Mastering Reported Speech: Exercises and Examples

Posted on Jun 12, 2024 in English

Reported Speech Exercises

Exercise 1:

Instructions: Rewrite these sentences into reported speech. Use the verb in brackets.

1. Peter suggested that we stay at home tonight. (suggest)
2. Sarah promised her dad that she wouldn’t be late for dinner. (promise)
3. Dr. Jones advised Mr. Thomas to give up smoking or he would suffer from larynx cancer. (advise)
4. The teacher reminded the children not to forget to finish their science projects the next day. (remind)
5. Alice offered to do the shopping for Anne. (offer)
6. Susan recommended to Linda not to spend so much money on clothes. (recommend)
7. Mrs. Brown told the class not to write the exams in pencil. (tell)
8. Mum asked Pam if she could take the dog for a walk that night. (ask)
9. John insisted on paying for Mary’s coffee. (insist)
10. Mother ordered Paul to tidy his room immediately or she would get really angry. (order)
11. Alan apologized for missing the bus. (apologize)
12. Dave invited Paula to come to the zoo with us next weekend. (invite)
13. The waiter informed us that smoking in there was forbidden. (inform)

Exercise 2:

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences into reported speech.

1. Linda asked, “Where did you go on holiday last summer?”
2. He asked, “Do you know where Angela is living?”
3. He asked, “How much do you think it will cost?”
4. She said, “Watch the milk and don’t let it boil over.”
5. He suggested, “Let’s go down to the harbor to see if we can hire a boat.”
6. I asked Tom, “Did you enjoy the film?”
7. Donna asked, “Can I borrow some money for a fizzy drink?”
8. The girl wanted to know, “How far is the station from our hotel?”
9. Frank said, “I lost my uniform last week.”
10. The driving instructor said, “Don’t drive too close to the car in front.”
11. He asked, “What time did your friends leave last night?”
12. Jim said, “I have forgotten to take my briefcase.”
13. A huge notice instructed, “Reduce speed now.”
14. He suggested, “Let’s stop now and finish it later.”
15. The teacher said, “Don’t make any noise.”
16. My mother asked, “Who has been singing just now?”
17. He said, “Tell her that it is all right.”
18. Mark asked Amy, “Do you want to go to a film?”
19. Tammy said, “I am having dinner now.”
20. Bob explained, “Helen won’t be at the meeting today.”
21. The doctor told me, “Stay in bed for a few days.”
22. He suggested, “Let’s wait here until the rain stops.”
23. The police officer asked, “Did anyone try to save her life?”
24. He wanted to know, “Will the test be difficult?”
25. Sally explained, “I didn’t realize it was so late.”
26. The manager asked me, “Please type the letter soon.”
27. Bill said, “I’ve forgotten to bring my driving license.”
28. The girl asked the boy, “Can I use your pen?”
29. Fran complained, “It’s too hot in here!”
30. His mother said, “Don’t put sticky things in your pockets.”
31. Jodi asked Dad, “Please don’t forget to send the email.”
32. Mike suggested, “Why don’t we go over to John’s house?”
33. He asked, “Who stole my suitcase?”
34. He enquired, “Are you leaving later this afternoon?”
35. My father said, “We have to paint the whole house by tomorrow.”
36. Helen asked, “How much does the ring cost?”
37. Peter said, “Don’t worry about a few mistakes, I make mistakes all the time.”
38. Jean asked her father, “Will you let me take the car tonight?”

Exercise 3:

Instructions: Rewrite the sentences using direct or reported speech and the words in brackets. Do not change the original meaning.

1. Arlene told me to work faster. (told)
2. Joe said that if he finished the report that day, he would give it to Sam. (said)
3. Charles denied making that mistake. (denied)
4. The reporter wanted to know if we had recruited any new employees. (asked)
5. Kate suggested going to the job centre the next day. (suggested)
6. My supervisor asked me to please screen the new candidates the following day. (asked)
7. My friend warned me not to interrupt her when she’s on the phone. (warned)
8. The expert predicted that those jobs would be in high demand the next year. (predicted)

Exercise 4:

Instructions: Rewrite the sentences in reported speech.

1. Lisa asked if Mike worked freelance.
2. Jody begged Luke to help her find a job.
3. Jason claimed that he didn’t know about the job interview yesterday.
4. They asked what time Gwen would arrive there.
5. Our IT teacher explained that next week they were going to learn some new programming techniques.
6. Alison denied stealing my bag.
7. Our teacher ordered us to stand outside the head teacher’s office.
8. Diego suggested that we should read this novel in our book club.

Corrected Sentences:

1. Our teacher reminded us to bring a packed lunch on the school trip.
2. He refused to ask for advice.
3. They warned that the job was dull.
4. Everyone denied cheating in the exam.
5. The neighbours demanded that we turn the music down.
6. None of my friends suggested that I do this degree.

Exercise 5:

Instructions: Translate the sentences

1. Mamá preguntó con quién había estado hablando. (Spanish to English)
2. Nos estábamos preguntando si tenías buenas habilidades interpersonales. (Spanish to English)
3. Los oficiales de policía ordenaron al hombre que saliera del coche. (Spanish to English)
4. El otro candidato admitió haber mentido en su CV. (Spanish to English)
5. El doctor me pidió que esperara afuera. (Spanish to English)

Exercise 6:

Instructions: Report the following sentences. Pay attention to the verb tenses and other changes.

1. She said, “I work in this factory, but I have never met the new boss.”
2. She thought, “He will visit us next week.”
3. She asked, “Have you worked long hours in these conditions?”
4. She told them, “Get ready to work and don’t be lazy!”
5. She said, “I didn’t do my homework yesterday.”
6. She said, “I will buy a new car next year.”
7. She asked, “Have you read this book?”
8. She told them, “Don’t buy tickets for us because we aren’t going to the cinema this evening.”
9. She asked, “How many records have you bought today?”
10. She asked, “How many cakes did Susan eat yesterday?”
11. She said, “I will be working on a movie next year.”
12. She said, “I worked at a restaurant and at a store selling shoes some years ago.”
13. She told Sally, “Clean the bird cage today.”
14. She said, “Children should eat vegetables at meals.”
15. She asked, “Why don’t you phone the editor now?”
16. She said, “A woman and two children refused to enter the Immigrants’ Centre yesterday.”
17. She asked them, “Please don’t tell anyone what happened.”
18. She asked, “Are you going to leave me alone?”
19. She said, “You have made very good progress this semester.”
20. She said, “I was going to the cinema when I saw the thief last night.”

Writing Samples

Essay 1: The Urgency of Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity is the intricate web of life on Earth, comprising countless species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. Its significance extends beyond aesthetics, impacting essential ecosystem services. Unfortunately, human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, threaten this delicate balance. The loss of biodiversity poses a severe risk to global stability, affecting agriculture, medicine, and climate regulation. To address this crisis, global collaboration is imperative. Conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and responsible resource management must become societal priorities. Individuals can contribute by adopting eco-friendly habits and supporting conservation initiatives. A united front is required to preserve Earth’s biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Essay 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Oceans

Oceans, vital to Earth’s health, are bearing the brunt of climate change. Rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and ocean acidification jeopardize marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, face bleaching due to temperature spikes. As oceans absorb excess carbon dioxide, acidity rises, harming marine life. Additionally, sea level rise threatens coastal communities. Urgent measures are crucial; transitioning to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting marine habitats are imperative. Global cooperation is necessary to address these challenges comprehensively. Preserving the health of our oceans not only safeguards marine life but also secures the well-being of humanity, as oceans play a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate.

Short Essay 1: The Environment: Our Endangered Home

The environment is everything around us: the trees, the rivers, the animals, and the air we breathe. But lately, our home is in trouble. Air and water pollution are getting worse, forests are disappearing, and animals are losing their homes.

It’s time to take action. We can start with simple things, like recycling our waste and using less plastic. We can also support organizations that protect animals and plant trees.

Taking care of our environment is everyone’s responsibility! If we all do our part, we can help make our home a better place for us and for future generations. Are you ready to take care of our planet?

Short Essay 2: Protecting Our Planet: A Call to Action

Our planet, Earth, is facing serious challenges due to human activities. Pollution, deforestation, and the loss of biodiversity are threatening the delicate balance of our environment.

However, there is hope. Each one of us has the power to make a difference. We can start by making simple changes in our daily lives, like reducing our energy consumption, using public transportation, and supporting eco-friendly products.

Additionally, educating ourselves and others about the importance of conservation is crucial. We can volunteer for clean-up events, plant trees in our communities, and advocate for stronger environmental policies.

Together, we can protect our beautiful planet for future generations. Let’s work hand in hand to ensure a sustainable and thriving environment for all living beings. Will you join the movement to safeguard our Earth?