The passive with two objects; Reporting with passive verbs; Have / Get something done p. 120

Look at the sentences Dan wrote in his C1 essay and help him transform them using the word given and passive reporting verbs to make them more formal. Do not change the word given.

1 Many people believe that GM foods can solve the problems of world hunger.
WIDELY
________ GM foods can solve the problems of world hunger.

2 Historians consider the 1953 discovery of the structure of DNA to be the most important breakthrough of the century.
BEEN
The 1953 discovery of the structure of DNA ________ the most important breakthrough of the century.

3 Experts expect that A&E waiting times will increase unless the government implements the new triage system.
IS
________ A&E waiting times will increase unless the new triage system is implemented.

4 The medical community reports that the local GPs have successfully reduced emergency admissions through better preventive care.
TO
The local GPs ________ successfully reduced emergency admissions through better preventive care.

5 Experts know that the new vaccine provides long-term immunity against the virus.
PROVIDE
The new vaccine ________ long-term immunity against the virus.

6 Numerous analysts think that the company underestimated the risks associated with the new AI software.
HAVE
The company ________ the risks associated with the new AI software.

This task is a chance to prepare for your speaking test but also for your use of English as it is presented as an open cloze test (part 3 of the C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English paper). Read Dan's speech for his school's open day about his decision to specialise in science and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. Then, think about how science is shaping your future, make any changes you need and use it for your speaking test.

Welcome, everyone. I'm Dan, and I'm here to share my experience with you and to explain why choosing science as one of my chosen subjects was the best decision I have ever made.
Last term, our group (1) ________ some research on local water quality. It (2) ________ generally believed that this is one of the most practical projects that has ever (3) ________ run at this school. Before the fieldwork began, we (4) ________ all shown the correct way to handle the sensitive digital sensors to avoid any errors and (5) ________ reliable data. We then (6) ________ the water samples analysed by a professional lab to ensure our own readings were accurate. It was a proud moment when we showed the student council our findings. Currently, our data (7) ________ being used to help improve the school's environmental policy.
It is widely accepted now that students learn best when they engage in real-life tasks. Our group have even been (8) ________ a certificate of achievement for their contribution.
I am confident you will all agree with me that science allows you to find solutions to real problems. I hope to see many of you in the lab next year!

The structure have / get something done is not only used for intentional events but also for unintentional ones, that is for unfortunate events where the subject has no control over the action. Read the following sentences and decide for each if they express an intentional or unintentional event.

1 The GP had his medical equipment stolen from the surgery.
________
2 The scientists have had their research data corrupted by the virus.
________
3 The analyst is getting her PC upgraded to speed up her work.
________
4 The patient will get his physical therapy done three times a week.
________
5 The nurse had her toe crushed by a heavy trolley.
________

Look at the sentences below containing some common mistakes on the have / get something done structure. Find the mistake in each sentence and write the correct structure in the space provided.

1 The nurse got caught his hand in the door as he finished his shift.     ________
2 The team will get the results publish in a major journal next month.     ________
3 We had checked the lab equipment by a specialist last month.     ________
4 Be careful to have not your laptop stolen when you leave the lab.     ________
5 Getting your mobile phone to be fixed can be quite expensive.     ________