DIRECT SPEECH and

Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Reported Speech

A Really
Learn
English
Publication

Illustrated Workbook
1 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur
Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

For more resources visit the Really Learn English Store.

Direct Speech and Reported Speech

Published by Really Learn English
www.really-learn-english.com

Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur.

All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form, by any means,
without written permission from the author,
except a reviewer, who may quote
brief passages for a review.

Ola Zur, has made her best effort to produce

a high quality, informative and helpful book.
But she makes no representation or warranties of any kind with
regard to the completeness or accuracy of the contents of the book.
She accepts no liability of any kind for any losses or damages
caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly,
from using the information contained in this book.

ITEM3847520944
Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................... 3

Introduction .............................................................................................. 8

Unit A – Teacher's Guide ........................................................................... 9

Unit B: What Is Reported Speech?........................................................... 11

Lesson 1 – What Is Direct Speech? ......................................................... 12

Story 1 – Angela and Jonathan ........................................................... 13

Exercise 1 ............................................................................................... 14

Lesson 2 – What Is Reported Speech?.................................................... 15

Story 2 – Jonathan and Mark ............................................................. 17

Exercise 2 ............................................................................................... 18

Exercise 3 – Partner Practice .................................................................. 19

Homework – Unit B, Lessons 1 & 2 ........................................................ 22

Lesson 3 – Changes in Person, Place, Time, and Possessive Words ....... 25

Exercise 4 ............................................................................................... 28

Story 3 – Leah the Storyteller ............................................................. 29

Exercise 5 ............................................................................................... 30

Homework – Unit B, Lesson 3 ................................................................ 31

Unit B Summary ..................................................................................... 34

3 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

ITEM3847520944
Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Unit C – Verbs ......................................................................................... 35

Lesson 1 – Say or Tell? ........................................................................... 35

Explanation ........................................................................................ 35

Exercise 6 ............................................................................................... 37

Homework – Unit C, Lesson 1 ................................................................ 40

Lesson 2 – Verbs Used to Report............................................................ 43

Announce ........................................................................................... 43

Explain ............................................................................................... 44

Mention ............................................................................................. 45

Promise .............................................................................................. 46

Warn .................................................................................................. 47

Exercise 7 ............................................................................................... 48

Story 4 – Travel Agency ...................................................................... 49

Exercise 8 ............................................................................................... 50

Story 5 – Wedding Bells, Wedding Plans! ........................................... 52

Exercise 9 ............................................................................................... 53

Homework – Unit C, Lesson 2 ................................................................ 54

Unit C Summary ..................................................................................... 58

4 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Unit D – Reporting in Different Tenses ................................................... 59

Lesson 1 – Reporting in the Present ....................................................... 59

Exercise 9 ............................................................................................... 61

Story 5 – Vacation Activities ............................................................... 63

Exercise 10 ............................................................................................. 64

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 1 ................................................................ 65

Lesson 1 Summary ................................................................................. 69

Lesson 2 – Simple Present (to Simple Past) ............................................ 70

Exercise 11 ............................................................................................. 72

Exercise 12 – Partner Practice ................................................................ 75

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 2 ................................................................ 76

Lesson 2 Summary ................................................................................. 80

Lesson 3 – Present Progressive (to Past Progressive) ............................ 81

Exercise 13 ............................................................................................. 82

Story 6 – Multi-tasking ....................................................................... 83

Exercise 14 ............................................................................................. 84

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 3 ................................................................ 87

Lesson 3 Summary ................................................................................. 91

Lesson 4 –Simple Past (to Simple Past or Past Perfect) .......................... 92

Exercise 15 – Partner Practice ................................................................ 95

Story 8 – Where Were You? ............................................................... 97

5 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Exercise 16 ............................................................................................. 98

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 4 .............................................................. 100

Lesson 4 Summary ............................................................................... 105

Lesson 5 – Past Progressive (to Past Progressive or Past Perfect

Progressive) ......................................................................................... 106

Exercise 17 – Partner Practice .............................................................. 108

Exercise 18 ........................................................................................... 110

Story 9 – Dennis’s Excuses ............................................................... 111

Exercise 19 ........................................................................................... 112

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 5 .............................................................. 113

Lesson 5 Summary ............................................................................... 117

Lesson 6 – Simple Future (to Would) ................................................... 118

Story 10 – A Promise Is a Promise! ................................................... 119

Exercise 20 ........................................................................................... 120

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 6 .............................................................. 122

Lesson 6 Summary ............................................................................... 125

Lesson 7 – Future with “Be Going to” (to “Was Going to”).................. 126

Story 11 – Graduation ...................................................................... 127

Exercise 21 – Partner Practice .............................................................. 128

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 7 .............................................................. 129

Lesson 7 Summary ............................................................................... 132

6 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Lesson 8 – Modal Verbs ....................................................................... 133

Story 12 – Nina’s First Day................................................................ 136

Exercise 22 ........................................................................................... 137

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 8 .............................................................. 138

Lesson 8 Summary ............................................................................... 141

Story 13 – He Said, She Said ............................................................. 143

Reported Speech – Rule Summary ........................................................ 145

Person, Place, Time, and Possessive Words ......................................... 145

Direct and Reported Speech Rules –

Tense Shifts in the Most Used Tenses .................................................. 146

Direct and Reported Speech Rules –

Basic Tense Shifts in ALL Tenses ........................................................... 147

Modal Verbs......................................................................................... 148

7 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Unit A – Teacher's Guide

This booklet is for intermediate students who already have experience

E
with the twelve tenses in English.

PL
The goal is for them to learn how to use reported speech in the most useful

M
tenses for doing this, and also to practice verbs that are common in
reported speech constructions.

SA
We will practice the following six tenses:

Simple Progressive

Present
ES
“I am tired.” --> “They are talking.” -->
She said she was tired. He told me they were talking.
G
“Everyone was sleeping.” -->
PA

“He ate at five o’clock.” -->

John told me everyone
Past She said he ate / had eaten
was sleeping / had been
at five o’clock.
sleeping.
M

“I will be late.” -->

Future
O

He said he would be late.

D

“They are going to have lunch

AN

Future with us.” -->

(am/is/are
going to)
She said they were going to
have lunch with us.
R

9 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Each verb and tense lesson in this booklet contains explanations, examples,
comprehension questions, practice exercises, and a focus story to help
students to fully understand the topic and use it comfortably.

E
Be sure to work on the examples and explanations together. Also

PL
remember to encourage the students to explain how to use reported
speech in their own words and create their own examples. The students

M
need to see how they can use reported speech in their lives. This is where

SA
the magic happens!

Remember:

ES
• Real and meaningful examples from the student’s own
experience are the very best practice.
• Enjoy reading the stories out loud together, because this is also
G
excellent practice for intermediate students as they work on
PA

their pronunciation and reading skills.

• The conversation exercises are great role playing activities.
• Be sure each lesson has been clearly understood before
M

moving on to the next topic. It’s best to take some extra time
O

to do more examples and really master the new skills.

D

• You can always go back and look at the lesson introductions

and reviews if questions come up later.
AN

Now, let’s get to it!

R

10 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Unit B: What Is Reported Speech?

Learning reported speech is very important, because we use it all the time!

E
Every time you need to tell someone what another person said earlier, you

PL
use reported speech.

M
We do this constantly to share information, tell stories, and explain
situations. We will learn how to report on things people tell us in different

SA
tenses.

ES
G
PA
M
O
D
AN
R

11 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Lesson 1 – What Is Direct Speech?

To understand what reported speech is, we first need to define direct

E
speech.

PL
When we talk about direct speech, we are talking about:

M
• what comes inside the quotation marks in a story
• the exact words a person says

SA
We should always use quotation marks when writing exactly what someone
else said. This makes it clear that we are using direct speech, or the exact
words another person says. ES
To see some examples of direct speech in context, look at the short story
G
on the next page.
PA

Notice that the story is written in the past tense, but everything inside
quotation marks represents the exact words that the characters say.
M
O
D
AN
R

12 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Story 1 – Angela and Jonathan

E
PL
M
SA
ES
G
PA

Angela got home late on Tuesday. She was exhausted. When she walked in
the door, she saw Jonathan on the couch, in front of the TV.
M

– “Move over! I need to sit down and rest!” said Angela.

O

– “Of course! Did you have a long day?” asked Jonathan.

D

– “You have no idea. I hope there’s something good on,” replied Angela.
AN

– “I think a movie is going to start soon. I’ll make some popcorn,” Jonathan
offered.
R

– “Oh, that sounds wonderful! I’ll just sit right here!” said Angela.

13 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Exercise 1

A. What is direct speech? Explain in your own words.

E
_____________________________________________________________

PL
_____________________________________________________________

M
_____________________________________________________________

SA
_____________________________________________________________

B. Where is the direct speech in the above story? Write 3 examples below.

ES
_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________
G
_____________________________________________________________
PA

_____________________________________________________________

C. Write 3 examples of your own of something you heard yesterday or

M

today. Use direct speech. (Don’t forget to use quotation marks!)

O

_____________________________________________________________
D

_____________________________________________________________
AN

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________
R

_____________________________________________________________

14 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Lesson 2 – What Is Reported Speech?

Now, let’s imagine that Jonathan talks to his brother the next day.

E
His brother, Mark, asks him how Angela is doing. If Jonathan wants to

PL
report on what Angela told him about her day, he must use reported
speech.

M
In other words, he wants to tell Mark what Angela said the night before,

SA
but he doesn’t want to give an exact quotation. That would sound silly, of
course! We use reported speech to save time and give information quickly.
We report what someone else said earlier.
ES
G
PA
M
O
D
AN
R

15 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

When we use reported speech, we need to start with introduction verb

phrases like “She told me (that) / He said (that),” etc.

E
The word that is optional in these constructions. We can use it if we like,
but native speakers often leave this word out in constructions with say and

PL
tell unless the sentence is confusing without it. Therefore:

M
Dan told me she was late. = Dan told me that she was late.

SA
Janet said it was cold. = Janet said that it was cold.

ES
G
PA
M
O
D
AN
R

16 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Story 2 – Jonathan and Mark

Mark: Oh, hello, Jonathan! It’s nice

E
to hear from you. How are you?

PL
How is Angela?

Jonathan: I’m fine, thanks. But I

M
think Angela is very busy. Last

SA
night she got home very late. She
said she was really tired.

Mark: Really? Did something

ES happen?

Jonathan: She told me she had a

G
very long day and she hoped there was something good on TV. When I
PA

offered to make popcorn, she said that sounded wonderful and she would
sit and wait. She was too tired to help me!
M

Mark: Wow! Well, I hope she feels more rested today.

O
D
AN
R

17 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Exercise 2

A. What is reported speech? Explain in your own words.

E
_____________________________________________________________

PL
_____________________________________________________________

M
_____________________________________________________________

SA
B. Where is the reported speech in the above story? Write 3 examples
below.

ES
_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________
G
_____________________________________________________________
PA

_____________________________________________________________

C. Write 3 examples of your own of something you heard yesterday or

M

today. Use reported speech.

O

_____________________________________________________________
D

_____________________________________________________________
AN

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________
R

_____________________________________________________________

18 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

We can see in the above story that the sentences Angela spoke in the
simple present appear in the simple past when Jonathan reports them.

E
This is because her feelings and ideas are now in the past. We will see how
these patterns work for different verb tenses later in this booklet.

PL
M
Exercise 3 – Partner Practice

SA
For classes: divide the class into partners for the following activity.
For tutors: work with your student as his or her partner.

ES
A. What is direct speech? Describe it to your partner in your own words.
(Check off when done.)

□ Partner A □ Partner B
G
PA

B. What is reported speech? Describe it to your partner in your own

words.

□ Partner A □ Partner B
M
O
D
AN
R

19 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

D. Now make a summary of this conversation. Work with your partner

and tell each other what your friend said yesterday. Now you are giving
information using reported speech. Look at the examples above for help!

E
_________ said that (s)he ______________________________________

PL
(Check off when done.)

□ Partner A □ Partner B

M
E. Now choose one of the pictures below.

SA
First, describe the animal’s size, color, location, behavior, etc. to your
partner. This is direct speech.
ES
Then your partner will repeat back what you said, (for example, “You said
the dog had a big nose”) using reported speech. Then switch roles using
G
the other picture.
PA

Picture A Picture B
M
O
D
AN

(Check off when done.)

R

□ Partner A □ Partner B

21 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Homework – Unit B, Lessons 1 & 2

A. Match the boxes below. On the left you see direct speech, and on the

E
right is reported speech. Sometimes the words are a little different, so be

PL
sure to find the same meaning.

1. “I am so sleepy!” a. He said they didn’t eat candy.

M
2. “We take the bus to work.” b. She said she was tired.

SA
3. “The kids don’t eat sweets.” c. He said she enjoyed sports.

4. “We have lots to do.” d. He said they took the bus.

5. “Julie likes sports.”

ES e. They said they were busy.
G
B. Write the reported speech for the statements below.
PA

1. “We go to the park on the weekend to have picnics.”

He said_______________________________________________________
M

_____________________________________________________________
O

2. “We try to read to our kids every day.”

D

He said_______________________________________________________
AN

3. “It is important to notify the manager of any changes.”

They said______________________________________________________
R

_____________________________________________________________

22 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Lesson 3 –
Changes in Person, Place, Time,
and Possessive Words

E
PL
When we use reported speech, we are reporting what someone said at an
earlier time.

M
This means that if the original statement contains time, place, and person

SA
markers, they are usually different when we are reporting what was said.

For example:

ES
Simple Present --> Simple Past (“I am happy.” --> He said he was happy.”)

Notice that the direct speech uses the subject I, but the reported speech
G
uses the subject he.
PA

The same thing happens with possessive words like my, his, etc. Look at
the tables below with person, place, time, and possessive words.

People:
M

I he / she
O

you I
D

he / she / it he / she / it
AN

we they
you (plural) we
they they
R

25 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Places:

here there
on this corner on that corner

E
PL
Times:

today yesterday

M
the day before /
yesterday
Tuesday, etc.

SA
tonight that night
this afternoon that afternoon
two days ago two days before
in two days
ES two days later
G
Possessive words:
PA

my his / her
your my
his / her / its his / her / its
M

our their
your (plural) our
O

their their
D
AN
R

26 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Examples:
Direct speech: “We don’t want to be here.”

E
Reported speech: They said they didn’t want to be there.

PL
Direct speech: “My mother visited me a week ago.”
Reported speech: He said his mother visited him a week before.

M
Direct speech: “No, there isn’t a Wal-Mart in this town.”

SA
Reported speech: He said there wasn’t a Wal-Mart in that town.

Direct speech: “I had so much fun yesterday!”

Reported speech: He said he had a lot of fun on Sunday.
ES
G
PA
M
O
D
AN
R

27 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

Story 3 – Leah the Storyteller

My daughter Leah is quite a storyteller. I think

E
she’s really creative, but some of her

PL
classmates think she exaggerates when she
tells them things.

M
Maybe she does add a little extra detail, but I

SA
love it! For example, last week she told them that she had a monster living
in her back yard.

She said it was big and hairy. She told them it growled all day long, and
ES
that’s how she found it! In fact, she said the monster was her friend and its
name was Franky.
G
Everyone said she made it up, but you never know. Maybe monsters really
PA

do exist!
M
O
D
AN
R

29 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Workbook

D. Complete the story below with say and tell.

Paula is riding the subway to work. Since it is rush hour, the train begins to

E
get very crowded. It is summertime, so it is also very hot. Paula sees a lady
standing near the door who looks very pale.

PL
Suddenly, the lady starts to fall! She is fainting! Paula holds her and they

M
step off the train at the next station.

SA
Paula waves to a police officer. She ___________ the policeman the lady
needs help. She ___________ that the lady almost fell.

The policeman puts his arm around the lady and ___________ Paula she is
ES
very helpful. He also _________ her that some people never help each
other.
G
Paula ____________ she thinks it is very important to help strangers. The
PA

lady agrees with her and ___________ thank you.

She ____________ she feels a little better and ___________ the policeman
to please walk with her to a bench so she can sit down. She __________
M

goodbye to Paula, because the next train is arriving at the station.

O
D
AN
R

39 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

Direct All 12
Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Rule Summary

Speech Tenses

E
PL
M
Reported
Speech

SA
ES
G

Rule
PA

Summary
M
O
D
AN

Modal Positive
negative
Verbs Questions
R

A Really
Learn English1 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur
Publication
 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Rule Summary

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................... 3

E
PL
Reported Speech – Rule Summary ............................................................ 5

Person, Place, Time, and Possessive Words ............................................. 5

M
Direct and Reported Speech Rules – Tense Shifts in the Most Used

SA
Tenses ...................................................................................................... 6

Direct and Reported Speech Rules – Basic Tense Shifts in ALL Tenses..... 7

Modal Verbs............................................................................................. 8
ES
Complete Tense Review ............................................................................ 9
G
Simple Present ......................................................................................... 9
PA

Special Verbs ...................................................................................... 10

Simple Past ............................................................................................ 11

Regular Verbs ..................................................................................... 11

M

Irregular Verbs ................................................................................... 12

O

Special Verbs ...................................................................................... 13

D

Simple Future Rules ............................................................................... 14

AN

Will..................................................................................................... 14

Present Progressive ............................................................................... 15

R

Past Progressive ..................................................................................... 16

Future Progressive ................................................................................. 17

3 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Rule Summary

Present Perfect ...................................................................................... 18

Past Perfect ............................................................................................ 19

E
Future Perfect ........................................................................................ 20

PL
Present Perfect Progressive ................................................................... 21

Past Perfect Progressive......................................................................... 22

M
Future Perfect Progressive ..................................................................... 23

SA
ES
G
PA
M
O
D
AN
R

4 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Rule Summary

Modal Verbs

In reported speech, we do not change the following verbs:

E
Could Could
Bill said: “I could help.” Bill said he could help.

PL
Should Should
Bill said: “I should help.” Bill said he should help.
Would Would

M
Bill said: “I would help.” Bill said he would help.
Might Might

SA
Bill said: “I might help.” Bill said he might help.
Ought to Ought to
Bill said: “I ought to help.” Bill said he ought to help.
Used to Used to
Bill said: “I used to help.” ES Bill said he used to help.
G
In reported speech, we can change the following verbs:
Can Could
PA

Bill said: “I can help.” Bill said he could help.

May Might
Bill said: “I may help.” Bill said he might help.
Must / Had to
Must
M

Bill said he must help. /

Bill said: “I must help.”
Bill said he had to help.
O

Will Would
Bill said: “I will help.” Bill said he would help.
D
AN
R

8 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Rule Summary

Past Perfect Progressive

Positive Sentences

E
PL
Who? Form of verb Examples
I/He/She/It/ verb in She had been watching a movie.
had been
You/We/They –ing form We had been jogging in the park.

M
Negative Sentences

SA
Who? Form of verb Examples
He had not (hadn’t) been
had not verb in
I/He/She/It/ watching a movie.
(hadn’t) –ing
You/We/They
been ES
form
They had not (hadn’t) been
jogging in the park.
G
Question Sentences
PA

Who? Form of verb Examples

Had she been watching a
verb in
I/he/she/it/ movie?
Had been –ing
you/we/they Had you been jogging in the
form
M

park?
O
D
AN
R

22 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 DIRECT SPEECH and
Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Reported Speech

E
PL
M
SA
ES
G
PA
M
O

A Really
D

Learn
AN

English
Publication
R

Class Activities
1 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur
 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Table of Contents
Activity 1 – Unit B, Lesson 1 ..................................................................... 6

E
Direct Speech ....................................................................................... 6

PL
Activity 2 – Unit B, Lessons 1 & 2 ............................................................. 9

M
Role Play .............................................................................................. 9

Activity 3 – Unit B, Lesson 3 ................................................................... 13

SA
Partner Practice ................................................................................. 13

Activity 4 – Unit C, Lesson 1 ................................................................... 16

ES
Partner Practice ................................................................................. 16

Activity 5 – Unit C, Lesson 2 ................................................................... 20

G
Role Play ............................................................................................ 20
PA

Activity 6 – Unit D, Lesson 1 – Option A ................................................. 23

Role Play ............................................................................................ 23

M

Activity 7 – Unit D, Lesson 1 - Option B .................................................. 27

Partner Practice ................................................................................. 27

O

Activity 8 – Unit D, Lesson 2 ................................................................... 30

D

Team Game ........................................................................................ 30

AN

Activity 9 – Unit D, Lesson 3 ................................................................... 33

Team Game ........................................................................................ 33

R

3 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Activity 10 – Unit D, Lesson 4 ................................................................. 36

Partner Practice ................................................................................. 36

E
Activity 11 – Unit D, Lesson 5 ................................................................. 39

PL
Partner Practice ................................................................................. 39

Activity 12 – Unit D, Lesson 6 ................................................................. 42

M
Partner Practice ................................................................................. 42

SA
Activity 13 – Unit D, Lesson 7 ................................................................. 44

Partner Practice ................................................................................. 44

Activity 14 – Unit D, Lesson 8 ................................................................. 46

ES
Role Play ............................................................................................ 46

Activity 15 – Final Summary ................................................................... 49

G
Partner Practice ................................................................................. 49
PA
M
O
D
AN
R

4 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Introduction
This activities booklet provides fun activation ideas to get your students

E
working with the new skills they’re learning in the Direct and Reported

PL
Speech Workbook.

M
These activities are designed to be interactive and enjoyable, so make the
most of them!

SA
Along with the prerequisites, purpose, duration, tools/aids, instructions,
and skills to be practiced, each activity also includes tips on how to best
implement it in class. ES
However, feel free to use the activity in the way you prefer. Every group is
G
different, and depending on your class size and dynamic, you may find that
tweaking the activity a bit makes it more effective. Do what works for your
PA

group, and enjoy!

M
O
D
AN
R

5 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Activity 1 – Unit B, Lesson 1

E
Direct Speech

PL
Name: Silly Sentences

M
Prerequisites:

• Simple present

SA
• Verbs with gerunds (like, love, hate)
• Understanding of direct speech (Unit B, Lesson 1)

ES
Purpose: To practice direct speech (quoting a person using their exact
words and quotation marks)
G
Skills to be Practiced:
PA

• Identifying direct speech

• Using direct speech to quote word for word something said earlier
M

Duration: 10 minutes
O

Tools/Aids: Sentence Creation Chart (attached following the tips). Review it

before you continue reading.
D
AN

Instructions:

1. Review with the class what direct speech is and when we use it (see
the Tips section below).
R

6 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

2. Divide the class into pairs. Give each of them a copy of the Sentence
Creation Chart. Make as many copies as you need of the page to
hand out.

E
3. Make sure the students understand all the words and answer any

PL
questions they may have.
4. Explain that the pairs of students will work together to quote each

M
other using direct speech.
5. They should take turns making silly sentences by using one word

SA
from each column. Student A will make a sentence first.
6. Then, Student B should quote exactly what Student A said: “You said,

ES
‘I like watching green cars before breakfast!’”
7. Then they should take turns, switching roles each time. Each student
should make three or four examples so that their partner can quote
G
them.
PA

Tips:

• Tell the students they should make the silliest sentences they can.
M

This should be a fun activity!

• Emphasize that when we use direct speech, we repeat exactly what a
O

person says, word for word. In writing, we also use quotation marks.
D

• Before you begin the activity, you can brainstorm some ideas with
AN

the class about when we use direct speech. For example, in an

interview, in a news article, in a report, in an academic paper, etc.
R

7 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Sentence Creation Chart

The all the
eating green people
students time.

E
Little on
like watching big cars

PL
children Tuesdays.
My in the
meeting purple elephants
neighbors afternoon.

M
English at lunch
seeing funny houses
teachers time.

SA
My before
love finding tiny robots
parents breakfast.
learning
We orange flowers at 3pm.

I
ES
about
reading
interesting books
on the
about weekend.
G
My looking in the
hate new furniture
classmates at evening.
PA

listening space on
Politicians golden
to ships Mondays.
M
O
D
AN
R

8 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Activity 2 – Unit B, Lessons 1 & 2

E
Role Play

PL
Name: Personality Cards

M
Prerequisites:

• Simple present

SA
• Understanding the difference between direct and reported speech
(Unit B, Lessons 1 & 2)

ES
• Basic hobby and job vocabulary

Purpose: To practice the difference between direct and reported speech

G
Skills to be Practiced:
PA

• Introducing yourself
• Using polite greetings
• Using job and hobby vocabulary
M

• Reported speech in the present simple

O

Duration: 15-25 minutes

D

Tools/Aids: Personality Cards (attached following the tips). Review them

AN

before you continue reading.

R

9 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Instructions:

1. Copy and cut up the Personality Cards below.

E
2. Give each student one Personality Card and divide the students
into pairs. (Note: for an individual student, share the role play

PL
with the student. There are six cards. If you need more, you can
create them using these cards as a model.)

M
3. Remind the students that if they quote exactly what their partners

SA
say, this is direct speech. This is important when we need to
quote a person or a source in a report or news article, for
example. But we usually use reported speech to tell others what
ES
someone has said. The students will use reported speech to
introduce their partners to the group.
G
4. Each student should read their Personality Card and then imagine
they are meeting their partner at an international business
PA

conference. They should have a conversation introducing

themselves and talking about their names, jobs, interests, and
personal information, pretending that they are the person on the
M

card.
O

5. Make sure the students understand all the words and answer any
D

questions they may have.

6. Once these conversations are finished, each pair should report
AN

back to the group about their partner. Let the students know this
is the reported speech practice. They should use the verb “says”
R

and the simple present. (Example: “She says her name is Angela
and she is a sales manager. She says she likes tennis.”) All

10 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

students should have a turn to present their partner with

reported speech.

E
Tips:

PL
• Before beginning, you can do a review of vocabulary and expressions
for meeting people. Include polite sentences like “It’s nice to meet

M
you” and “I’m a lawyer, and you?”
• Give an example before the first student presents so that they know

SA
what is expected of them. Ask if they have any questions about the
instructions before beginning.
• Walk around to see how the students are doing in their
ES
conversations and encourage them with praise and small corrections.
• Let the students make their reported speech presentations without
G
interruptions. If there are errors to correct, address them once the
PA

students have finished. Ask the class for help and suggestions so the
whole group can benefit from the review.
M
O
D
AN
R

11 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Class Activities

Personality Cards
Name: Angela Marks
Profession: Sales manager

E
Company: Jenson Electric (they sell microwaves, blenders, etc.)
Hometown: Belfast, Ireland

PL
Hobbies: tennis, rock music, walking her dog, cooking

Name: Thomas Kilroy

M
Profession: Graphic designer
Company: Yellow Bear (an advertising agency)

SA
Hometown: Boston, United States
Hobbies: going to the gym, history, chess, making model airplanes

Name: Hans Berger

Profession: Project manager
ES
Company: Leopold Consultants (a web development company)
Hometown: Graz, Austria
Hobbies: skiing, playing the guitar, spy films, gardening
G
Name: Sara Abbas
PA

Profession: Accountant
Company: Hill Suites (a luxury hotel chain)
Hometown: Rabat, Morocco
Hobbies: photography, science fiction, running marathons, classical music
M

Name: Catalina Moreno

Profession: Advertiser
O

Company: Mozega (an advertising company)

Hometown: Quito, Ecuador
D

Hobbies: video games, reading the news, shopping, painting

AN

Name: Akiyama Hotaru

Profession: Entrepreneur
Company: Akiyama Enterprises (a business start-up consultancy)
Hometown: Osaka, Japan
R

Hobbies: playing the piano, playing with his kids, swimming, poetry

12 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 DIRECT SPEECH and
Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Final Test

Reported Speech

E
PL
M
SA
ES
G
PA
M
O
D
AN

A Really
Learn
English
R

Publication

Final Test
1 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur
 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Final Test

Final Test

E
Name: ______________________________ Date: ____________

PL
A. Choose the correct reported speech for each example. (3 points each)

M
SA
1. “The sales department has a presentation this afternoon.”
a) She said the sales department was having a presentation that afternoon.
b) She said the sales department had had a presentation that afternoon.
ES
c) She said the sales department would have a presentation that afternoon.
d) She said the sales department had a presentation that afternoon.
G
2. “Terry’s laughing about my silly mistake.”
PA

a) He said Terry was laughing about my silly mistake.

b) He said Terry was laughing about his silly mistake.
c) He said Terry had been laughing about his silly mistake.
M

d) He said Terry had been laughing about my silly mistake.

O

3. “Melanie and James are going to buy a car.”

D

a) She said they were going to buy a car.

AN

b) She said they would buy a car.

c) She said they would be buying a car.
d) She said they had bought a car.
R

3 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Final Test

4. “Paul was working on his portfolio for three hours, so he’s really tired.”
a) He said Paul was working on his portfolio, so he was tired.
b) He said Paul was working on their portfolio, so he had been tired.

E
c) He said Paul had been working on his portfolio, so he was tired.

PL
d) He said Paul had been working on his portfolio, so he had been tired.

M
5. “The building here on this corner is falling down.”
a) He said the building there on that corner is falling down.

SA
b) He said the building there on that corner was falling down.
c) He said the building here on this corner was falling down.
d) He said the building there on that corner had been falling down.
ES
B. Complete the sentences with said or told. (1 point each)
G
1. Georgia _______________ me that her father was visiting.
PA

2. Meredith _______________ she had a difficult problem to solve.

3. Nick _______________ he was really busy.

M

4. Uma _______________ us the movie was excellent.

O

5. Our grandparents _______________ that things used to be simpler.

6. Wendell _______________ his mother he had graduated.

D
AN

7. The twins _______________ they wanted to go to different parties.

8. Her nephew _______________ her he didn’t like squash.

R

9. Millie _______________ she wasn’t interested in the job offer.

10. Lorena _______________ everyone at work about her engagement.

4 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 DIRECT SPEECH and
Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Answer Key

Reported Speech

E
PL
M
SA
ES
G
PA
M

A Really
O

Learn
English
D

Publication
AN

Answer Key
R

A Reall y Learn English Publication

1 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur
 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Answer Key

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................... 3

E
PL
Answer Key ............................................................................................... 5

Exercise 1 ................................................................................................. 5

M
Exercise 2 ................................................................................................. 5

SA
Homework – Unit B, Lessons 1 & 2 .......................................................... 6

Exercise 4 ................................................................................................. 8

ES
Exercise 5 ................................................................................................. 9

Homework – Unit B, Lesson 3 .................................................................. 9

G
Exercise 6 ............................................................................................... 11

Homework – Unit C, Lesson 1 ................................................................ 12

PA

Exercise 7 ............................................................................................... 13

Exercise 8 ............................................................................................... 14
M

Exercise 9 ............................................................................................... 15
O

Homework – Unit C, Lesson 2 ................................................................ 16

D

Exercise 9 ............................................................................................... 18
AN

Exercise 10 ............................................................................................. 18

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 1 ................................................................ 19

R

Exercise 11 ............................................................................................. 21

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 2 ................................................................ 22

3 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Answer Key

Exercise 13 ............................................................................................. 24

Exercise 14 ............................................................................................. 25

E
Homework – Unit D, Lesson 3 ................................................................ 26

PL
Exercise 15 – Partner Practice ................................................................ 28

Exercise 16 ............................................................................................. 30

M
Homework – Unit D, Lesson 4 ................................................................ 31

SA
Exercise 17 – Partner Practice ................................................................ 33

Exercise 18 ............................................................................................. 35

Exercise 19 ............................................................................................. 36
ES
Homework – Unit D, Lesson 5 ................................................................ 36

Exercise 20 ............................................................................................. 38
G
Homework – Unit D, Lesson 6 ................................................................ 39
PA

Exercise 21 – Partner Practice ................................................................ 41

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 7 ................................................................ 42

M

Exercise 22 ............................................................................................. 43
O

Homework – Unit D, Lesson 8 ................................................................ 44

Final Test................................................................................................ 47
D
AN
R

4 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur

 Direct Speech and Reported Speech, Answer Key

Answer Key

E
Exercise 1

PL
A. What is direct speech? Explain in your own words.

M
Direct speech is exactly what a person says. It is what is inside the
quotation marks in a story.

SA
B. Where is the direct speech in the above story? Write 3 examples below.
“Move over! I need to sit down and rest!”

ES
“Of course! Did you have a long day?”
“You have no idea. I hope there’s something good on.”
“I think a movie is going to start soon. I’ll make some popcorn.”
G
“Oh, that sounds wonderful! I’ll just sit right here!”
PA

Exercise 2
M

A. What is reported speech? Explain in your own words.

O

Reported speech gives information more quickly. We report what someone

else said earlier. This usually involves changing the verb tense.
D

B. Where is the reported speech in the above story? Write 3 examples

AN

below.
She said she was really tired.
R

5 | www.really-learn-english.com | Copyright © 2013 Ola Zur