Reporting with No Backshift Practice Test — Advanced

All 45 questions with answers

Pick an answer for each question to see if you are right, with the explanation. Submit when you are done; you can submit before answering them all.

1. Q1The 2018 study concludes that urbanization ___ local biodiversity.

   Ahad impacted Bimpacts Cimpact Dimpacted

   Answer: B. impacts

   In academic discourse, reporting verbs in the present simple (concludes) typically introduce clauses describing enduring findings using the present simple. 'Impacts' denotes a persistent, ongoing ecological reality. While 'impacted' would be grammatically possible if referring to a completed historical event, 'impacts' aligns with the convention of treating published research as having current validity. 'Impact' fails subject-verb agreement with the singular 'urbanization.' 'Had impacted' is unnecessary as it pushes the action into the remote past, whereas the study addresses a current condition.

2. Q2In his seminal work, Kant argues that morality ___ inherent to human nature.

   Awas Bhas been Cis Dwould be

   Answer: C. is

   Philosophical claims utilize the 'philosophical present'—a convention where the ideas of an author are treated as eternally relevant. Using 'is' acknowledges the timeless validity of the argument. 'Was' would imply the argument is only of historical interest rather than a living concept. 'Would be' introduces a conditional mood (dependency on a condition) where a direct assertion is required. 'Has been' suggests a duration that might have concluded, rather than a timeless ontological state (a state of being).

3. Q3The researchers state that the participants ___ no signs of stress so far during the trial.

   Ahad shown Bshowed Cshow Dhave shown

   Answer: D. have shown

   The temporal marker 'so far' indicates that the action spans from the past up to the present moment. The present perfect 'have shown' captures this aspectual continuity. 'Show' would suggest a generic truth or a permanent habit rather than a specific observation during a current window of time. 'Showed' (past simple) and 'had shown' (past perfect) are incompatible with 'so far' because they describe actions completed in the past without a link to the present reporting moment.

4. Q4The article claims that the solution ___ in renewable energy sources.

   Alies Bhas lain Clay Dlie

   Answer: A. lies

   The reporting verb 'claims' introduces a currently held proposition. The present simple 'lies' is used for state-describing verbs (verbs describing a state rather than an action) expressing a current truth. 'Lay' (past simple) or 'has lain' (present perfect) would suggest the solution was found in the past but might no longer be relevant. 'Lie' is incorrect due to the third-person singular subject 'the solution.' The present simple maintains the logical currency of the argument.

5. Q5The professor maintains that the theory ___ valid despite recent criticisms.

   Aremained Bwould remain Chas remained Dremains

   Answer: D. remains

   The verb 'maintains' implies an ongoing stance or assertion. Choosing 'remains' (present simple) signals that the validity of the theory is a current state of affairs. 'Remained' would suggest the validity was a past fact that may no longer hold. 'Would remain' is unnecessarily hypothetical. Avoiding backshift after a past or present reporting verb is a common way to show the speaker’s endorsement of the theory's current relevance.

6. Q6The author asserts that social media ___ how we communicate globally.

   Achanges Bchanged Cchange Dwas changing

   Answer: A. changes

   When reporting a general truth or an ongoing phenomenon, the present simple 'changes' is preferred to show the effect is still operative. 'Changed' might imply a completed transformation that happened in the past, whereas the author asserts a continuing influence. 'Change' fails subject-verb agreement with the singular 'social media.' 'Was changing' suggests a past progressive action that might have ceased, losing the sense of a permanent or ongoing shift.

7. Q7The report emphasizes that the primary risk ___ financial instability.

   Awere Bhas been Cwas Dis

   Answer: D. is

   The report identifies a current threat; therefore, the present simple 'is' indicates the risk remains active at the time of reporting. While 'was' is the standard backshifted form, 'is' is chosen in technical reporting to highlight the urgent, continuing nature of the risk. 'Has been' focuses on the duration of the risk leading up to now, while 'is' focuses on its current identity. 'Were' is grammatically incorrect with the singular subject 'the primary risk.'

8. Q8The findings suggest that the reaction ___ at room temperature.

   Ahas occurred Boccurs Coccur Doccurred

   Answer: B. occurs

   Scientific generalizations and laws of nature are reported in the present simple ('occurs') to denote timelessness or a recurring property. 'Occurred' would refer to a specific event in a past experiment rather than a generalizable rule. 'Occur' fails subject-verb agreement with 'the reaction.' Using the present simple signifies that this behavior is an inherent property of the chemical reaction in any instance, not just a historical observation from a specific lab session.

9. Q9The textbook explains that the heart ___ blood throughout the body.

   Ahas pumped Bpump Cpumped Dpumps

   Answer: D. pumps

   This is a biological universal truth. Universal truths are resistant to backshift because their validity is independent of the time of reporting. 'Pumps' (present simple) is the standard tense for such functional descriptions. 'Pumped' would imply the heart no longer performs this function, while 'has pumped' unnecessarily emphasizes a past duration. 'Pump' is a plural verb form and does not agree with the singular subject 'the heart.'

10. Q10The critic contends that the film ___ emotional depth.

    Alack Blacked Chas lacked Dlacks

    Answer: D. lacks

    In aesthetic criticism, the work of art is treated as a living entity; thus, the critic's observations are reported in the literary present ('lacks'). 'Lacked' would treat the film's qualities as a historical fact rather than an inherent, observable characteristic. 'Lack' is a plural form, and 'has lacked' suggests a specific period of time in the past rather than a constant, defining state of the work itself.

11. Q11The scientist demonstrates that the virus ___ via air.

    Aspread Bspreads Cis spreading Dhas spread

    Answer: B. spreads

    The verb 'demonstrates' introduces a scientific property. The present simple 'spreads' is used for general characteristics and modes of transmission. 'Is spreading' (present progressive) would imply a current, specific outbreak rather than a general biological trait. 'Has spread' focuses on a past result, and 'spread' (past simple) would imply the demonstration concerns only a specific past event. The present simple is the standard for a generalizable rule.

12. Q12The document indicates that the deadline ___ next Friday.

    Awould be Bwas Chas been Dis

    Answer: D. is

    For future events that are still scheduled to occur after the time of reporting, the present simple 'is' is used to maintain proximal focus (focus on what is near in time). 'Was' is a standard backshift but might confusingly imply the deadline has passed or been changed. 'Is' conveys that the information is current and actionable. 'Has been' and 'would be' do not fit the temporal context of a specific, upcoming scheduled event.

13. Q13The philosopher posits that truth ___ subjective.

    Awould be Bhas been Cwas Dis

    Answer: D. is

    Philosophical propositions are reported in the present simple ('is') because they represent the author's timeless stance. Backshifting to 'was' would suggest the philosopher's idea is merely historical or no longer being considered. 'Has been' focuses on historical duration, which is irrelevant to the truth-claim itself. 'Would be' adds an unnecessary layer of conditionality (as if the truth depends on something else), weakening the direct assertion.

14. Q14The data reveals that the trend ___ upward.

    Ahas continued Bcontinue Ccontinued Dcontinues

    Answer: D. continues

    The present simple 'continues' indicates the trend is still in progress at the time of the report. 'Continued' (past simple) would suggest the trend reached an end at the point the data was collected. 'Has continued' is possible, but 'continues' is more frequent in academic reporting to describe the current state of a phenomenon. 'Continue' fails subject-verb agreement with the singular 'trend.'

15. Q15The study proves that the chemical ___ with water.

    Ais reacting Breacts Chas reacted Dreacted

    Answer: B. reacts

    Scientific properties and chemical behaviors are universal truths. 'Reacts' in the present simple indicates a timeless property of the substance. 'Reacted' would refer only to a specific past instance during the experiment. 'Is reacting' implies a specific, ongoing process happening right now rather than a general property. 'Has reacted' emphasizes a completed action, whereas scientific proof focuses on generalizable laws that apply at all times.

16. Q16The Minister claimed that the economy ___ recovering.

    Ais Bhas been Cwill be Dwas

    Answer: A. is

    In journalism, choosing not to backshift ('is') signals that the reporter considers the statement to be potentially true or currently relevant. This pragmatic choice maintains the 'currency' of the news. Using 'was' would be a neutral backshift, often implying epistemic distance (the reporter is merely relaying words without commenting on their current truth). 'Is' suggests the recovery is a continuing process and that the Minister's assessment is still operative.

17. Q17The suspect insisted that he ___ at home during the incident.

    Ais Bhas been Cwas Dwould be

    Answer: C. was

    Reporting unverified or disputed claims about a specific past moment usually requires backshift to the past simple ('was') or past perfect. Using 'is' would imply the speaker endorses the suspect's claim as a present fact, which is logically impossible for a past event ('during the incident'). 'Was' provides the necessary distance and correctly identifies the event's temporal location in the past. 'Has been' would imply he has remained at home since then.

18. Q18She said she ___ the painting, so she bought it immediately.

    Aloves Bloved Chad loved Dhas loved

    Answer: A. loves

    No backshift ('loves') is used here because the state of 'loving the painting' is an enduring preference that remains true at the time of reporting. While the purchase was in the past, her affection for the artwork is treated as a permanent or still-current state. 'Loved' is the standard backshift, but 'loves' emphasizes the continuity of the emotion. 'Had loved' would suggest she stopped loving it after she bought it.

19. Q19The company announced that they ___ planning a merger.

    Ahave been Bwere Chad been Dare

    Answer: D. are

    If the plan for a merger is still active and unfolding at the time of the report, 'are' (present progressive) is used to indicate current relevance. 'Were' is the standard backshift for a past announcement, but 'are' is chosen to emphasize that the merger is a present, ongoing concern. 'Have been' and 'had been' focus on the duration of the planning rather than the current status of the company's intentions.

20. Q20He admitted that he ___ a mistake in the report.

    Amade Bmakes Chas made Dhad made

    Answer: D. had made

    The mistake happened before the admission, so the past perfect ('had made') is required to show this anteriority — the standard sequencing rule when one past event precedes another already-past reporting verb ('admitted'). The simple past 'made' would incorrectly suggest the mistake and the admission happened at the same time. 'Makes' is wrong because the mistake is a specific past event, not a recurring habit, and 'has made' (present perfect) cannot be anchored to the past-tense frame set by 'admitted.'

21. Q21Original: 'The car is red.' Select the correct reported version: The witness maintained that ___.

    Athe car had been red Bthe car has been red Cthe car was red Dthe car is red

    Answer: C. the car was red

    Backshifting to 'was' is the most appropriate choice here because the reporter is relaying a past observation ('maintained') without necessarily asserting that the car's color is a permanent, currently observable property. 'Is' would only be used if the reporter were stressing that the car is still red now. 'Had been red' suggests the color changed before the witness saw it, and 'has been red' is inappropriate for a specific past identification.

22. Q22Original: 'I am in favor of the bill.' Select the correct reported version: The journalist reported that the President ___.

    Ahas been in favor of the bill Bwas in favor of the bill Chad been in favor of the bill Dis in favor of the bill

    Answer: D. is in favor of the bill

    Using 'is' signifies that the journalist is reporting the President's current, ongoing political stance. Avoiding backshift suggests the statement remains valid at the moment of the report. 'Was' would be the standard backshift but might imply the President's stance has since changed. 'Is' conveys the immediate propositional truth (the truth of the statement itself) regarding the President's endorsement.

23. Q23Original: 'The company is in debt.' Select the correct reported version: The CEO said the company ___.

    Awas in debt Bhas been in debt Chad been in debt Dis in debt

    Answer: D. is in debt

    The choice of 'is' indicates the reporter's acceptance of the debt as a current fact. This lack of backshift is a pragmatic marker of currency. 'Was' is a neutral backshift that does not commit to the present state of the debt. Given that financial statuses are typically reported for their current relevance to stakeholders, 'is' is the most informative choice. 'Had been' would imply the debt period has concluded.

24. Q24Original: 'The city needs new schools.' Select the correct reported version: The mayor stated that the city ___.

    Ahas needed new schools Bhad needed new schools Cneeded new schools Dneeds new schools

    Answer: D. needs new schools

    By using 'needs,' the reporter emphasizes that the requirement for schools is an ongoing, current necessity. This choice indicates that the situation has not changed since the mayor's statement. 'Needed' is a standard backshift, focusing on the act of stating in the past. 'Needs' keeps the focus on the current civic demand. 'Had needed' incorrectly suggests the need was already resolved at the time of the statement.

25. Q25Original: 'I do not know the attacker.' Select the correct reported version: The victim insisted that she ___.

    Ahad not known the attacker Bdid not know the attacker Chas not known the attacker Ddoes not know the attacker

    Answer: B. did not know the attacker

    Standard backshift to 'did not know' is used here to maintain neutral distance. In a legal or investigative context, the reporter relays the claim as an unverified statement from a past moment. Using 'does not know' would imply the reporter's personal endorsement of the victim's current state of knowledge. 'Had not known' would suggest she eventually came to know the attacker later, which is not part of the original claim.

26. Q26Original: 'The peace treaty is still in effect.' Select the correct reported version: The diplomat said that the peace treaty ___.

    Ahad been still in effect Bwas still in effect Cis still in effect Dhas been still in effect

    Answer: C. is still in effect

    The present simple 'is' is used to report a state that remains true and has continuing legal validity. Backshifting to 'was' might inadvertently suggest the treaty has expired or been revoked. 'Is' clarifies that the status of the treaty is current. 'Had been' and 'has been' are inappropriate because they focus on the duration of the state rather than its current, ongoing validity.

27. Q27Original: 'The team is underperforming.' Select the correct reported version: The manager argued that the team ___.

    Ahas been underperforming Bwas underperforming Cis underperforming Dhad been underperforming

    Answer: B. was underperforming

    Backshifting to 'was underperforming' is often used when reporting a subjective assessment or an opinion. It signals that this was the manager's view at the time of speaking, without the reporter necessarily agreeing that the underperformance is an objective fact or that it continues now. 'Is underperforming' would suggest the reporter agrees this is the current, factual state of the team.

28. Q28Original: 'The local park is safe.' Select the correct reported version: The resident said that the local park ___.

    Ais safe Bwas safe Chas been safe Dhad been safe

    Answer: A. is safe

    The use of 'is' indicates the reporter's endorsement of the park's safety as a current fact. It reflects the resident's belief as something that remains true. 'Was' is the neutral backshifted form, while 'is' brings the state into the present frame of the reader, suggesting it is still a safe place to visit. 'Had been' would imply the park is no longer safe.

29. Q29Original: 'I am ready to sign.' Select the correct reported version: The candidate confirmed that she ___.

    Ahad been ready to sign Bis ready to sign Chas been ready to sign Dwas ready to sign

    Answer: B. is ready to sign

    No backshift ('is') is used to highlight the immediate, current readiness of the candidate. This is common when the reported action (signing) is still pending. 'Was' would simply report the past confirmation, but 'is' emphasizes she is still standing by and ready to act now. 'Has been ready' would focus on the duration of her readiness leading up to the confirmation, rather than her current state.

30. Q30Original: 'The policy works.' Select the correct reported version: The report shows that the policy ___.

    Ahas worked Bworks Chad worked Dworked

    Answer: B. works

    In the context of evaluating performance, the present simple 'works' denotes an inherent efficacy or an ongoing success. This follows the convention for reporting results that are still valid. 'Worked' would imply the policy was successful in the past but might not be now. 'Has worked' suggests historical success, while 'works' emphasizes the current, functional status of the policy as demonstrated by the evidence.

31. Q31She asked me where ___.

    Athe keys were Bare the keys Cwere the keys Dthe keys are

    Answer: D. the keys are

    Indirect questions require declarative (subject-verb) word order. Using 'are' instead of 'were' is a 'no-backshift' choice indicating that the location of the keys is a current fact the speaker is still trying to resolve. 'Where the keys were' is the standard backshifted form, but 'the keys are' preserves the present relevance of the search. Options with verb-subject order ('were the keys', 'are the keys') are incorrect for indirect questions.

32. Q32I wondered who ___.

    Ahe is waiting for Bis he waiting for Cwas he waiting for Dhe was waiting for

    Answer: A. he is waiting for

    In an indirect question, the subject-verb order 'he is waiting for' is required. Using the present progressive 'is' signals the action is occurring at the present moment or is of immediate relevance. 'Was waiting for' is the standard backshift, but 'is waiting' is used when the wait is understood to be still ongoing. 'Was he waiting' and 'is he waiting' are incorrect because they maintain interrogative inversion (verb before subject).

33. Q33He inquired why ___.

    Athe system has failed Bthe system had failed Chad the system failed Dhas the system failed

    Answer: A. the system has failed

    Indirect questions use statement word order (subject + verb). The present perfect 'has failed' is used to report a state with current consequences. 'The system had failed' is the backshifted past perfect, but 'has failed' emphasizes the current state of failure. 'Had the system failed' and 'has the system failed' are incorrect due to the inversion, which is only used in direct questions.

34. Q34They wanted to know how ___.

    Ais the experiment conducted Bthe experiment is conducted Cthe experiment was conducted Dwas the experiment conducted

    Answer: B. the experiment is conducted

    The present simple passive 'is conducted' is used here to describe a general procedure or ongoing methodology. Indirect questions require the subject 'the experiment' to precede the verb. 'Was conducted' would refer to a specific past instance of the experiment. 'The experiment is conducted' correctly reports the standard practice without backshifting, which is appropriate for describing habitual processes in academic contexts.

35. Q35The student asked when the lecture ___.

    Ais ending Bend Cends Dended

    Answer: C. ends

    Scheduled future events often use the 'timetable present.' In reported speech, no backshift to 'ended' is necessary if the event is still in the future. 'Ends' is the most natural choice for a regular or upcoming scheduled time. 'Ended' would imply the lecture is already over. 'End' is plural and does not agree with the singular 'lecture,' and 'is ending' would imply the lecture is finishing at this very second.

36. Q36She asked if we ___ attending the conference.

    Aare Bhad been Chave been Dwere

    Answer: A. are

    When reporting a question about a future event that hasn't happened yet, the present progressive 'are' can be maintained. This avoids backshifting to 'were' and clearly indicates the conference is still ahead. 'Were' is the standard backshift but can be ambiguous as to whether the event is past or future. 'Have been' and 'had been' relate to past duration and are contextually inappropriate for an upcoming event.

37. Q37He questioned what the result ___.

    Aimplied Bimplies Cimply Dhas implied

    Answer: B. implies

    The present simple 'implies' is used to report an interpretive fact or logical consequence that remains true regardless of when it was first observed. 'Implied' is the standard backshift, but in analytical contexts, the implications of a result are treated as timeless truths. 'Imply' is plural and doesn't agree with the singular 'result.' 'Has implied' suggests a sequence of past events rather than a logical state.

38. Q38They asked which candidate ___ leading the polls.

    Ahas been Bhad been Cis Dwas

    Answer: C. is

    The present progressive 'is' is used here to report a current, fluctuating status. Using 'is' emphasizes that the poll results are current at the time of reporting. 'Was' is the standard backshift, referring to the status at the time the question was originally asked. 'Had been' or 'has been' would focus on the history of the leadership rather than the specific current leader.

39. Q39I asked how much the software ___.

    Ais costing Bcost Chas cost Dcosts

    Answer: D. costs

    The price of a product is generally a stable, current fact. Using the present simple 'costs' indicates the current price at the time of the report. 'Cost' (past simple) is the standard backshift, but 'costs' is used to maintain the currency of the information for the listener. 'Has cost' and 'is costing' are less common for a static price point; 'costs' is the standard for state-describing factual reporting.

40. Q40She asked where the meeting ___ held.

    Ahad been Bis Chas been Dwas

    Answer: B. is

    The present simple passive 'is held' is used to describe a fixed, current location for a meeting. This choice indicates the information is still valid for anyone planning to attend. 'Was' is the standard backshifted form, but 'is' confirms the location for future or ongoing relevance. 'Had been' and 'has been' would imply the location has changed or refer to a completed past duration.

41. Q41Which version correctly applies the no-backshift convention for current academic arguments?

    AThe article stated that the solution is simple, and it is effective. BThe article states that the solution was simple, and it is effective. CThe article stated that the solution was simple, and it was effective. DThe article states that the solution is simple, but it was effective

    Answer: A. The article stated that the solution is simple, and it is effective.

    In academic writing, it is common to use a past tense reporting verb ('stated') to refer to the historical act of publication, while using the present tense ('is simple... is effective') in the subordinate clause to indicate the ongoing validity of the argument. This acknowledges when the work was written while asserting that the ideas remain true. The other options either inconsistently mix tenses or backshift the ideas into the past unnecessarily.

42. Q42Which version correctly applies the academic no-backshift convention for scientific facts?

    ASmith (2019) argues that the earth was flat. BSmith (2019) argued that the earth was flat. CSmith (2019) had argued that the earth was flat. DSmith (2019) argued that the earth is flat.

    Answer: D. Smith (2019) argued that the earth is flat.

    Scientific facts and universal propositions are often reported in the present tense to reflect their status as timeless claims, regardless of the reporting verb's tense. 'Smith (2019) argued that the earth is flat' correctly pairs a past tense reporting verb (referring to the year of the study) with a present tense fact-claim. Using 'was' would treat the shape of the earth as a temporary past state rather than a proposed universal truth.

43. Q43Which version maintains tense consistency for current academic reports?

    AThe report notes that the policy worked, but it failed to impress. BThe report notes that the policy works, but it had failed to impress. CThe report notes that the policy works, but it failed to impress. DThe report noted that the policy works, but it fails to impress.

    Answer: D. The report noted that the policy works, but it fails to impress.

    This version maintains consistency by using the present tense ('works' and 'fails') for both the state of the policy and its current impact, even when introduced by a past reporting verb ('noted'). This emphasizes that the policy's efficacy and its reception are still current realities. The other options mix past and present in ways that suggest the policy's failure might be a finished event while its 'working' is ongoing, creating a logical clash.

44. Q44Which version maintains tense consistency in reporting?

    AShe states that she likes jazz. She added that she plays it often. BShe stated that she likes jazz. She added that she plays it often. CShe stated that she likes jazz. She adds that she plays it often. DShe stated that she likes jazz. She added that she played it often.

    Answer: B. She stated that she likes jazz. She added that she plays it often.

    In this sequence, 'stated' and 'added' are past reporting verbs, but the subordinate clauses ('likes jazz' and 'plays it often') use the present simple. This correctly indicates that these are enduring personal preferences and habits that remain true at the time of reporting. Consistency is maintained because both habits are treated as present states. Using 'played' would imply she no longer plays jazz, which contradicts the 'no-backshift' focus on continuing truth.

45. Q45Which version maintains tense consistency for scientific facts?

    AThe study proves that light traveled at a constant speed and that it was independent of the source. BThe study proved that light travels at a constant speed and that it is independent of the source. CThe study proves that light travels at a constant speed and that it was independent of the source. DThe study proves that light travels at a constant speed and that it is independent of the source.

    Answer: D. The study proves that light travels at a constant speed and that it is independent of the source.

    Consistency in reporting universal truths requires that all such truths be expressed in the present simple. 'Travels' and 'is' are both in the present simple, matching the reporting verb 'proves.' This creates a harmonious description of a timeless physical law. Other options fail because they backshift one or more of the facts ('was', 'traveled'), which would imply those physical laws were only temporary or historical conditions.