Reported Speech Reading Comprehension Activity

Reported speech or "reported discourse" is when an individual verbally recalls information from something they heard or read. It can be either directly quoted or indirectly conveyed and is an important aspect of communication. Using reported speech in conversations shows listening skills and allows an individual to relate to others.

Read this short excerpt about a funny incident in the park. Once you have finished, answer the reading comprehension questions and complete the reported speech activity.

Guess Who I Bumped Into?

Tim wandered along the path thinking aloud, "If I continue this diet I should lose twenty pounds by the end of..." when BOOM! he bumped into another city dweller out for a day's walk in the park.

"I'm terribly sorry," he apologized, "I was so caught up in my thoughts, I didn't see you!" he managed to stammer.

Smiling, Sheila responded, "It's OK. Nothing's broken... No really, I wasn't watching my step either."

Suddenly they both stopped making excuses and stared at each other.

"Don't I know you from somewhere?" inquired Tim while Sheila exclaimed, "You're Tim, Jack's brother, aren't you?!"

They both began to laugh as they had met each other the week before at a party that Jack had given.

Still laughing, Tim suggested, "Why don't we have a cup a coffee and donut?" to which Sheila replied, "I thought you wanted to continue your diet!" They both were still laughing by the time they reached the Swimming Donut cafe.​

Comprehension Questions

Questions one to five test your comprehension. The remaining questions test reported speech. Fill in the blanks with reported (indirect) speech using the text above.