Reported Speech: Statements
somdn_product_pageIn this reported speech statements lesson plan, students learn how to report statements using indirect speech. They study backshift rules, tense changes, pronoun changes, time and place expressions, and the differences between say and tell. The lesson includes guided language analysis, controlled practice, pairwork speaking activities, and revision tasks to help B1/B2 learners use reported speech more accurately and confidently in conversation and writing.
Level: B1/B2
Time: 90 minutes +
This lesson comes with:
Fillable Fields – This digital worksheet can be completed online or printed.
Teacher’s Copy – Includes detailed teacher’s notes and an answer key.
Student Version – Ideal for sharing via email for online lessons.
Overview of this reported speech statements lesson plan
1. Introduction to reported speech
Students compare direct and reported speech examples and identify changes to pronouns, tense, and time expressions. They are introduced to the key features of reported speech statements and the use of introductory reporting clauses.
2. Say and tell
Students study the differences between say and tell, including common reporting structures and fixed expressions. They then practise reporting sentences using the correct verb patterns.
3. Backshift and tense changes
Students study the main backshift rules used in reported speech, including tense changes with present, past, perfect, continuous, modal, and future forms. They then complete controlled practice and partner testing activities.
4. Pronoun, time and place changes
Students learn how pronouns, possessive adjectives, and time and place expressions may change in reported speech. They then transform direct speech statements into reported speech using the correct changes.
5. Exceptions to backshift
Students explore situations where tense changes are optional or unnecessary, including unchanged situations, present reporting verbs, and sentences with existing past time references.
6. Revision and speaking practice
Students review the main grammar points from the lesson and practise discussing reported speech rules and examples in pairs or small groups.
Skills Developed
- Understanding reported speech statements
- Using backshift accurately
- Using say and tell correctly
- Recognising tense, pronoun, and time expression changes
- Improving grammar accuracy in speaking and writing
Lesson Objectives
- Understand how reported speech statements are formed
- Practise common backshift rules and tense changes
- Use say and tell accurately in reported speech
- Identify and apply pronoun and time expression changes
- Develop confidence using indirect speech in context
Try this reported speech statements lesson in class today!
This detailed reported speech lesson plan gives students structured practice with indirect speech statements while helping them build confidence with common reporting patterns and grammar changes.
Note: This lesson includes printable worksheets with fillable fields for digital completion. For best results, we recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader for digital use or printing.
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