Unit 2: Reported Speech and Argumentative Writing

The rule in one line

• When we report what someone said, we usually move the verb one step back in time, change the pronouns, and change time and place words.
• The reporting verb is normally said, told, explained, added or remarked. That is optional.
• Direct: Dr. Ali said, "Machines help people work faster." → Reported: Dr. Ali said (that) machines helped people work faster.

Tense shift

Pronoun and time shift

Worked examples from the unit

1. The doctor said, "Machines help me detect illnesses more quickly." → The doctor said (that) machines helped him detect illnesses more quickly.
2. The manager said, "Machines can work all day without getting tired." → The manager said (that) machines could work all day without getting tired.
3. The teacher said, "Machines might cause accidents if not used carefully." → The teacher said (that) machines might cause accidents if not used carefully. (might does not change.)

The pattern

• Command: subject + told / ordered / warned + object + to + infinitive.
• Request: subject + asked + object + to + infinitive.
• Negative: subject + reporting verb + object + not to + infinitive.
• Direct: "Turn off the machine!" → The supervisor told me to turn off the machine.
• Direct: "Don't touch the controls!" → She warned us not to touch the controls.
• Direct: "Could you check the system?" → He asked me to check the system.
• Direct: "Can you update the software of my computer?" → He asked me to update the software of his computer.

Choosing the reporting verb

Never use said with an object

• Correct: She told me to wait. / She said (that) I should wait.
• Wrong: She said me to wait.

The five parts

1. Introduction: introduce the topic, give background and state your claim (thesis).
2. Body 1: your first reason with examples or evidence.
3. Body 2: your second reason with more examples or facts.
4. Opposing view: mention the opposite side, then say why you disagree.
5. Conclusion: restate your claim and summarise your main points.

Sentence starters

Linking words in action

• Smartphones can be valuable learning tools in the classroom; however, their use also presents challenges.
• Firstly, students can quickly access information, for example they can look up a word they don't know.
• On the other hand, smartphones can be a major distraction because students may be tempted to use them for games instead of focusing on the lesson.
• In conclusion, while phones offer great educational potential, a balance must be found.

Model paragraph plan for "Should Mobile Phones be Allowed in Class?"

• Claim: phones should be allowed only under the teacher's direction.
• Reason 1: instant access to dictionaries, calculators and reference material.
• Reason 2: interactive quizzes and instant feedback raise engagement.
• Counter-argument: phones distract and can be used for cheating — refute with clear rules and monitoring.
• Conclusion: controlled use gives the benefits without the drawbacks.

A. Report these statements

1. The engineer said, "We use solar energy." → The engineer said (that) they used solar energy.
2. The teacher said, "Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids." → The teacher said (that) ancient Egyptians had built the pyramids.
3. The historian said, "They have made a 3D model of the temple." → The historian said (that) they had made a 3D model of the temple.
4. He said, "We will visit the museum tomorrow." → He said (that) they would visit the museum the next day.

B. Choose the correct answer

1. She said that they … a new machine.   a. builds   b. build   c. have built   d. had built → d
2. He said that their house … a long time ago.   a. is built   b. had been built   c. built   d. has been built → b
3. The engineer said that machines … jobs easier.   a. makes   b. made   c. are making   d. has made → b

C. Report these commands and requests

1. The teacher said, "Please, write your name." → The teacher asked us to write our names.
2. The guide said, "Don't touch the ancient statue." → The guide warned us not to touch the ancient statue.
3. He said, "Turn off the lights." → He told me to turn off the lights.
4. The doctor said, "Take this medicine twice a day." → The doctor told me to take that medicine twice a day.

D. Choose the correct answer

1. The police officer told us … without a seat belt.   a. not drive   b. to not drive   c. not to drive   d. don't drive → c
2. He asked me … the report.   a. writing   b. to write   c. write   d. wrote → b
3. The teacher told the students … their homework.   a. do   b. to do   c. did   d. doing → b

E. Report the instructions you were given

• "Ahmed instructed me to… He also advised me to… Finally, he warned me not to…"
• Complete the three slots with real steps for using a photocopier, printer or scanner, keeping the to / not to pattern.