Telephone Game

Reported Speech

Activity Type

Speaking Activity

Focus

Practising reported speech in real time

Aim

Students pass messages along a chain using reported speech, and compare the final version to the original.

Level

B1–B2

Time

15–20 minutes

Preparation

Print the starter sentences. Cut into individual strips.

Procedure

Arrange students in rows of 5–6.

Give the first student in each row a sentence strip (they must not show it to anyone).

Student 1 whispers the sentence to Student 2 in direct speech.

Student 2 turns to Student 3 and reports it: "She said that..."

Student 3 reports to Student 4 what Student 2 said, and so on down the line.

The last student writes down what they heard.

Compare the final version to the original. How much changed?

Repeat with a new sentence. The row that preserves the most meaning wins.

Casa ESL — Reported Speech — B1–B2

Speaking Activity

Student Materials

These materials are formatted for printing. Click the Print button above to print only the student materials.

Starter sentences (whisper to the first student)Starter sentences (whisper to the first student)

I am going to move to a new city next year because I have found a better job.

My sister told me that she wants to learn Japanese before she visits Tokyo.

I have never eaten sushi, but I will try it when I go to the new restaurant.

We should leave early tomorrow because the traffic will be terrible in the morning.

I can play three instruments and I am learning a fourth one right now.

My best friend has lived in five different countries since she finished university.

I must finish this project by Friday or my boss will be very disappointed.

She told me that she might not come to the party because she is feeling unwell.