post-office (the railway station, etc.). What do you say a) if you are not sure where it is or are in too much of a hurry to give complicated directions to a stranger b) if you know where it is and can explain quite easily how to get there.

2. You are talking to an English visitor to this country. He/she asks you about places that he/she should visit. You make sug­gestions where to go, what to see and how to get there.

Writing

1. You have invited an English-speaking friend to come and ' stay with you for a few days. You had arranged to meet him/her

at the station, but now you find you will not be able to do so. Write a short letter explaining why you will not be there to meet him/her and giving careful directions on how to get to your house or flat by public transport from the station. Include a hand-drawn map and refer to it in the letter.

2. Write a conversation in dialogue form between a business­man and an old woman. The man is in a hurry to get to an appointment, but can't find the street. He asks the old woman, who wants to be as helpful as she can.

U NIT 14

GRAMMAR: REPORTED STATEMENTS, QUESTIONS, COMMANDS AND EMOTIONS.