Research students

Grammar Review: Sequence of Tenses. Reported Speech


Step 1. Tips:

1. 
   “I promise to defend my thesis next year”.
   

He tells us, he promises to defend his thesis next year.

2. 
   “I am surprised that you are discussing this problem now.”
   

She said, she was surprised that I was discussing that problem then.

3. 
   “Modern technology began with the development of power-driven machines and growth of the factory system.”
   

It was mentioned that modern technology began/had begun with the development of power-driven machines and growth of the factory system.

4. 
   “The European Union has developed international scientific cooperation over the last years”
   

It was stressed that the European Union had developed international scientific cooperation over the last years.

5. 
   “Are you going to have a meeting tomorrow?”
   

We asked the secretary if they were going to have a meeting the next day.

6. 
   “Did you take part in the international conference two years ago?”
   

He wondered if I took/had taken part in the international conference two years before.

7. 
   Does the job provide benefits?
   

The applicant asked if the job provided benefits.

8. 
   “When will you fill in the application form?”
   

The clerk asked when I would fill in the application form.

9. 
   “Why can’t you work under pressure?”
   

The first interviewer asked why she couldn’t work under pressure.

10. 
    “Think of another theme for your report.”
    

The supervisor asked me to think of another theme for my report.

11. 
    “Don’t be late for classes!”
    

The teacher asked the student not to be late for classes.


Step 2. Complete each sentence in reported speech, beginning as shown.

1. 
   “Indicate the ways in which you have used these data.”
   

They were asked …

2. 
   “To succeed in your master’s and doctoral studies is by no means the final product.”
   

The tutor says …

3. 
   “Did the analyses of interviews begin with a detailed summary of what had been said?”
   

The employer wanted to know …

4. 
   “I have learnt an immense amount from the graduate students I worked with.”
   

My colleague concluded …

5. 
   “A traditional course in social research methodology will not meet the needs of students concerning thesis requirements.”
   

Professor Brown explained: …

6. 
   “Individual study indicates how well a student has learned to carry out research.”
   

The supervisor underlined …

7. 
   “It will lead to the explosive development of the Internet and its countless commercial applications.”
   

It was stressed …

8. 
   “Who wrote the application for you?”
   

The interviewer asked …

9. 
   “The degrees of master and doctor were for some time equivalent”.
   

The lecturer said …

10. 
    “The scientific revolution has brought new ideas, discoveries and inventions.”
    

The reporter underlined …

11. 
    “Can students be supervised in groups?”
    

The student asked …

12. 
    “Will curiosity-driven research be supported by public or private funds?”
    

The postgraduate wondered …

13. 
    “The main significance of the higher postgraduate degrees is that they license the holder to teach.”
    

The scientific adviser agreed …

14. 
    “UK Universities and Research Councils will do more to identify and promote the economic and social value of postgraduate study.”
    

The authorities promised …