AP1C-6
Summarizing: Using Reported Speech
As we have studied, a summary retells information from another source (i.e. an article, a
lecture, a movie, etc.). We are practicing writing a summary; however, a summary can be given
orally. Another strategy to use before writing a summary is to explain the main ideas of what
you’ve read to someone else. This prepares you to use your own words to retell the
information.
Here is one way to practice:
1. Find a quotation that explains a main idea:
“The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a landmark in education reform designed to improve
student achievement and change the culture of U.S. schools.”
2. Repeat the quotation to your partner. (*Remember the rules of reported speech!)
The report said that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was a landmark in education reform
designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of U.S. schools.”
3. Then explain the quotation in your own words.
The government created No Child Left Behind because they wanted better schools and students
who learned more.
*Reported speech refers to using a noun clause to report what someone has said. In reported
speech, we change the main verb of the sentence. See the following examples:
Quoted Speech
“I drink coffee every day.”
“I am drinking coffee.”
“I have played that game
before.”
“I played that game
yesterday.”
“I had already done my
homework when she arrived.”
“I will do my homework.”
“I am going to do my
homework.”
“I can go to the movies.”
Reported Speech
She said she drank coffee every day.
She said she was drinking coffee.
He said that she had played that game before.
“I may go to the movies.”
“I must clean my bedroom.”
“I have to clean my bedroom.”
He said he might go to the movies.
She said she had to clean her bedroom.
She said she had to clean her bedroom.
He said that he had played that game yesterday.
He said that he had already done his homework when she
arrived.
She said she would do her homework.
She said she was going to do her homework.
He said he could go to the movies.
Note: The modals should, ought to, and might do not change.
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