Passive reporting structures: Explanation
READING TASK. 4 NEWS REPORT
1. Dialogue Gap-Fill Worksheet
Instructions: Rewrite the direct sentences using distancing language.
| Direct Statement | Distanced Version (Your Answer) |
|---|---|
| John stole the money. | Apparently, John might have taken the money. |
| The manager lied to the staff. | _____________________________________ |
| Sarah failed the exam. | _____________________________________ |
| They canceled the event. | _____________________________________ |
| He cheated on the test. | _____________________________________ |
Useful Phrases:
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Apparently...
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It seems/appears that...
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It is believed that...
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They say that...
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He might/must/could/can’t have...
2. Grammar Reference Sheet
Distancing Phrases
| Function | Examples |
|---|---|
| Unconfirmed Information | Apparently, she’s leaving the company. |
| Hedging Opinion | It seems that he disagrees. / It appears that it didn’t work. |
| Impersonal Reporting | It is said that the project failed. |
| General Belief | People say that he’s rich. / It’s believed that aliens exist. |
Modal Verbs for Speculation (Past)
| Certainty | Example |
|---|---|
| Must have (high certainty) | He must have forgotten the meeting. |
| Might/Could/May have (possibility) | She might have misunderstood. |
| Can’t have (impossibility) | He can’t have finished that quickly. |
3. Newsroom Roleplay Cards
The “reporter” must use direct facts, and the “editor” must rewrite them using distancing language.
Card Examples:
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The mayor took a bribe.
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The company is firing 100 people.
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Jane is pregnant.
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The CEO was seen arguing with a rival firm.
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The product caused an injury.
Editor Sentence Starters:
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It’s been reported that...
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There are rumors that...
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It appears that...
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The CEO might have been involved...
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