Reported Speech (Advanced) (IELTS, TOEFL, YDS Practice) -B2 Grammar Test
This B2 grammar test focuses on advanced reported speech, including tense backshifting, reporting verbs, modal changes, time reference shifts, and formal reporting structures, all of which are frequently tested in IELTS Writing, TOEFL Structure, and YDS grammar.
Choose the correct answer.
RESULTS
#1. She said that she ___ finished the report.
#2. He told me he ___ working late that night.
#3. They said they ___ the following day.
#4. She asked me where I ___ the keys.
#5. He warned us ___ the door unlocked.
#6. The manager announced that the meeting ___ cancelled.
#7. She admitted that she ___ a mistake.
#8. He explained that he ___ finish the task by Friday.
#9. They claimed that the documents ___ lost.
#10. She reminded me ___ her later.
#11. He denied ___ the confidential information.
#12. She said that she ___ never been abroad before.
#13. The witness stated that he ___ the suspect before.
#14. They promised that they ___ in touch.
#15. She complained that the service ___ unacceptable.
✅ Answer Key with VERY DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
🧠 B2 Reported Speech Logic (IELTS · TOEFL · YDS)
🔑 Core B2 Rule (Read First)
At B2 level, reported speech is tested through logical time relationships, not mechanical conversion.
Exams check whether you can:
apply tense backshifting correctly
keep logical time reference
choose the correct reporting verb pattern
maintain formal reporting tone
1. had
Explanation:
The reporting verb (said) is in the past, so present perfect (has finished) shifts to past perfect.
❌ has → no backshift
❌ was → wrong tense
📌 YDS classic tense-shift test
2. was
Explanation:
Present continuous (am working) becomes past continuous in reported speech.
❌ is → direct speech
❌ has been → tense mismatch
📌 TOEFL structure pattern
3. would arrive
Explanation:
Future will shifts to would in reported speech.
❌ will arrive → no shift
❌ arrive → incorrect form
📌 IELTS future reference shift
4. had left
Explanation:
Past simple (left) becomes past perfect after a past reporting verb.
❌ leave → base form
❌ have left → present perfect, no shift
📌 YDS sequencing logic
5. not to leave
Explanation:
Warnings use warn + object + not to + infinitive.
❌ not leave → missing infinitive marker
❌ didn’t leave → wrong structure
📌 Reporting verb pattern mastery
6. was
Explanation:
Present passive (is cancelled) shifts to past passive.
❌ is → no shift
❌ has been → wrong time reference
📌 IELTS formal announcements
7. had made
Explanation:
Present perfect (have made) shifts to past perfect.
❌ makes → present simple
❌ has made → no shift
📌 YDS error elimination
8. could
Explanation:
Modal can shifts to could in reported speech.
❌ can → no backshift
❌ will → wrong modal meaning
📌 TOEFL modal shift logic
9. were
Explanation:
Past simple passive (were lost) matches the reported meaning.
❌ are → present
❌ have been → tense mismatch
📌 Formal reporting accuracy
10. to call
Explanation:
Remind + object + to + infinitive is the correct pattern.
❌ call → missing infinitive marker
❌ calling → gerund, incorrect
📌 High-frequency YDS pattern
11. sharing
Explanation:
Deny is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
❌ to share → incorrect pattern
❌ share → base form not allowed
📌 Advanced reporting verbs
12. had
Explanation:
Present perfect (has never been) shifts to past perfect.
❌ has → no shift
❌ was → tense distortion
📌 IELTS biographical reporting
13. had seen
Explanation:
Past simple (saw) becomes past perfect to show earlier action.
❌ sees → present tense
❌ has seen → no shift
📌 YDS timeline clarity
14. would stay
Explanation:
Future promise (will stay) shifts to would stay.
❌ stay → base form
❌ stayed → past simple
📌 IELTS indirect promises
15. was
Explanation:
The complaint refers to a completed past situation, so past simple is required.
❌ is → present
❌ has been → present perfect, not supported
📌 Formal complaint language
🧠 Final B2 Reported Speech Survival Notes
Backshift only when logic requires it
Control reporting verb patterns
Maintain formal tone
Focus on timeline accuracy
This is the level expected in:
IELTS Writing Task 2
TOEFL academic passages
YDS advanced grammar sections
