More basic reported speech - songs for presentation.

A couple of songs which can be used for introducing basic reported speech as it has the structures embedded.

The Beatles - She loves you - an oldie but not dull and still very popular

Randy Travis - I told you so - slower and clearer

Love letters and advice

The Tourists - I only want to be with you.

I rewrote this song with some grammatical corrections as a letter, then asked the students what they would do, where they think the text came from and then played it for them.

Dear John/Joanne

I don't know what it is that makes me love you so. I only know I never wanna let you go because you started something, can't you see? Ever since we met you've had a hold on me. It happens to be true, I only want to be with you.

It doesn't matter where you go or what you do. I want to spend each moment of the day with you. Look what has happened with just one kiss, I never knew that I could be in love like this. It's crazy but it's true I only want to be with you.

You stopped and smiled at me, asked me if I'd care to dance. I fell into your open arms, I didn't stand a chance. Now, listen, honey, I just want to be beside you everywhere. As long as we're together, honey, I don't care because you started something, can't you see. Ever since we met you've had a hold on me. No matter what you do, I only want to be with you.

Yours

...

A couple of songs with crime and law for topics. Can you imagine my new DOS's face when I told her I was using Judas Priest in class?

Judas Priest - Breaking the law
(PS The DOS heard it a few years later and was "pleasantly" surprised!)

I fought the law - The Clash

I fought the law – The Clash

in rocks Breakin' sun hot the
I fought the law and the law won [x2]
had I money I none needed 'cause
I fought the law and the law won [x2]

and I it left feels my so baby bad
Guess my race is run
best the She's had ever I that girl
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

Robbin' with six-gun people a
I fought the law and the law won [x2]
and I I lost lost my my girl fun
I fought the law and the law won [x2]

it left feels my so baby bad and I
Guess my race is run
that girl best the She's had ever I
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

I fought the law and the law won [x7]
I fought the law and the

Link to worksheet here

Uncle Earl's Hairpiece

Have been looking for a song to teach the passive, found it - thanks to michelle henry for pointing me in the right direction. It is as naff as it comes but has lots of examples. I used textivate to chop up the text into 16 pieces, gave one to each member of the class and then got them to stand in order as they heard the song. Then went into grammar using example from the song. At the end - sing it!

Worksheet