English for R&Dcourse

English for R&Dcourse

Grammar

1
Theory · read before you start
Indirect Questions
We often need to ask or report a question politely, without repeating its direct form.
RULE
Wh- questions: question word + subject + verb (no do/does/did)
Yes/No questions: if or whether + subject + verb
TIP
The verb tense often shifts back one step (e.g. is → was, did say → had said) when the reporting verb itself is in the past.
EXAMPLES
  • Direct: 'Who uses English, and why is it such a widely spoken language?'→ The chapter asks who uses English and why it is such a widely spoken language.
  • Direct: 'Will this situation continue?'→ The writer wonders whether this situation will continue.
  • Direct: 'What did you say?'→ He asked what she had said.
  • Direct: 'Is English an official language in Kenya?'→ She asked whether English was an official language in Kenya.
2
Quiz · choose one option per question
Which sentence is correctly formed?
1.A thought about why English spreads so fast:
2.Reporting a question about the time:
3.Politely asking for directions:
4.Reporting whether someone spoke English:
5.Explaining why someone left early:
6.Explaining why an event was cancelled:
3
Correct the mistakes · type the correct word in the box
The highlighted word contains a mistake. Write the correct form.
1.
I wonder why does English spread so fast.
↳
2.
She asked what was his name.
↳
3.
Could you tell me where does he live?
↳
4.
Nobody told me why did the meeting start late.
↳
5.
I can't remember where did I put my keys.
↳
6.
Nobody knows why is English so popular.
↳
4
Gap fill · type your answer in each gap
Complete each indirect question, using the direct question given.
1.Direct:'Why is English used in so many countries?'→ I'd like to know
2.Direct:'Is English an official language in Kenya?'→ She asked
3.Direct:'What did she say?'→ He asked
4.Direct:'How many people speak English as a second language?'→ The chapter explains
5.Direct:'Will English remain the most important language?'→ Nobody knows
6.Direct:'Why do businesses choose English?'→ Can you explain
5
Gap fill · type your answer in each gap
More practice:complete each indirect question, using the direct question given.
1.Direct:'Who uses English, and why is it such a widely spoken language?'→ The chapter asks
2.Direct:'Will this situation continue?'→ The writer wonders
3.Direct:'Sorry, what was that?'→ She asked
4.Direct:'What did she say?'→ He asked
5.Direct:'Why is English used so widely in business?'→ I'd like to know
6.Direct:'Does the number of English speakers keep growing?'→ Nobody knows