English Today

Reported Speech - FCE Practice - Answer Key

GRAMMAR REFERENCE 1

GRAMMAR REFERENCE 2

A. Rewrite each sentence in the Reported Speech, beginning as shown.

a) "You can't park here"

The police officer told Jack  -----that he couldn't park there------------ .

b) "I'll see you in the morning, Helen."

Peter told Helen -----that he would see her in the morning / the next morning------------------------------------------ .

c) "I'm taking the 5:30 train tomorrow evening."

Janet said ----that she was taking the 5:30 train the next / following evening---------------------------------------.

d) "The trousers have to be ready this afternoon."

Paul told the dry-cleaners -----that the trousers had to be ready that afternoon-----------------------------------.

e) "I left my umbrella here two days ago."

Susari told them ------that she had left her umbrella there two days earlier / before-------------------------.

f) "The parcel ought to be here by the end of next week."

Brian said ----that the parcel ought to be there by the end of the following week.

g) "I like this hotel very much."

Diana told me ---that she liked the / that hotel very much----------------------------------.

h) "I think it's going to rain tonight."

William said ---that he thought it was going to rain that night----------------------------------.

 

B. Rewrite each question in the reported speech, beginning as shown.

a) "What time does the film start , Peter?"

I asked ------Peter what time the film started----------.

b) "Do you watch television every evening, Chris?"

The interviewer asked ---Chris if he watched television every evening -------------------------------.

c) "Why did you apply for this job?" asked the sales manager.

The sales manager asked me ----why I had applied for that job-------------------------.

d) "Are you taking much money with you to France?"

My bank manager wanted to know ----if I was taking much money with me to France-------------------------------.

e) "When will I know the exam results?"

Maria asked the examiner ---when she would know the exam results----------------------------.

f) "Are you enjoying your flight?"

The stewardess asked me ---if I was enjoying my flight--------------------------------.

g) "How does the photocopier work?"

I asked the salesman-----how the photocopier worked-----------------------------------------.

h) "Have you ever been to Japan, Paul?"

Sue asked Paul ----if he had ever been to Japan----------------------------------------.

 

C. Rewrite each sentence, beginning as shown, so that the meaning stays the same.

a) What time does the next boat leave?

Do you think you could tell me ----what time the next boat leaves--------?

b) Where can I change some money?

Could you please tell me -----where I can change some money----------------------------?

c) Where is the toilet?

Can you tell me----where the toilet is------------------?

d) How much does this pullover cost?

I'd like to know ---how much this pullover costs-------------------.

e) How do I get to Victoria Station?

Can you please explain ---how I get / to get to Victoria station-------------------------?

f) Does this train go to Gatwick Airport?

Could you tell me-----if this train goes to Gatwick Airport--------------------------------?

g) Where do you come from?

Can you tell me ----where you come from-------------------------------?

h) What do you think of London?

Could you tell me -----what you think of London------------------------------?

 

D. Complete each sentence with the correct form of say, tell or ask.

a) I ----told-------- you that you had to be on time. Why are you late?

b) When you ---asked------ her if she'd work late, what did she --say----- ?

c) I think that Alan ---told--------- us a lie about his qualifications.

d) When I --asked------him what he was doing there, he --told------- me it was none of my business.

e) I -said------ I'd help you, so here I am.

f) Did you hear what Sheila --said---------- about her new job?

g) What did Carol --tell------ you about her holiday?

h) There, you see! I -told-----------you the bus would be on time.

 

SOURCE - First Certificate Language Practice by Michael Vince

Reported Speech - FCE Practice

GRAMMAR REFERENCE 1

GRAMMAR REFERENCE 2

A. Rewrite each aentence in the Reported Speech, beginning as shown.

a) "You can't park here"

The police officer told Jack  -----that he couldn't park there------------ .

b) "I'll see you in the morning, Helen."

Peter told Helen ----------------------------------------------- .

c) "I'm taking the 5:30 train tomorrow evening."

Janet said -------------------------------------------.

d) "The trousers have to be ready this afternoon."

Paul told the dry-cleaners ----------------------------------------.

e) "I left my umbrella here two days ago."

Susari told them -------------------------------.

f) "The parcel ought to be here by the end of next week."

Brian said -----------------------------------------.

g) "I like this hotel very much."

Diana told me -------------------------------------.

h) "I think it's going to rain tonight."

William said -------------------------------------.

 

B. Rewrite each question in the reported speech, beginning as shown.

a) "What time does the film start , Peter?"

I asked ------Peter what time the film started----------.

b) "Do you watch television every evening, Chris?"

The interviewer asked -----------------------------------.

c) "Why did you apply for this job?" asked the sales manager.

The sales manager asked me -----------------------------.

d) "Are you taking much money with you to France?"

My bank manager wanted to know -----------------------------------.

e) "When will I know the exam results?"

Maria asked the examiner -------------------------------.

f) "Are you enjoying your flight?"

The stewardess asked me -----------------------------------.

g) "How does the photocopier work?"

I asked the salesman----------------------------------------------.

h) "Have you ever been to Japan, Paul?"

Sue asked Paul --------------------------------------------.

 

C. Rewrite each sentence, beginning as shown, so that the meaning stays the same.

a) What time does the next boat leave?

Do you think you could tell me ----what time the next boat leaves--------?

b) Where can I change some money?

Could you please tell me ---------------------------------?

c) Where is the toilet?

Can you tell me----------------------?

d) How much does this pullover cost?

I'd like to know ----------------------.

e) How do I get to Victoria Station?

Can you please explain ----------------------------?

f) Does this train go to Gatwick Airport?

Could you tell me-------------------------------------?

g) Where do you come from?

Can you tell me -----------------------------------?

h) What do you think of London?

Could you tell me -----------------------------------?

 

D. Complete each sentence with the correct form of say, tell or ask.

a) I ----told-------- you that you had to be on time. Why are you late?

b) When you --------- her if she'd work late, what did she ------- ?

c) I think that Alan ------------ us a lie about his qualifications.

d) When I --------him what he was doing there, he --------- me it was none of my business.

e) I ------- I'd help you, so here I am.

f) Did you hear what Sheila ------------ about her new job?

g) What did Carol -------- you about her holiday?

h) There, you see! I ------------you the bus would be on time.

 

SOURCE - First Certificate Language Practice by Michael Vince

FCE Tips - Part 5: Paper 3 - Use of English

 

A. What's in the Use of English paper?

• Part 1: text with 12 gaps and 4 multiple-choice options for each gap - 1 mark for each correct answer
• Part 2: open cloze - text with 12 gaps to be completed with one appropriate word.
• Part 3: Word Formation - text with 10 gaps and the stems of the missing words provided. You change the word to fit the gap.
• Part 4: Key Word Transformations - - 8 separate sentences, each with one sentence and a second sentence with a gap that must be completed using 2-5 words, one of which is the key word given. The key word cannot be transformed in any way.

Time: 45 minutes

B. Useful Tips

• In the exam, check that your spelling is correct. Spelling must be correct all through the paper to get your mark.
• Although you can't use a dictionary in the exam, use one when preparing. A good English to English dictionary will help you find new collocations and new ways of using familiar words.
• When you come across a new word, write down all the forms: verb / noun / adjective / adverb. Remember that one word can have more than one meaning and uses. Sometimes, a word of opposite meaning fits the gap - e.g. useless instead of useful / impolite instead of polite
• Create lists of Word Formation / Collocations / Phrasal Verbs in a special notebook or in a file on your computer
• Sometimes there may be more than one possible answers for a gap. Only write one on the answer sheet. If you write two and both are correct, you will get your mark. But if you write two and one is wrong, you won't get your mark.
• In Parts 1 / 2 / 3 read through the text first to get a pretty good idea of what it is about before providing an answer.
• In Part 2 (Open Cloze) do the easy gaps first.
• Don't forget to read Parts 1 / 2 / 3 through with the missing words added to make sure they make sense.   

 

SOURCE: The Official Top Tips for FCE - University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

FCE Tips - Part 4: Paper 5 - Speaking

A. What's in the Speaking Test?

• Part 1: conversation with the examiner in which you give personal information and opinions.
• Part 2: you compare 2 photographs and answer a question.
• Part 3: you discuss some pictures with the other candidate and reach a decision.
• Part 4: further discussion  with the examiner about the task from Part 3

Time: 15 minutes per pair of candidates

Your speaking is assessed on:

• grammar and vocabulary
• discourse management (= development of ideas)
• pronunciation
• interactive communication
• global achievement

 

B. General Tips for Speaking

• Don't worry if the examiner stops you before you have finished everything that you want to say. You and your partner will be given the exact time set out in the test.
• Always speak clearly so that the examiner can hear you and understand what you say.
• Don't worry if you make some grammatical mistakes. That's only a part of the assessment.
• Do NOT prepare sentences or short speeches before the test!!  Just react naturally to what your partner and the examiner say to you.
• Do NOT write anything down as part of your preparation for the test. Remember! This is a speaking test.
• In Part 2 and Part 3, the task is written at the top of the page, but if you aren't sure what to do, ask the examiner to repeat the instructions before you start. You can also check what you have to do with your partner.
• Don't try to talk all the time. Don't interrupt your partner while they are speaking. Wait till they have finished.
• Do NOT use slang e.g. I'm a bit pissed off with school. Say something like: I sometimes find school boring
• Last but not least, relax, don't be too nervous and enjoy the experience!

SOURCE: The Official Top Tips for FCE - Cambridge ESOL Examinations - UCLES 2008

FCE Tips - Part 3 - Paper 4 - Listening

 

A. What's in the Listening Paper

• Part 1: 8 short listening texts with 1 multiple-choice question for each (1 mark for each correct answer)
• Part 2: a longer listening text with 10 sentence-completion questions(1 mark for each correct answer)
• Part 3: 5 short listening texts to match to a series of statements (1 mark for each correct answer)
• Part 4: a longer listening text with 7 multiple-choice questions (1 mark for each correct answer)

Time: approximately 40 minutes (including 5 minutes to copy your answers onto the answer sheet.)

B. General Tips for Listening

• Use the time you have to read through the questions. Underline key words so that you know exactly what you are listening for. Remember! No one is asking you to understand every single word spoken!
• You hear the instructions on the recording. Always listen carefully and read the question at the same time, as they give you the context and the topic.
• If you are not sure of an answer, mark those that you think are possible. Use the second listening to confirm your choice.
• Use the second listening to confirm your answers even if you are sure you are right. Don't stop listening!
• Make sure you write clearly when transferring your answers onto the answer sheet. You have plenty of time to do this.
• Write only the missing word or short phrase on the answer sheet in Part 2, and don't rephrase it.
• Don't choose an answer based on a single word or phrase in Parts 1, 3 and 4. Concentrate on the overall meaning of what you hear. 

SOURCE: The Official Top Tips for FCE - University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - UCLES 2008

FCE Tips - Part 2: Paper 2- Writing

 

A. What's in the Writing paper?

• Part 1: One compulsory question - a transactional email / letter which could be formal or informal. You read some material and then you write an email / letter using all the notes on the task.
• Part 2: One question from a choice of four, including an article, email (usually informal), essay (opinion composition), report, review and story.
• Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

(Each Part carries 20 marks.)

 

B. Useful Tips for Writing

• Before you start writing, highlight or underline the key words in the task.
• It is important to know what kind of writing you are required to produce, what style you should be using and what layout is appropriate.
• In Part 1 check and double check that you have included all the notes.
• In Part 2 read all the questions carefully before you decide which one to do. Choose to answer the one you feel you are especcially good at.
• Practise writing things in different ways using a range of tenses and vocabulary.
• Last but not least, remember to plan what you write, and read it through afterwards to check that you have not made any mistakes. 

 

SOURCE: The Official Top Tips for FCE - University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - UCLES 2008

 

 

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Punctuation: The Comma That Kills!

Photo Credit

 

The Use of the Comma

• To separate a vocative from the remainder of a sentence:

Patricia, we very much doubt whether it can be done.

• To separate a parenthetical clause from the remainder of a sentence:

Arthur, absent-minded as usual, had forgotten the invitation.

• To separate direct speech from its reporting verb and other words:

"Sit down", she said quietly, "and listen to what I have to say."

• To separate items in a list of enumeration:

Robert ordered half a loaf of fresh bread, some local butter, some cheese, a large onion, and a pint of beer. (the final comma can be omitted)

I don't know when he will come, how he will come, with whom he will come, or whether he will come at all!

BUT somethimes the presence or absence of a comma changes completely the meaning of a sentence:

The twins, Mary and Helen, went home early. (two people)

The twins, Mary, and Helen went home early. (four people)

Let's eat grandpa!!!

Let's eat, grandpa.

• To separate an adverbial clause from a main clause:

As soon as he arrives, give him this note.

If you want any help, just let me know.

• To distinguish a non-defining (parenthetical) relative clause from a defining one:

The animals, which had not been brought under cover, were killed by the sub-zero temperatures. (= all the animals)

The animals which had not been brought under cover were killed by sub-zero temperatures. (= only some animals - the ones that had not been brought under cover)

• After each of two or more adjectives or prepositions:

She is a clever, but a self-opinionated, woman.

• To indicate the omission of a part of a sentence:

Molly and Carol will go with Philip in the Mazda; you and John, with me in the Bentley!

(omitted: will go)

 

 

Report Writing

Guided Report Writing

Write a report on Milford Gym suggesting ways of attracting more young people and teenagers to the gym. Write between 150 and 200 words.

 

REPORT ON MILFORD GYM

PLAN

 

PLAN FOR A REPORT	SPECIFIC PLAN
Par.1 – state purpose of report	Describe Milford Gym and suggest ways of attracting young customers
Pars. 2-4 – main body	Facilities Classes Opening times and prices
Par. 5 – recommendations and conclusion	Recommendations / suggestions and conclusion

 

 

Introduction

This report describes Milford Gym and suggests ways of attracting younger customers.

 

Facilities

Milford Gym has one weightlifting and exercise room which contains a wide range of equipment from exercise bikes to rowing machines. There is also a studio for aerobics classes.

 

Classes

Aerobics classes are held every day. However, few people under the age of 25 attend these classes.

 

Opening Times and Prices

The gym is open 7 days a week from 7am-9pm. Membership is reasonably priced and costs £20 per month. However, subscriptions are for a minimum period of 6 months and must be paid in advance. Most young people are not able to afford this.

 

Recommendations

First of all, I suggest playing pop music in the weightlifting and exercise room so that young people can be encouraged to use this area. In addition, I recommend introducing some new classes, for example jazz or hip-hop dancing. It would also be a good idea to offer one-month subscriptions, which young people would be able to afford. If these changes are made, I am sure that there will be an increase in younger customers at the gym.

 

(188 words)

Welcome Back!

Let me welcome you back to yet another online school year of English as a second language. I hope that you all had a wonderful summer with your loved ones feeling ready now to get down to work, prepare for exams or simply use this blog to improve your English. I would also like to thank you all for your visits, your emails, your kind words and constructive feedback.

As requested by many of you, I will soon be posting more practice on modals and modal perfect as well as more IGCSE past exam papers which will hopefully help you get through the IGCSE October / November 2011 exam session. You can find the IGCSE Listening mp3 files on the right sidebar of my page under Podcast. I also intend to provide  speaking and writing guides and tips for the FCE and IGCSE speaking tests while at the same time you will get additional reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary material for all ESL levels.  

 

FCE Practice - Use of English

 

Download Advanced-level-5-extra-word-editing-worksheets-1-to-11

Source : esl-lounge