Reported speech – B2 English Grammar Test

1  In 1–4, underline the original verbs and reported verbs, then decide the reason (A, B or C) the tense of the reported verbs does not change.

1   ‘They ’re changing the speed limit soon.’ → I found out that they ’re changing the speed limit soon. …B…

2   ‘In Japan they also drive on the left.’ → He informed us that in Japan they also drive on the left. ……

3   ‘What time is it?’ → He’s asking what the time is. ……

4   ‘Are you coming by car tomorrow?’ → She asked if you’re coming by car tomorrow. ……

A   The events are true at any time.

B   The events reported are not in the past.

C   The reporting verb is in the present tense.

2  Complete the reported sentences. Change the verb tense only where necessary. When the reported verb stays the same, give the reason (A, B or C) from Exercise 1.

1   ‘There are always traffic jams on this road.’

      My mum warned me that ……there are always…… traffic jams on this road. …A…

2   ‘We’re going to be early.’

      She thought that they ………………………… to be early, yet they arrived just on time. ……

3   ‘Can I have some more cake, please?’

      Are you asking me if you ………………………… some more cake? ……

4   ‘My train gets to Milan at 11.15 tomorrow morning.’

      He reminded me that his train ………………………… to Milan at 11.15 tomorrow morning. ……

5   ‘Have you filled up the car with petrol?’

      Before we left, I asked him ………………………… the car with petrol. ……

6   ‘I’m injured.’

      Before the race, he claimed that he ………………………… injured. ……

7   ‘Do you like driving?’

      He asked me ………………………… driving. ……

3  Complete the table with the verbs in the box. Some verbs can go in more than one place.

4  Complete the second sentences in each pair so they have a similar meaning to the first, with ONE of the words given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given.

1   ‘Yes, I’ll pick you up at 6.15. No problem,’ Jamie said.

      Jamie ……agreed to pick me up…… at 6.15. AGREED / DENIED

2   ‘It was me. I scratched your car. Sorry!’ said Max.

      Max ………………………… my car. SUGGESTED / CONFESSED

3   ‘Why don’t we get a taxi instead of taking public transport?’ Beatrice said.

      Beatrice ………………………… instead of taking public transport. SUGGESTED / AGREED

5  Cross out the mistakes in the sentences. Write the correct sentences.

1   The doctor says that in one week he would take off my bandage.

      ……The doctor says that in one week he will take off my bandage. ……

2   I tried to persuade them. I say them that nothing bad will happen and I was right.

      …………………………………………………

3   I warned him that it will be slower that way and he took ages.

      …………………………………………………

4   She asked me where do I live.

      …………………………………………………

5   I said eight o’clock, but she insisted to come earlier.

      …………………………………………………

6  Complete the story with the correct form of the verbs in brackets. Use reported speech where necessary.

Last month I stupidly left my rucksack on the coach. I immediately phoned the coach company and 1……asked…… (ask) them whether someone 2……………………. (find) it. They told me that someone 3……………………. (call) me back within the hour, but of course they didn’t, so I rang again. They asked me where I 4……………………. (live) so that they could send it to me if it 5……………………. (turn up). It still hasn’t turned up! A week later, I received a package. I couldn’t believe it. I 6……………………. (send) someone else’s bag. When I told them, they completely denied 7……………………. (make) any mistake. They said the postman must have 8……………………. (take) it to the wrong house. Can you believe it?