Introduction: Telling the Story in Your Own Words

In your HKDSE English journey, you will often need to repeat what someone else said or rewrite information from a text. Whether you are reporting an interview in Paper 2 (Writing) or summarizing a Data File in Paper 3 (Listening and Integrated Skills), the ability to use Reported Speech and Paraphrasing is essential. These skills allow you to show the markers that you truly understand the language, rather than just "copy-pasting" what you see!

Quick Note: This chapter focuses on how we transform sentences. For more on how verbs change based on time, see "Tenses and time reference". To learn how to flip sentences around, check out "The passive voice and objective writing".

Section 1: Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)

Reported speech is used when we want to tell someone what another person said without using their exact words. We don't use quotation marks (" ") here.

1.1 The "Step Back" Rule (Backshifting)

When the reporting verb (like said or told) is in the past tense, the verbs in the actual speech usually "step back" one stage into the past. Think of it as moving further away in time.

The Backshifting Formula:

\( Present\ Simple \rightarrow Past\ Simple \)

Example: "I need help," she said. \(\rightarrow\) She said she needed help.

\( Present\ Continuous \rightarrow Past\ Continuous \)

Example: "We are winning!" they cried. \(\rightarrow\) They cried that they were winning.

\( Present\ Perfect \rightarrow Past\ Perfect \)

Example: "I have finished," he said. \(\rightarrow\) He said he had finished.

\( Will \rightarrow Would \)

Example: "I will call you," she promised. \(\rightarrow\) She promised she would call me.

\( Can \rightarrow Could \)

Example: "I can swim," he said. \(\rightarrow\) He said he could swim.

1.2 Changes in Pronouns and Time

When you report someone's words, you are usually a different person in a different place. Therefore, you must update the "pointers" in the sentence.

  • Pronouns: "I" often becomes he or she. "We" becomes they.
  • Place: "Here" becomes there.
  • Time:
    • "Now" \(\rightarrow\) then / at that time
    • "Today" \(\rightarrow\) that day
    • "Tomorrow" \(\rightarrow\) the next day / the following day
    • "Yesterday" \(\rightarrow\) the day before / the previous day

1.3 Beyond "Said": Using Better Reporting Verbs

To get higher marks in the HKDSE, avoid using "said" for everything. Use verbs that show the speaker's intention:

  • To give information: stated, explained, informed, claimed
  • To give advice/orders: suggested, advised, urged, commanded
  • To express feelings: complained, admitted, boasted, grumbled

Quick Review: When reporting a question, use if or whether for Yes/No questions. Example: "Are you hungry?" \(\rightarrow\) He asked if I was hungry.

Section 2: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is the art of rewriting a sentence so it has the same meaning but uses different words and structures. In Paper 3, copying word-for-word from the Data File can actually lose you marks! You need to "process" the information.

2.1 Technique 1: Using Synonyms

Find words with similar meanings. However, be careful—the "tone" must remain the same.

Original: The boss was happy with the result.
Paraphrase: The manager was satisfied with the outcome.

2.2 Technique 2: Changing the Word Class

This is a powerful trick! Turn a verb into a noun, or an adjective into an adverb.

Original: The price increased sharply. (Verb + Adverb)
Paraphrase: There was a sharp increase in the price. (Adjective + Noun)

2.3 Technique 3: Changing the Sentence Structure

You can move the clauses around or switch between active and passive voice.

Original: Because the weather was bad, the flight was cancelled.
Paraphrase: The flight was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

2.4 Technique 4: Summarizing with Reporting Verbs

Sometimes, you can paraphrase a whole sentence using one strong reporting verb.

Original: "If I were you, I would check the website before buying anything," said Tom.
Paraphrase: Tom advised me to check the website before making a purchase.

Section 3: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first; even top students make these mistakes!

  • The "Tense Trap": Forgetting to backshift when the reporting verb is in the past. Incorrect: He said he is busy. Correct: He said he was busy.
  • The Question Order: In reported questions, the subject comes before the verb. Incorrect: She asked where was I going. Correct: She asked where I was going.
  • Synonym Overload: Don't change technical terms. If a text is about "Global Warming," don't change it to "World Heating." Some terms must stay the same for accuracy!
  • Keeping the Tone: If the original text is a formal report, your paraphrase should not use slang or "text speak."

Key Takeaways for the HKDSE

1. Context is King: In Paper 3, check the audience. If you are writing a formal letter for a manager, your paraphrasing must be professional.
2. Grammar Accuracy: When you change a sentence structure, double-check that your subject and verb still agree (Subject-Verb Agreement).
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Try reading a news headline and telling a friend what happened using "The news said that...". This is natural reported speech practice!

Did you know? You don't always have to backshift if the situation is still true right now. Example: "The sun rises in the east," he said. \(\rightarrow\) He said that the sun rises in the east. This is perfectly fine because the sun still rises in the east today!