direct-and-indirect-speech

Q1. Complete the sentence. Direct Raju: The key lies in one of these boxes. Ajay: Is it this one? Indirect Raju told Ajay (a)_____________. Ajay asked Raju (b)_________.  

• 1) (a) The key lies in one of those boxes. (b) Whether it was this one.
• 2) (a) The key laid in one of those boxes. (b) Whether it was this one.
• 3) (a) The key lay in one of those boxes. (b) Whether it was that one.
• 4) (a) The key laid in one of those boxes. (b) Whether it was that one.

Solution

(a) The key lay in one of those boxes. (b) Whether it was that one.

Q2. Choose the indirect form of the given dialogue. Rustom: Is it Meenakshi’s birthday today? Tarun: No, it is tomorrow.

• 1) Rustom enquired Tarun if it is Meenakshi’s birthday that day. Tarun replied no.
• 2) Rustom asked Tarun whether it was Meenakshi’s birthday that day. Tarun replied in the negative and said it was the day after.
• 3) Rustom told Tarun whether it was Meenakshi’s birthday that day. Tarun replied negatively and said it was the day after.
• 4) Rustom asked Tarun if it was Meenakshi’s birthday that day. Tarun replied in the negative and said it was tomorrow.

Solution

Rustom asked Tarun whether it was Meenakshi’s birthday that day. Tarun replied in the negative and said it was the day after.

Q3. Rewrite in indirect speech. Soham said, “Kigali is the capital of Rwanda.”

• 1) Soham said, Kigali is the capital of Rwanda.
• 2) Soham said that Kigali was the capital of Rwanda.
• 3) Soham said that Kigali is the capital of Rwanda.
• 4) Soham said that Kigali would be the capital of Rwanda.

Solution

Soham said that Kigali is the capital of Rwanda.

Q4. Complete the sentence. Grumpy: Where is she now? Stumpy: She must have escaped through this window. When Grumpy asked Stumpy where she was, Stumpy _____________.

• 1) Replied that she must have escaped through that window.
• 2) Replied that she must have escaped through this window.
• 3) Replied she must have escape through that window.
• 4) Replied she must have escaped through this window.

Solution

Replied that she must have escaped through that window.

Q5. Rewrite the sentences in direct speech. Melinda exclaimed that she would be delighted to meet Patricia. Farid shot back angrily that Rushab had failed him as a friend. Inspector Muniswamy questioned the house help whether such an incident had taken place before.

Solution

Melinda said, “I will be delighted to meet Patricia!” Farid said angrily, “Rushab has failed me as a friend!” Inspector Muniswamy asked the house help, “Has such an incident taken place before?”

Q6. Rewrite in an indirect form. Anna Karenina said, “All families are alike; each unhappy in its own way.”  

• 1) Anna Karenina pondered that all families were alike and each was unhappy in its own way.
• 2) Anna Karenina replied that all families are alike; each unhappy in its own way.
• 3) Anna Karenina mused that all families were alike and each was unhappy in its own way.
• 4) Anna Karenina retorted that all families were alike; each was unhappy in its own way.

Solution

Anna Karenina mused that all families were alike and each was unhappy in its own way.

Q7. Complete the following sentences. Direct Speech Father: Where are you going, Shraddha? Shraddha: I am going to Sayli’s house. Father: What time will you be back? Shraddha: I will return home tomorrow morning as we are studying together for a test. Indirect Speech Father asked Shraddha (a) ________________. Shraddha (b) ________________. Father asked (c) ________________. Shraddha replied by saying (d) ________________.

Solution

Father asked Shraddha (a) where she was going. Shraddha (b) said that she was going to Sayli’s house. Father asked (c) her what time she would come back. Shraddha replied by saying (d) that she would return home the morning after as they were studying together for a test.

Q8. Rewrite in the direct form. Rachna asked Devendra if he had been honest with his friends. Devendra snapped back saying it was none of her business.

• 1) Rachna: Have you been honest with your friends? Devendra: It is none of her business!
• 2) Rachna: Have you been honest with your friends? Devendra: It is none of your business.
• 3) Rachna : Have you been honest? Devendra: None of your business.
• 4) Rachna: Have you been honest with your friends? Devendra: It is none of your business!

Solution

Rachna: Have you been honest with your friends? Devendra: It is none of your business!

Q9. Complete the sentence. Mr Agnihotri: Driver, turn to the left. Driver: __________________ Mr Agnihotri asked his driver to turn left. The driver calmly replied that there was a road block.

• 1) There is a road block?
• 2) There is a road block.
• 3) There would be a rock block.
• 4) There is a road block!

Solution

There is a road block.

Q10. Complete the sentence. Indirect  Mirabelle screamed that her purse was missing. Robert calmly asked her if she checked under the table. Direct Mirabelle: (a)______________________ Robert: (b) ______________________

• 1) (a) My purse is missing! (b) Did you check under the table!
• 2) (a) My purse is missing! (b) Did you check under the table?
• 3) (a) My purse is missing. (b) You checked under the table?
• 4) (a) My purse is missing? (b) You checked under the table!

Solution

(a) My purse is missing! (b) Did you check under the table?

Q11. Complete the following sentences. Direct Speech Vrinda: When will we reach Jaipur? Driver: Madam, we will reach by 4 a.m. tomorrow. Vrinda: Which route will you be taking? Driver: I will take the state highway. Vrinda: Drive slowly, we are in no hurry. Indirect Speech Vrinda asked (a) ________________. The driver replied by saying (b) ________________. Vrinda enquired (c) ________________. The driver said (d) ________________. Vrinda advised him (e) ________________.

Solution

Vrinda asked (a) her driver when they would reach Jaipur. The driver replied by saying (b) that they would reach by 4 a.m. the day after. Vrinda enquired (c) about the route he would be taking. The driver said (d) that he would take the state highway. Vrinda advised him (e) to drive slowly as they were in no hurry.

Q12. Complete the sentence. Direct speech Dev: Can I have another piece of cake? Lalita: Sure you can. Dev asked __________________ Lalita replied that he can.

• 1) Whether he could have another piece of cake?
• 2) Can he have another piece of cake?
• 3) Could I have another piece of cake.
• 4) Whether he could have another piece of cake.

Solution

Whether he could have another piece of cake.

Q13. Rewrite using direct speech. General Dallier said, “We need to recruit more men”.

• 1) General Dallier says that they need to recruit more men.
• 2) General Dallier says that they needed to recruit more men.
• 3) General Dallier said that they need to recruit more men.
• 4) General Dallier said that they needed to recruit more men.

Solution

General Dallier said that they needed to recruit more men.

Q14. Rewrite the conversation in indirect speech. Manisha: How are you today? Rasika: A little better. My fever and headache have reduced. Manisha: Will you go to class tomorrow? Rasika: Definitely! I cannot miss Geometry class.

Solution

Manisha asked Rasika how she was feeling that day. Rasika replied by saying that she felt a little better and that he fever and headache had reduced. Manisha asked her whether she would go to class the day after. Rasika replied affirmatively by saying she could not miss Geometry class.

Q15. Rewrite as indirect speech. Mayuri: This is the best day of my life! Seema: Please tell me why is it so?   

• 1) Mayuri said that today was the best day of her life. To which Seema asked why it was so?
• 2) Mayuri exclaimed that it was the best day of her life. To which Seema asked why it was so.
• 3) Mayuri exclaimed that it was the best day of her life. To which Seema asked why?
• 4) Mayuri said that this was the best day of her life. To which Seema asked why it was so.

Solution

Mayuri exclaimed that it was the best day of her life. To which Seema asked why it was so.

Q16. Complete the following sentences. Direct Speech Security guard: Halt! The mysterious man: I am unarmed. You can let me in. Security guard: You have to show me your identity card, sir. The mysterious man: Please tell your boss his friend James is here to see him. Indirect Speech The security guard instructed him (a) ______. The mysterious man assured (b) ______that (c) ______ and that (d) ______. The guard said that (e) ______ identity card. The mysterious man requested (f) ______ that his friend James (g) ______.

Solution

The security guard instructed him (a) to halt. The mysterious man assured (b) the guard that (c) he was unarmed and that (d) he could let him in. The guard said that (e) he had to show him his identity card. The mysterious man requested (f) the guard to tell his boss that his friend James (g) was there to see him.

Q17. Complete the sentences. Direct Lakshmi: Is this the best boutique you could find? Divya: I am sorry Lakshmi. It had received good reviews on the Internet. Laksmi: I will never consider your suggestions next time! Indirect Lakshmi asked Divya _________ Divya replied by saying _________. Lakshmi said _________.

Solution

Lakshmi asked Divya whether that was the best boutique she could find. Divya replied by saying that she was sorry and that it had received good reviews on the Internet. Lakshmi said that she would never consider her suggestions next time.

Q18. Complete the following conversation in indirect speech. Direct Speech Shilpa: Can I borrow your English textbook? Jaya: Sure you can. But when will you return it? Shilpa: I will return it to you after two days from today. Jaya: Please do as I have to prepare for the exams. Indirect Speech Shilpa asked Jaya (a) _____________________. Jaya replied that (b) _____________and asked her (c)_______________. Shilpa said she (d) ____________. Jaya urged her (e) ________________ since she (f) _____________________.

Solution

Shilpa asked Jaya (a) if she could borrow her English textbook. Jaya replied that (b) she could and asked her (c) when she would return it. Shilpa said she (d) would return it to her after two days from that day. Jaya urged her (e) to do that since she (f) had to prepare for the exams.

Q19. Complete the sentence. Gregory: Is it possible to visit you today? Selma: Yes Gregory asked Selma ­­­­­­­­­___________________. Selma replied affirmatively.  

• 1) Whether it was possible to visit her on that day.
• 2) Whether it is possible to visit you on that day.
• 3) Whether it was possible to visit her on that day?
• 4) Whether it was possible to visit you on that day

Solution

Whether it was possible to visit her on that day.

Q20. Rewrite in the indirect form. Che Guevara said, “Cruel leaders are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.”

• 1) Che Guevara said that cruel leaders are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.
• 2) Che Guevara said, cruel leaders were replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.
• 3) Che Guevara said that, cruel leaders are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.
• 4) Che Guevara said that cruel leaders were replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.

Solution

Che Guevara said that cruel leaders are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.

Q21. Complete the sentences. Direct Ralph: By when will the coat be ready? Tailor: It will be ready by Friday, sir. Ralph: But I need it by Thursday. Indirect Ralph asked ______________ when the ______________assured ______________ by saying ______________. Ralph said ______________.

Solution

Ralph asked the tailor by when would the coat be ready. The tailor assured Ralph by saying it would be ready by Friday. Ralph said he needed it by Thursday.

Q22. Complete the following sentences. Direct Speech The Lady: I’m so cold! Where are the taxis? Bystander: You won’t get a taxi, not in this rain. The Lady: But I must have a taxi. Bystander: Sorry, none are free. Indirect Speech The lady said that (a) ______ and asked the bystander (b) ______. The bystander replied that (c) ______ in the rain. The lady insisted that (d) ______. The bystander said apologetically that (e) ______.  

Solution

The lady said that (a) she was cold and asked the bystander (b) where the taxis were. The bystander replied that (c) she wouldn’t get a taxi in the rain. The lady insisted that (d) she must have a taxi. The bystander said apologetically that (e) none were free.

Q23. Choose the indirect form of the sentence. Dinesh said to his servant, “Bring me a glass of cold lemonade!”

• 1) Dinesh urged his servant to bring him a glass of cold lemonade.
• 2) Dinesh ordered his servant to bring him a glass of cold lemonade.
• 3) Dinesh requested his servant to bring him a glass of cold lemonade.
• 4) Dinesh asked his servant to bring him a glass of cold lemonade.

Solution

Dinesh ordered his servant to bring him a glass of cold lemonade.

Q24. Complete the sentences using indirect speech. Direct Journalist: What do you have to say about the latest allegation which incriminates you and your cabinet? Minister: The allegation is baseless and is the handiwork of the malicious opposition to mislead the innocent public. Journalists: But there is tangible evidence about your involvement with the Italian arms dealer. Minister: That video footage is doctored and is done purposely to malign our good reputation. Indirect The journalist questioned the minister (a)_________________. The minster retorted by saying (b) _________________ to mislead the innocent public. The journalist then told him (c) _________________with the Italian arms dealer. To which the minister said that the video footage (d) _________________ to malign their good reputation.

Solution

The journalist questioned the minister (a) about the latest allegation which incriminated him and his cabinet. The minster retorted by saying (b) that the allegation was baseless and that it was the handiwork of the malicious opposition to mislead the innocent public. The journalist then told him (c) that there was tangible evidence about his involvement with the Italian arms dealer. To which the minister said that the video footage (d) was doctored and was done purposely to malign their good reputation.

Q25. Rewrite in direct speech. The president pondered whether the decision to evacuate the troops was a bad plan.

• 1) The president pondered, “Is the decision to evacuate the troops a bad plan.”
• 2) The president pondered “Is the decision to evacuate the troops a bad plan?”
• 3) The president thought, “Is the decision to evacuate the troops a bad plan.”
• 4) The president thought, “Is the decision to evacuate the troops a bad plan?”

Solution

The president thought, “Is the decision to evacuate the troops a bad plan?”

Q26. Rewrite the conversation in indirect speech. Nicholas: How do I travel to Southern India? Mohan: You can travel by train or by air. Nicholas: I would prefer travelling by train since it is cheaper. Mohan: In that case, you have to book the tickets before they are sold out.

Solution

Nicholas asked Mohan how to travel to Southern India. Mohan replied by saying he could travel by train or by air. Nicholas said he would prefer travelling by train since it is cheaper. Mohan said in that case he had to book the tickets before they were sold out.

Q27. Underline the words that will change when the sentence is changed from direct speech to indirect speech. Krishna said to Girish, “Will you please consider my proposal? You can notify me about your decision anytime you want.”

Solution

Krishna said to Girish, “Will you consider my proposal? You can notify me about your decision anytime you want.” Indirect Speech Krishna asked Girish whether he would consider his proposal and told him that he could notify him about his decision anytime he wanted.

Q28. Complete the following sentences. Direct Speech Salesman: How may I help you? Customer: Do you have Kanjivaram sarees? Salesman: Yes Madam, we have a wide variety of Kanjivaram sarees. Do you have a design in mind? Customer: I want one in yellow with a red border and with intricate designs on the pallav. Salesman: I think we have a piece which matches your description. Let us head to the first floor where the silk sarees are kept. Indirect Speech The salesman asked (a) ________________. The customer asked him whether (b) ________________. The salesman replied positively (c) ________________. He asked (d) ________________. The customer said (e) ________________and (f) ________________on the pallav. The salesman recollected (g) ________________. He asked her to (h) ________________where the silk sarees were kept.

Solution

The salesman asked (a) the customer how he could help her. The customer asked him whether (b) they had Kanjivaram sarees. The salesman replied positively (c) and added that they had a wide variety of Kanjivaram sarees. He asked (d) whether she had a design in mind. The customer said (e) she wanted one in yellow with a red border and (f) with intricate designs on the pallav. The salesman recollected (g) that they had a piece which matched her description. He asked her to (h) join him as they headed to the first floor where the silk sarees were kept.

Q29. Complete the following sentences. Direct Speech Amanda: Tom? Tom: Mother, give me a minute. Amanda: We can't say grace until you come to the table! Tom: Coming, Mother. Indirect Speech Amanda called Tom. Tom responded (a) ___________ a minute. Amanda said to Tom (b) ___________. Tom replied by saying that (c) ___________. 

Solution

Amanda called Tom. Tom responded (a) by asking her to give him a minute. Amanda said to Tom (b) that they could not say grace until he came to the table. Tom replied by saying that (c) he was coming.

Q30. Underline the words which will change when the sentence is changed from direct speech to indirect speech. She told me, “I wish you the very best.”

Solution

She told me, “I wish you the very best.” Indirect Speech She told me that she wished me the very best.