EnglishFrom Direct Speech to Reported Speech
Choose one question to answer. Then report the question using asked.
Direct question | Report it aloud |
|---|---|
“Where is the library?” | She asked where the library was. |
“Do you prefer online classes?” | She asked if/whether I preferred online classes. |
“When does your course start?” | She asked when my course started. |
“Have you finished your assignment?” | She asked if/whether I had finished my assignment. |
“Which subject do you find hardest?” | She asked which subject I found hardest. |
“Can you study at weekends?” | She asked if/whether I could study at weekends. |
“Why did you choose this school?” | She asked why I had chosen that school. |
“Will you apply for a scholarship?” | She asked if/whether I would apply for a scholarship. |
Build Accurate Reported Sentences
Source form | Reported form |
|---|---|
Yes/no question | asked + if/whether + subject + verb |
Wh-question | asked + wh-word + subject + verb |
Command / request | told / asked + person + to + verb |
Negative advice | advised + person + not to + verb |
Put the words in order
Build a reported question about a student’s education.
Arrange the words to make a correct reported sentence.
- She
- asked
- where
- I
- studied.
Now build a reported instruction from an academic advisor.
Arrange the words to make a correct reported sentence.
- The advisor
- told
- us
- to
- check
- the timetable.
Choose the accurate form
Read the direct speech and select the complete reported sentence.
“Are you attending the study group?” → The tutor asked me [___] .
“When did you submit the essay?” → She asked me [___] .
“Please email your transcript.” → The academic advisor [___] .
Report the original words
Say the full sentence before you write it.
“What course are you taking?” → The academic advisor [___] .
“Do you need extra tutoring?” → The tutor [___] .
“Please sit near the front.” → The teacher [___] .
“Don’t miss the registration deadline.” → The advisor [___] .
An Appointment with an Academic Advisor
Listen for Ms Patel’s questions, requests, instructions, and advice.
- What did Ms Patel ask Daniel about his course and attendance?
- What did she ask Daniel to check?
- What did she advise Daniel not to do?
- What did she tell Daniel to do before Friday?
Academic Life in Pictures
Describe what you can see.
Imagine the people’s direct speech. Report:
- one question someone might have asked;
- one command, request, or piece of advice someone might have given.
Describe what you can see.
Imagine the people’s direct speech. Report:
- one question someone might have asked;
- one command, request, or piece of advice someone might have given.
Interview and Report
Situation: You are interviewing your teacher-partner about education and learning experiences.
Ask about these topics
- Subjects or courses studied
- A difficult learning experience
- Advice from a teacher or academic advisor
- Plans after graduation
Useful questions
- What subjects did you study?
- Where did you study?
- Did you enjoy your course?
- Have you ever missed an important deadline?
- What did your teacher recommend?
- Will you continue studying after you graduate?
Report your partner’s answers
Use at least one sentence from each group.
Questions | Instructions and advice |
|---|---|
She told me that she had studied… | She told me to… |
I asked her where she had… | She asked me to… |
I asked her if she had… | She advised me not to… |
She said that she would… | She recommended that I… |
Speaking sequence
- Interview your partner.
- Listen and make brief notes.
- Give a short reported summary.
A School Memory
Write one paragraph about a school memory.
Length: 60–120 words
Include:
- one reported yes/no question;
- one reported wh-question;
- two reported commands, requests, or pieces of advice.
Sentence starters
- My teacher asked me if…
- She asked me where…
- My teacher told me to…
- The academic advisor asked me to…
- She advised me not to…
- My classmates asked whether…
Check before you finish
Focus | Check |
|---|---|
Grammar | Use statement word order after if/whether and wh-words. |
Vocabulary | Include education words such as assignment, deadline, revision, or library. |
Coherence | Put events in a clear order. |
Key Language to Take Away
Direct speech type | Reported form |
|---|---|
“Do you need help?” | She asked if/whether I needed help. |
“Where is your course?” | She asked where my course was. |
“Check the timetable.” | She told me to check the timetable. |
“Please submit the assignment.” | She asked me to submit the assignment. |
“Don’t miss the deadline.” | She advised me not to miss the deadline. |
Remember: after if/whether and wh-words, use normal statement order: subject + verb.
Homework preview
Write six direct sentences about school or university life. Then change them into reported speech.
Include:
- at least two questions;
- at least two commands, requests, or pieces of advice;
- vocabulary from today: academic advisor, course, deadline, library, scholarship, assignment, revision, graduate, timetable, and recommend.
