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NCERT Solutions for Class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech

April 25, 2019 by Veerendra

CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English . Here we have given CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech.

1. There are two different ways in which we can report the words of a speaker : (a) Direct Speech or Direct Narration. (b) Indirect Speech or Indirect Narration.

2. (a) Direct Speech contains the actual words of the speaker ; as— Sarla said, “My father has a roaring business in Mumbai.” He said to me, “I am feeling unwell today.” In these sentences, actual words of the speaker are given within inverted commas without any change.

(b) Indirect Speech gives the substance of the speaker’s actual words and not the exact words spoken by him or her ; as— Sarla said that her father had a roaring business in Mumbai. He told me that he was feeling unwell that day.

3. The actual words of the speaker, given within ‘inverted commas’ are called the Reported Speech. In the same way, the Verb which introduces the Reported Speech is called the Reporting Verb. In the sentence above ‘said’ is the Reporting Verb and ‘My father has a roaring business in Mumbai’ is the Reported Speech. Reporting Verb and Reported Speech. Look at the following sentences : Radha says, “I shall finish my home-work today.” Sushma said to Pushpa, “Show me your dolls.” The verbs ‘says and said’ in the above sentences are ‘Reporting Verbs’. The exact words of the speaker given within the inverted commas are ‘Reported Speech’.

4. Here are some distinctive points regarding the Direct Speech and Indirect Speech : In the Direct Speech 1. The Reported Speech is put within Reported (Inverted) Commas. 2. The Reported Speech and the Reporting Verb are separated by a Comma. 3. The first word of the Reported Speech begins with a capital letter.

Transformation of Direct Speech into Indirect Speech

I. Rules for the Change of Tense

Examples 1 Direct: Rajesh says, “She has brought lame to her family.” Indirect: Rajesh says that she has brought fame to her family. 2. Direct: ohit has said, “I cannot displease my friend.” Indirect: Rohit has said that he cannot displease his friend. 3. Direct: I shall say, “I went to Agra on Monday.” Indirect: I shall say that I went to Agra on Monday. 4. Direct: She will say, “I have sent him a present.” Indirect: She will say that she has sent him a present.

Examples 1. Direct: I said, “I am speaking the truth.” Indirect: I said that I was speaking the truth. 2. Direct : The teacher said, “Boys fail because they do not study regularly.” Indirect: The teacher said that boys failed because they did not study regularly.

Exception to Rule II (i) If there is a Universal Truth or Habitual fact in the Reported Speech, the Tense of the verb is never changed ; as— 1. Direct: He said, “Face is the index of mind.” Indirect: He said that face is the index of mind. 2. Direct: The teacher said. “The earth rotates round its axis.” Indirect: The teacher said that the earth rotates round its axis. 3. Direct: Horatius said, “Death comes sooner or later.” Indirect: Horatius said that death comes sooner or later.

(ii) The Tense of the Verb in the Reported Speech does not change if the reported speech states a past historical fact ; as— 1. Direct: He said, “India became free on 15th August, 1947.” Indirect: He said that India became free on 15th August, 1947. 2. Direct: She said. “Her father lived at Lahore for ten years.” Indirect: She said that her father lived at Lahore for ten years.

(iii) If two such actions are given in the Reported Speech which take place at the same time, the Past Indefinite or Continuous Tense does not change. Direct: He said, “Mohan was singing a song while Gopal was playing on a flute.” Indirect: He said that Mohan was singing a song while Gopal was playing on a flute. Examples 1. Direct: She said, “I am a top-class singer.” Indirect: She said that she was a top-class singer. 2. Direct: We said, “He is writing a poem.” Indirect: We said that he was writing a poem. 3. Direct: He said, “It may rain tonight.” Indirect: He said that it might rain that night. 4. Direct: He said, “A devil ever remains a devil.” Indirect: He said that a devil ever remains a devil.

The future tense of the reported speech is changed as under : Future Indefinite—would/should Future Continuous—would/should be Future Perfect—would/should have Future Perfect Continuous—would/should have been

Examples 1. Direct: You said, “He is a very good athlete.” Indirect: You said that he was a very good athlete. 2. Direct: I said, “I have finished my work.” Indirect: I said that I had finished my work. 3. Direct: He said, “Her parents will pay a visit to Delhi.” Indirect: He said that her parents would pay a visit to Delhi.

Interrogative Sentences Conversion of Interrogative Sentences A From Direct Into Indirect

Examples (a) Questions beginning with a Helping Verb 1. Direct: He said to her, “Shall I accompany you to Agra ?” Indirect: He asked her if he would (should) accompany her to Agra. 2. Direct: She said to him, “Had I been absenting myself from school for a month ?” Indirect: She asked him if she had been absenting herself from school for a month. 3. Direct: He said to us, “Has she been spinning since yesterday ?” Indirect: He asked us if she had been spinning since the previous day. 4. Direct: They said to you, “Shall we be going on picnic tomorrow ?” Indirect: They asked you if they would be going on picnic the next day. 5. Direct: I said to her, “Will you have ironed your clothes ?” Indirect: I asked her if she would have ironed her clothes.

(b) Sentences having ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ 1. Direct: “Are there any more files ?” He asked. “Yes, sir,” said the peon. Indirect: He asked the peon if there were any more files. The peon replied respectfully in affirmative. 2. Direct: The teacher said to Lila. “Did you break the window pane ?” “No, sir.” said Lila, “I did not.” Indirect: The teacher asked Lila if she had broken the window pane. Lila replied respect¬fully and refused it (to have done it). 3. Direct: “If you find my answers satisfactory, will you give me five rupees ?” said the astrologer. “No.” replied the customer. Indirect: The astrologer asked the customer whether he would give him five rupees if he found his answers satisfactory. The customer replied in negative. 4. Direct: I said to him. “Do you want to go to Chandigarh ?” He said, “No, sir.” Indirect: I asked him if he wanted to go to Chandigarh and respectfully he replied in negative. 5. Direct: He said to me, “Does Mohan still play ?” I said, “Yes, sir.” Indirect: He asked me if Mohan still played and I replied in positive.

(c) Questions beginning with Interrogative Words 1. Direct: He said to me. “Whom does she want to contact ?” Indirect: He asked me whom she wanted to contact. 2. Direct: They said to her, “Whose house are you purchasing ?” Indirect: They asked her whose house she was purchasing. 3. Direct: You said to him “Why are you making mischief ?” Indirect: You asked him why he was making mischief. 4. Direct: They said to us, “How have you solved this sum ?” Indirect: They asked us how we had solved that sum. 5. Direct: We said to them, “Who has misguided you ?” Indirect: We asked them who had misguided them.

(d) Questions beginning with modal auxiliaries 1. Direct: I said to him, “May Sunita come in to discuss with you something ?” Indirect: I asked him if Sunita might come in to discuss with him something. 2. Direct: The traveller said to me, “Can you tell me the way to the nearest inn ?” Indirect: The traveller asked me if I could tell him the way to the nearest inn. 3. Direct: He said to me. “Must I leave for Mumbai tomorrow ?” Indirect: He asked me if he had to leave for Mumbai the next day. 4. Direct: I said to her, “Could you give me your notes ?” Indirect: I asked her if she could give me her notes. 5. Direct: I said to him, “Need I go to him ?” Indirect: I asked him if I had to go to him.

Exercise 1 (Solved)

Convert the following sentences into Indirect Speech : 1. He said to her. “Do you want to go home ?” 2. He said to you. “Where are you going ?“ 3. I said to him, “What brings you here ?” 4. You said to us, “How do you solve this sum ?” 5. She said to me, “How are you getting on with your studies ?” 6. I said to my friend, “Have you been to England ?”

Convert the following sentences into Indirect Speech : 1. She said to me, “Who taught you English ?” 2. He said to his mother, “Why did you not wash my school dress ?” 3. The mother said to the child, “Did you have your breakfast ?” 4. Anil said to his sister, “How did you fare in the interview ?” 5. The policeman asked me, “Had the thief stolen your watch ?” Answers: I. 1. He asked her if she wanted to go home. 2. He asked you where you were going. 3. I asked him what brought him there. 4. You asked us how we solved that sum. 5. She asked me how I was getting on with my studies. 6. I asked my friend if he had been to England.

II. 1. She asked me who had taught me English. 2. He asked his mother why tehe had not washed his school dress. 3. The mother asked the child if he had his breakfast. 4. Anil asked his sister how she had fared in the interview. 5. The policeman asked me if the thief had stolen my watch.

Exercise 2 (Solved)

Change the following into indirect speech : 1. He said to me, “I have often told you not to play with me.” 2. They wrote, “It is time we thought about settling this matter.” 3. The teacher promised. “If you come to school tomorrow, I will explain it.” 4. “What do you want ?” he said to her. 5. He said, “How’s your father ?” 6. “Don’t you know the way home ?” asked I. 7. “Do you really come from China ?” said the prince. 8. “Sit down, boys,” said the teacher. 9. “Run away, children,” said the mother. Answers: 1. He told me that he had often told me not to play with him. 2. They wrote that it was time they thought about settling the matter. 3. The teacher promised to me that he would explain it if I went to school the following day. 4. He asked her what she wanted. 5. He enquired about my father. 6. I asked if he did not know the way home. 7. The Prince asked him if he really came from China. 8. The teacher asked the boys to sit down. 9. The mother asked the children to run away.

Exercise 3 (Solved)

The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the error along with the correction. Do not forget to underline the error. Her mother said that you must go straight to (a) your grandmother. There was a wolf (b) _______ in the wood through which she are (c) _______ going. But if she keep the road, he (d) _______ will not do any harm. The mother (e) _______ asked her to do as she tells her. (f) _______ Answers: (a) you—she (b) your—her (c) are—was (d) keep—kept (e) will—would (f) tells—had told

Exercise 4 (For Practice)

Police told Maninder that he is entitled (a) _______ to have a solicitor present. He denies (b) _______ that he knows anyone by the name of (c) _______ Surinder. Maninder confirmed that he has been (d) _______ in the vicinity of the factory last Monday. (e) _______ However, he said that he is visiting his mother. (f) _______ He maintains that he is innocent. (g) _______

Exercise 5 (For Practice)

Exercise 6 (For Practice)

Each of the pair of sentences given below is a dialogue between a man and a woman. Change each pair into one simple sentence. Complete the answers. The first one has been done as an example. Question 1. “Shall we get married ?” “Yes, let us.” Answer: They decided to get married.

Question 2. “Please help me”. “O.K.” Answer: She agreed

Question 3. “May I help you ?” “No, thanks.” Answer: He offered

Question 4. “Let’s meet after the class.” “O.K. fine.” Answer: They arranged

Question 5. “What’s your name ?” “I won’t tell you”. Answer: She refused

Question 6. “I have stood first.” “Congratulations”. Answer: She congratulated

Multiple Choice Questions Exercise 1

Read the dialogues given below and then complete the report by choosing the correct options from the ones given below the dialogue : 1. Judge: Why don’t you speak the truth ? Witness: I have spoken only the truth. Judge: Were you really present at the scene ? Witness: Yes, sir.

The judge asked the witness (a) ……… the truth. The witness replied that (b) ……….. only the truth. At this the judge asked (c) ………….. at the scene. The witness replied in positive. (a) (i)why don’t you speak (ii) why didn’t he speak (iii) why you didn’t speak (iv) why he did not speak

(b) (i) he had spoken (ii) I have spoken (iii) I had spoken (iv) he has spoken

(c) (i) if you are really present (ii) that you were really present (iii) if he was really present (iv) that he was really present

2. Mother: What is the matter ? Son: Grandfather has shot a policeman. Mother: Why ? Son: He was a deserter. Mother asked the son (a) ………… The son replied (b) …………. a policeman. The mother demanded (c) ………… To this the son replied that he was a deserter. (a) (i) that what is the matter (ii) what is the matter (iii) what the matter was (iv) if what was the matter

(b) (i) that the grandfather has shot (ii) that Grandfather had shot (iii) if grandfather had shot (iv) why Grandfather had shot

(c) (i) why (ii) why Grandfather has shot (iii) that why grandfather had shot (iv) why Grandfather had shot

3. Merchant: How much have you collected ? Accountant: Twenty thousand in cash and the balance on paper. Merchant: Where have you deposited the cash ? The Merchant asked the accountant (a) …………. collected. The accountant replied (b) …………. and the balance on paper. Then the merchant wanted to know (c) …………. . (a) (i) how much you have (ii) how much have you (iii) how much had he (iv) how much he had

(b)(i) that I have collected twenty thousand in cash (ii) that he has collected twenty thousand in cash (iii) that he had collected twenty thousand in cash (iv) he had collected twenty thousand in cash

(c)(i) where have you deposited the cash (ii) where he had deposited the cash (iii) where had he deposited the cash (iv) where the cash had been deposited

4. Son: How are you feeling now? Father: Much better, son. Son: Are you taking the medicines regularly? Father: Yes, my dear. The son asked his father (a) …………. then. The father replied that (b) …………. much better. The son further asked (c) …………. the medicines regularly. The father replied in affirmative. (a) (i) that how he was feeling (ii) how he was feeling (iii) how you are feeling (iv) how was he feeling

(b) (i) I am feeling (ii) I was feeling (iii) he is feeling (iv) he was feeling

(c) (i) if you are taking (ii) if he is taking (iii) that he was taking (iv) if he was taking

5. Ram: Do you shave every day? Mohan: Yes. Don’t you? Ram: No. I shave only once a week Ram asked Mohan (a) …………. everyday. Mohan replied in positive and asked (b) …………. the same. Ram agreed that he didn’t and said (c) …………. only once a week. (a) (i) do you shave (ii) did he shave (iii) if he shaved (iv) that if he shaved

(b) (i) don’t you (ii) you don’t (iii) if you don’t (iv) if he didn’t

(c) (i) I shave (ii) that he shaved (iii) if he shaved (iv) if I shaved

6. Sue: What is it dear? Johnsy: The leaves. Sue: Are you counting the leaves? Johnsy: Yes. Sue asked Johnsy (a) …………. Johnsy replied that (b) …………. Sue further asked (c) …………. the leaves. Johnsy replied in positive. (a) (i) what it is (ii) what is it (iii) what is was (iv) what was it

(b) (i) that it was the leaves (ii) it is leaves (iii) that it are leaves (iv) that it had leaves

(c) (i) are you counting (ii) that she was counting (iii) was she counting (iv) if she was counting Answers: 1. (a) (iv) why he did not speak (b) (i) he had spoken (c)(iii) if he was really present 2. (a) (iii) what the matter was (b)(ii) that Grandfather had shot (c) (iv) why Grandfather had shot 3. (a) (iv) how much he had (b) (iii) that he had collected twenty thousand in cash (c) (ii) where he had deposited the cash 4. (a) (ii) how he was feeling (b) (iv) he was feeling (c) (iv) if he was taking 5. (a) (iii) if he shaved (b) (iv) if he didn’t (c) (ii) that he shaved 6. (a) (iii) what is was (b)(i) that it was the leaves (c) (iv) if she was counting

We hope the CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech help you. If you have any query regarding CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

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• Direct And Indirect Speech Worksheet For Class 8 CBSE

by Manjusha · Published February 22, 2022 · Updated May 3, 2024

Sentences are given in the direct speech. Change them into the indirect speech.

1. Ravi said, ‘I am trying to find a job here.’

2. She said, ‘I am doing my homework.’

3. She said, ‘I ate an apple in the morning.’

4. Ram said, ‘I have posted the letter.’

5. Suma said, ‘I will pass the test.’

6. Rahim said, ‘Where can I find a cobbler?’

7. The teacher said, ‘Everyone must submit their work by Friday.’

8. Mother said, ‘You are lazy.’

9. The officer said, ‘No one can leave without permission.’

10. He said, ‘I was watching a movie at 8 pm last night.’

11. Susie said, ‘You are a liar.’

12. Mother said, ‘I will call you when dinner is ready.’

1. Ravi said that he was trying to find a job there.

2. She said that she was doing her homework.

3. She said that she had eaten an apple in the morning.

4. Ram said that he had posted the letter.

5. Suma said that she would pass the test.

6. Rahim asked where he could find a cobbler.

7. The teacher said that everyone had to submit their work by Friday.

8. Mother said that I was l azy.

9. The officer said that no one could leave without permission.

10. He said that he was watching a movie at 8 pm the previous night.

11. Susie called me a liar.

12. Mother said that she would call me when dinner was ready.

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Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheets

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Fend off any errors that might creep into your speech with our free, printable direct and indirect speech worksheets! We use direct speech to quote the exact same words that someone utters. The indirect speech is used to report someone's speech, often with words slightly changed. Convert a range of sentences including the interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences into reported speech. Make your grammar life richer and more fulfilling with this coveted collection of quoted and reported speech worksheets pdf!

Our direct and reported speech worksheet pdfs are most recommended for children in 4th grade through 8th grade.

Reported Speech with Time Expressions

Kids in 5th grade, 6th grade and 7th grade convert sentences into indirect speech, paying attention to how expressions of time change here. For example, write "that day" for "today" and "the next day" for "tomorrow".

Writing Statements in Reported Speech

Both direct speech and indirect speech have their natural habitat, and children must use each where it belongs. In these direct and indirect speech worksheets pdf, grade 7 and grade 8 kids write each statement as reported speech.

Changing Interrogative Sentences into Reported Speech

Don't write a question mark after "Sam asked me where I was going". This is a statement and not a question, although it contains the word "where". Let children write each interrogative sentence in reported speech here.

Converting Imperative Sentences into Reported Speech

Watch grade 6 kids rewrite sentences that denote a request, command, or advice in reported speech, using reporting verbs like "ordered", "instructed", and more in these printable direct and indirect speech worksheets!

Rewriting Exclamatory Sentences Using Reported Speech

Thanks to scenarios that exclaim – sometimes with joy and other times with sorrow – these grade 8 worksheets are kinetic and ebullient. Upgrade your practice by converting exclamatory sentences into indirect speech.

Changing Reported Speech into Direct Speech

In this section of our printable indirect and direct speech worksheets, there are sets of sentences in reported speech, and children are expected to write each sentence in the direct or quoted speech.

Punctuating Direct Speech

Instruct children in grade 4 and grade 5 to read the given sentences and insert commas and quotation marks wherever necessary to reflect direct speech.

Related Printable Worksheets

▶ Active and Passive Voice

▶ Phrases

▶ Types of Sentences

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• Class 8 English Grammar Chapter 16 Direct and Indirect Speech

Class 8 English Grammar Chapter 16 Direct and Indirect Speech. When we use the actual words of the speaker, we use Direct Speech but when we report what he said in our own words, we use Indirect Speech. The actual words of the speaker are called Reported Speech and the verb introducing the Reported Speech is called the Reporting Verb. What a person says can be written in direct or indirect speech whereas the mode of narration which we use to report others’ thoughts and speech is known as indirect or reported speech.

Grade 8 English Grammar Chapter 16 Direct and Indirect Speech

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The intricacies of language and expression become evident when one dives into the fascinating realm of Direct and Indirect Speech. Platforms dedicated to NCERT Solutions, such as Tiwari Academy, provide valuable insights into this topic, ensuring students grasp its nuances as presented in Chapter 16 of Class 8 English Grammar.

Direct Speech : This form of expression captures the verbatim words of a speaker, preserving its original essence. Enclosed within quotation marks, it presents an authentic representation of what someone stated. For instance, She said, “I am going to the market.” Here, the speaker’s exact words “I am going to the market” exemplify Direct Speech.

Indirect (or Reported) Speech : In contrast, Indirect Speech relays the essence of what was spoken but paraphrases it, translating the speaker’s words into the reporter’s own linguistic style. Using our earlier example, the Indirect Speech would be: She said that she was going to the market. Notice the subtle shift in words and tenses.

Direct Speech

• The Reported Speech is put within Inverted Commas . (“ ”)
• The First word of the Reported Speech begins with a capital Letter.
• The Reported Speech is separated by a comma (,) from the Reporting Verb.

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In the realm of English grammar, two crucial terms stand out: Reported Speech : This refers to the actual words or the content of what the speaker articulated. It becomes the crux of our conversion from direct to indirect speech. Reporting Verb : The verb, often ‘said’ or ‘told’, which introduces the Reported Speech, playing a pivotal role in setting the context for the narration.

Indirect Speech

• Inverted Commas (“ ”) are not used in Reported Speech. It is generally introduced by the Conjunction if., that, what, why, etc.
• The comma separating the Reporting Verb from the Reported Speech is removed.
• The Tense of the Reporting Verb is never changed.
• The Question Mark (?) and the Mark of Exclamation (!) are not used.
• The Interrogative, the Imperative and the Exclamatory sentences are put as statements.

Change of the Tense

While changing Direct Speech into indirect Speech, the rule of Sequence of Tenses is followed. If the Reporting Verb is in the Present or Future Tense, the tense of the verb in the Reported Speech is not changed at all.

If the Reporting Verb is in the Past Tense, the Tense of the Reported Speech will change.

If the Reported Speech expresses some Universal Truth, Factual Truth, Habitual Fact, Custom, Proverb, Natural Fact, Historical Fact and Scientific Fact, the tense of the verb in the Reported Speech is not changed into the Past, but remains exactly.

The dynamic shift between Direct and Indirect Speech offers versatility in communication. While Direct Speech provides immediacy and emotional resonance by capturing the exact words, Indirect Speech offers flexibility, allowing the narrator to frame the information in a manner that aligns with the broader narrative.

Students diving into this chapter, with resources like those available at Tiwari Academy, will benefit from numerous examples and exercises. These are designed to instill confidence in them to switch between Direct and Indirect modes of speech seamlessly, enriching their expressive capabilities and bolstering their command over English communication.

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Reported Speech for Class 8 English Grammar

by Meenu Saini | Jun 7, 2024 | General | 0 comments

Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech (Direct and Indirect) Exercise with Answer

Reported Speech   – Reported speech refers to recording the speaker’s speech, whether it is done directly by recording the speaker’s words or indirectly by recording the speaker’s words but changing them.

For example Shyam said, “Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan.” Shyam said is the reporting verb. “Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan.” is the reported speech.

Direct Speech

It refers to reporting the exact words spoken by the speaker. There is no change in the verb or the sentence.

Rules of Direct Speech  

• Speech should be opened with quotations or inverted commas. 
• The word said is used to connect two sentences. 
• Reporting clause should be used at the end of the sentence. 
• At the end of the sentence full stop should be placed.

Let us look at some examples

• Neha said, “Roger Federer has won the match against Rafael Nadal.”
• Shivani says, “I am having my lunch.”

Indirect Speech

It is the speech that tells what someone has said but it does not explain the actual words spoken by the person. It just conveys the basic narration of what is being said to the third person.

Rules of Indirect Speech 

• Past tense is used when the situation is uncertain. 
• The present tense of the sentence is changed to the past tense in indirect speech. 
• Universal facts tense remains the same. 
• The use of the word “that” connects the reported verb and reported speech.
• Gargi said that she enjoyed watching the movie Avatar.
• Shiva says that he is eating an apple.

Changing direct speech into reported speech

Change of Pronouns

Change in Tenses

Change of Adverbs of Place and Adverbs of Time

Change of Modal Verbs

Let us look at some examples using comic strips-

Exercise on Reported Speech (Practice Questions)

Convert the following sentences into reported speech.

• Mohini said to her mother, “The ladies have been making pickles for 10 years.”
• The teacher said to us, “Water boils at 100°C.”
• Mr Gupta said, “All the flights are delayed due to heavy rains.”
• Radhika asked me, “When are you leaving?”
• She said, “He likes Mughlai food.”
• He said, “Her dress is ready.”
• Dronacharya said to Arjun, “Shoot the fish’s eye.”
• He said to her, “You are an understanding person.”
• The teacher said to Shelly, “Why are you laughing?”
• Rashi told him, “Your bag is new.”
• Meera said, “I’m reading a comic.”
• The old man said to the sailor, “The sea will be rough according to the weather forecast.”
• My father said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
• Rita told her, “Your friend likes you.”
• “Call the ambulance,” said the woman.
• The chef said to the helper, “Chop the vegetables quickly.”
• Robert said to me, “I shall do my homework.”
• The student said to the librarian, “Please allow me to go to the library.”
• Grandma said to Kishore, “Avoid drinking chilled water as it will further harm your sore throat.”
• He said to her, “Go there.”
• Mohini told her mother that the ladies had been making pickle for 10 years.
• The teacher told us that water boils at 100°C.
• Mr Gupta said that all the flights were delayed due to heavy rains.
• Radhika asked me when I was leaving.
• She said that he liked Mughlai food.
• He said that her dress was ready.
• Dronacharya ordered Arjun to shoot the fish’s eye.
• He told her that she was an understanding person.
• The teacher asked Shelly why she was laughing.
• Rashi told him that his bag was new.
• Mera said that she was reading a comic.
• The old man informed the sailor that the sea would be rough according to the weather forecast.
• My father requested me to wait there till he returned.
• Rita told her that her friend liked her.
• The woman urged to call the ambulance.
• The chef ordered the helper to chop the vegetables quickly.
• Robert said to me that he would do his homework.
• The student requested the librarian to allow him to go to the library.
• Grandma advised Kishore to avoid drinking chilled water as it would further harm his sore throat.
• He ordered her to go there.

Convert the dialogue in the comic strip into indirect speech-

Answers –

B Convert the following paragraph into reported speech.

• Mother said to Rahul, ”Drive slow”. He replied, “I always drive slow.” Handing over a packed lunch she said, “Keep me updated about your whereabouts.” Raghav hugged her goodbye and took off for Manali.

Ans. Mother said to Rahul to drive slow. He replied that he always drives slow. Mother gave him a packed lunch and asked him to keep her updated about his whereabouts. Raghav hugged her goodbye and took off for Manali.

• “Do you want to know something cool?” Preeti asked Rama. Rama said, “Why not.” Preeti said, “Did you know “strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel?” Rama seemed surprised. Preeti said, “According to the Guinness Book of World Records, “strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel. The word contains nine letters, eight of them being consonants.” 

Ans Preeti asked Rama if she wanted to know something cool. Rama replied that why not. Preeti asked her whether she knew that “strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel. Rama seemed surprised. Preeti said that according to the Guinness Book of World Records, “strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel. The word contains nine letters, eight of them being consonants.

• She said, “You should eat your vegetables.” Raghav replied, “I don’t like brinjal, I want to have fries.” His mother said, “If you’ll have your vegetables throughout the week, then I will treat you with fries on the weekend.”

Ans She said to Raghav that he should eat his vegetables. Raghav replied that he did not like brinjal, he wanted to have fries. His mother told him that if he’d have his vegetables throughout the week then she would treat him with fries on the weekend.

• Robert asked Paul, “Are you a potterhead?” Paul excitedly replied, “Yes, a big one!” Robert asked, “Did you know actor Daniel Radcliffe went through nearly 70 wands and 160 pairs of glasses during the making of the Harry Potter films?” Paul was amazed to know this.

Ans Robert asked Paul whether he was a potterhead. Paul excitedly replied that he was a big one. Robert asked whether he knew that actor Daniel Radcliffe went through nearly 70 wands and 160 pairs of glasses during the making of the Harry Potter films. Paul was amazed to know this.

• Vinay said, “Good afternoon, sir! May I come in?” His boss replied, “Yes Vinay, please come in.” Vinay said, “Actually, I wanted to speak to you about something, so do let me know when you are free!”  his boss said, ”Yes, Vinay please have a seat. What do you have to say, please do tell me!”

Ans Vinay wished good afternoon to his boss and asked whether he could come in. His boss said yes and requested him to go in. Vinay said that he actually wanted to speak to him about something so could he please let him know when he was free. His boss replied yes and asked him to have a seat and to tell him what he had to say.

• Tenses for class 8 Students| Types of Tenses with Examples
• Determiners for Class 8 Rules, Exercises
• Modals for Class 8 use, examples, exercises
• Class 8 Subject Verb Agreement, Examples, Exercise

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Direct and Reported Speech Worksheets

Not many aspects of English grammar are dealt with more care and vigor than direct and reported speech. As universal and widely-talked about this may be, direct and indirect speech is more profound and intriguing than it seems to be. Our direct and reported speech worksheets help 8th grade and high school students iron out any confusion they have in the topic, and enable them to immaculately convert direct to indirect and vice versa. Witness students putting their heart and soul into this unique grammatical experience. Download some of these worksheets for free!

Say, tell or ask?

The verbs "say", "tell", and "ask" are all used in reported speech, but each has its own space. Let kids show you how wisely they can use these in reported speech, by correctly completing the sentences in this pdf worksheet.

• Grab the Worksheet

Direct to Indirect Speech

This printable exercise whips up lots of excitement among grade 8 and grade 9, as they convert sentences into indirect speech. There is enough practice to prepare them to deal with the nuances of indirect speech head on.

Imperatives to Reported Speech

It's time you proved to students that the direct and indirect speech is no longer an experience fraught with confusion! Converting imperative sentences into indirect speech is just the thing to do here.

Direct and Indirect Speech | Chart

This direct-and-indirect-speech chart has elements enough to cast a spell on the high schoolers. They instantly get hold of a number of time and place phrases and their indirect speech equivalents.

• Download the Chart

Direct to Reported Speech

In order for 8th grade and 9th grade students to fully master the direct-indirect-speech chapter, they ought to practice rewriting direct speech as indirect speech as well, which is what they do in this practice worksheet.

Statements to Reported Speech

Show kids that you are a delight to work with, and are ready to support them galore, as they convert sentences into indirect. Let them use the example to their advantage, and it won't take long.

Interrogatives to Reported Speech

Watch kids craving to get more of their reported-speech practice, and let them consult you for instant tips at all times, as they practice converting interrogative sentences to indirect speech.

Exclamatory to Reported Speech

This pdf worksheet turns direct and reported speech into an intoxicating learning experience. Rewriting a bunch of exclamatory sentences as indirect, kids dive further deep into the topic.

Reported to Direct Speech

This printable worksheet helps practice conversion of reported speech into direct speech. Rewrite each sentence using appropriate punctuations, tenses and keep an eye on your word order as well.

Indirect to Direct Speech

This exercise greatly adds to the indirect-to-direct conversion, and kids get to hammer the concept home with great efficiency. Let them punctuate and order words correctly, to see success smiling at them.

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Reported Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers

Reported speech is when we express or say things that have already been said by somebody else.

Looking for an easy way to Learning of new elementary english grammar and composition for class 8 answers, Solutions. You have to learn basic  English Grammar  topics like Tenses Verbs, Nouns, etc… In this article, we will review the best English Grammer Topics and compare them against each other.

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers Pdf

When we say things that have been said, we use two ways of expressing it. The first is direct speech when we express what the speaker said as it is and the second is indirect speech where we express what was said in our words.

How do we use reported speech?

Reporting Questions We use a special form when we report questions:

WH – Questions : Where is + Tom’s house? He asked where Tom’s house + was. Where does Tom live? He asked where Tom lived,

Yes/No Questions: Does Tom live in Miami? She asked if Tom lived in Miami. Is Tom happy? She asked if Tom was happy.

Say vs. Tell Say something June : “I love English.” June said (that) she loved English.

Tell someone something June: “I love English.” June told me (that) she loved English.

Modal Verbs and Reported Speech Must, might, could, would, should, and ought to stay the same in reported speech. We usually change may to might.

Reported Requests There’s more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)?

For example:

• Direct speech: close the window, please
• Or: Could you close the window please?
• Or: Would you mind closing the window please?

All of these requests mean the same thing, so we don’t need to report every word when we tell another person about it. We simply use ‘ask me + to + infinitive’:

• Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.
• Here are a few more examples:

Reported Orders And finally, how about if someone doesn’t ask so politely? We can call this an ‘order’ in English, when someone tells you very directly to do something.

• Direct speech: Sit down! In fact, we make this into reported speech in the same way as a request. We just use ‘tell’ instead of ‘ask’:

Changes in words showing proximity (time and place) Study the list given below to revise the changes in words showing the proximity of place and time when converting direct speech to indirect speech.

this becomes that these become those here becomes there now becomes then before becomes earlier/previously today becomes that day tomorrow becomes the next day yesterday becomes the previous day

Reported Speech Practice Exercises for Class 8 CBSE

A. Write the following sentences in indirect speech. The first one has been done for you.

1. He said, “I will meet you outside the post office at three tomorrow afternoon.” He said that he would meet me outside the post office at there the following afternoon .

2. The teacher told us, “The freezing point of water is 0°c.” _______________________________________ 3. “When I dropped the jug, it smashed to pieces,” my little brother says. _______________________________________ 4. The man said, “I have seen you somewhere before.” _______________________________________ 5. The mechanic said, “Your car was ready last night, but you did not come to get it.” _______________________________________ 7. He said, “I shall return your magazines tomorrow.” _______________________________________ 8. “My car broke down, and I had to walk two kilometers to get to a phone-booth,” the man said. _______________________________________ 9. “An English play is being held in the school hall now,” she told us. _______________________________________ 10. “The building burnt down many years before we moved here,” my father told me. _______________________________________

B. Write the following sentences into indirect speech.

1. “Don’t leave your bag out here, Tommy,” Kiren said. _______________________________________ 2. “Stand at attention!” the captain commanded his men. _______________________________________ 3. “Don’t touch it! Leave it alone!” I said _______________________________________ 4. “Please take me to the park, Father,” the little boy said. _______________________________________ 5. “Please tell me exactly what happened,” she said. _______________________________________ 6. “Speak up. I can’t hear you,” he said to the new boy. _______________________________________ 7. “Don’t shake the table while I am writing!” Pawan told his brother. _______________________________________ 8. “Please bring your own plates and spoons,” she told us. _______________________________________ 9. “Return to the ship immediately!” the officer ordered his men. _______________________________________ 10. “Open that drawer and bring me the scissors,” Deepak told his brother. _______________________________________

C. Write the following sentences in indirect speech.

1. “The Prince and Princess lived happily ever after,” the storyteller told the children. _______________________________________ 2. “Don’t push!” the conductor said to the passengers who were boarding the bus. _______________________________________ 3. “I’m sorry but I can’t join you for lunch,” he told his friend. _______________________________________ 4. “Do the exercises from pages sixty to sixty-two,” Miss Malhotra told the pupils. _______________________________________ 5. “Do you know how to operate a computer?” asked the personnel officer. _______________________________________ 6. “Help! Help! Help!” I heard someone shout. _______________________________________ 7. “Are you mad at me?” asked the elder sister. _______________________________________ 8. The cheerleaders shouted, “Hurray! Fight them! Show them all your might!” _______________________________________ 9. “Keep the change,” the rich man said to the waitress. _______________________________________ 10. I said to myself, “I will definitely beat him in the next event.” _______________________________________

D. Rewrite these sentences in direct speech. The first one has been done for you.

1. My mother asked me to buy a dozen eggs from the shop. “Can you buy me a dozen eggs from the shop?” asked my mother .

2. I told myself that I would finish painting the gate by that afternoon. _______________________________________ 3. The judge asked the defendant to speak louder. _______________________________________ 4. The engineer wanted the workers to complete the project by the following day. _______________________________________ 5. Anu reported to the police about her purse being snatched. _______________________________________

E. Use past tenses, present perfect or past perfect tenses to complete the sentences.

We _____________ in Bristol from January to March. (stay) Where is my wine? Someone _____________ my wine! (drink) When you _____________ you _____________ fast? (crash, drive) I’m sorry. Dad isn’t here. He _____________ our neighbour’s flat since the morning. (decorate) What a nice coat! Where _____________ you _____________ it? (buy) At 6 o’clock he _____________ there for three hours! (sit) I want to learn French. But I _____________ yet. (not start) We didn’t want to spend our holiday in Strobl because _____________ already _____________ there. (be) What _____________ ? You are so dirty! (do) Oh, no! I _____________ my way. What shall I do? (lose) Jim _____________ the dishes after dinner. The kitchen sink is full of plates. (not wash) She _____________ three clients since the morning. (contact) I couldn’t help you. I _____________ your problems. (not understand) Does he know about it? _____________ him yet? (tell) Bill admitted that he _____________ the catalogue to the agency. (not send) As soon as I _____________ the message, I _____________ my house (get, leave) While Maggie _____________ a new Jumper, Jill and I _____________ (knit, read) Here he is! He _____________ for me all the time, he _____________ for Ann! (not look, wait) _____________ you in your room at 5.30? Yes, I think I _____________ my suitcase. (be, pack) Nice to meet you! I _____________ uyou for 10 years. What _____________ you _____________ all this time? (not see, do) He _____________ but he’ll be back home today. The doctors ____________ to cure him. (die, manage) After we _____________ to the top of hill we had a great view of the bay. (elimb) The pigeon finally delivered the news after it _____________ for the whole day. (fly)

F. In the following sentences the speakers are all saying something different to what they told you before. Write replies to their statements as given in the example. Example:

• “I’m going out with Alisha.” But you said you weren’t going out with her .

1. “I haven’t finished my project.” I thought you said ________________ 2. “I’m better at tennis than golf.” But you told me ________________ 3. “I enjoy parties.” I remember you saying ________________ 4. “I’ve got a video recorder.” But you said yesterday ________________ 5. “I’m applying for the job.” I thought you told me ________________ 6. “I like Indian food more than Chinese.” But you said ________________ 7. “I prefer pop music to classical music.” You told me ________________

G. Change the following sentence to indirect speech.

1. Our teacher said, “Time is precious, so spend your free time in the best possible way.” ________________________________________________ 2. “Ugh! This toilet is so smelly,” Rita said. ________________________________________________ 3. Chetan said, “Please buy me a bar of chocolate.” ________________________________________________ 4. “Polish your boots,” the army officer said to his men. ________________________________________________ 5. “Get me a glass of water,” he said to her. ________________________________________________ 6. “What a beautiful car!” he remarked. ________________________________________________ 7. “Please spare me some money,” the beggar said. ________________________________________________ 8. “You must listen to me!” his mother cried. ________________________________________________ 9. “Pass me that salt, please,” the man said to her. ________________________________________________ 10. “Get out or I’ll call the police!” the lady said to him. ________________________________________________

H. Change the following to reported speech by completing the sentence.

1. She asked, “Have you been here before?” She asked me if _________________ 2. “Is your sister still asleep?” my mother asked. My mother asked _________________ 3. The policeman said, “Show me your license.” The policeman demanded _________________ 4. “Shall I open the windows for you?” he asked. He asked me whether _________________ He offered to _________________ 5. “Where will you be going for your holidays?” she asked. She wanted to know _________________ 6. “When will you be visiting the hospital? I want to come along,” she said. She wanted to know _________________ 7. “Is the ship leaving on Monday or Tuesday?” She inquired. She inquired whether _________________ 8. “What’s wrong with your cheek? Have you been fighting again?” my mother asked. My mother asked what _________________ 9. “Did you learn anything interesting at the seminar?” he inquired. He inquired _________________ 10. “The purpose of this project is to encourage teamwork and inculcate a sense of belonging,” he said. He said that _________________

I. Change these sentences from Direct to Indirect Speech. Example

• “Oh!” she cried in fright on seeing him.
• “Why did you suddenly appear like this?”

She exclaimed in fright when she saw him and asked him why he had suddenly appeared like that.

1. “I am sorry,” she said to me, “but my brother won’t be back until late tonight.” ___________________________________________________ 2. The guard reported, “I heard some shots and ran out into the compound to investigate.” ___________________________________________________ 3. “When will he be back?” Sheela said. “I have something important to tell him.” ___________________________________________________ 4. “Did you go to the circus that’s performing here?” Jatin asked me. “It was a wonderful show.” ___________________________________________________ 5. “Good morning!” she said when she saw me. “How are you today? I heard you had been quite ill.” ___________________________________________________ 6. “Come here at once!” he ordered the frightened boy. “If you don’t, I shall give you a beating.” ___________________________________________________ 7. “Don’t do too much heavy work now,” the doctor advised Mrs. Birla. “Get as much rest as possible.” ___________________________________________________ 8. “Please come,” he said. “I want to show you my new fish. My father bought it yesterday.” ___________________________________________________ 9. “Are you going out now? If you are, see that you are back by ten,” my mother said to! me. ___________________________________________________ 10. “Yes, please do so,” I answered her. “I will wait here until you return.” ___________________________________________________

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RD Sharma Solutions , RS Aggarwal Solutions and NCERT Solutions

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers

July 29, 2021 by Prasanna

When we want to tell somebody else what another person said, we can use either direct speech and reported speech.

When we use direct speech, we use the same words but use quotation marks, For example: Scott said, “I am coming to work. I will be late because there is a lot of traffic now.”

When we use reported speech, we usually change the verbs, specific times, and pronouns. For example: Scott said that he was coming to work. He said that he would be late because there was a lot of traffic at that time.

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers Pdf

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English  will help you to write better answers in your Class 10 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts.

Fundamentals: The art of reporting the words of a speaker is called Narration. It is of two types:-

• Direct Speech: We quote the actual words of the speaker in inverted commas: He said to me, “I am playing.”
• Indirect Speech: We quote the words or speech of the speaker in our own words, without inverted commas: He told me that he was playing.

In narration a sentence has two parts:-

• Reporting verb: He said to me,
• Reported speech: “I am playing.”

Rules of Changing Pronouns

• The pronoun of First Person is changed according to the subject of Reported speech.
• The pronoun of Second Person is changed according to Object
• The pronoun of Third Person is not changed at all. (The formula to change pronoun is 123/SON.) SON: S – subject, O – object, N – no change

Persons: There are three types of persons:-

• First Person (I, we, my, me, our)
• Second Person (You, your)
• Third Person (He, she, it, his, they, them etc.)

Part-I (Assertive Sentences in Present or Future)

Rules 1. If Reporting Verb is in Present or Future Tense the tense of Reported speech is not changed. 2. (” “) inverted commas are replaced with the conjunction ‘that’. 3. Say to is replaced with tell, says to with tells and said to with told.

• The boys say, “We have learnt the lesson”. The boys say that they have learnt the lesson.
• Reena will say, “I am going to America”. Reena will say that she is going to America.
• The servant says to me, “The manager will come in the evening”. The servant tells me that the manager will come in the evening.
• He has said to them, “You were playing cricket yesterday.” He has told them that they were playing cricket yesterday.

Part-II (Assertive Sentences in Past)

Rules:- 1. ‘said to’ is changed into ‘told’. 2. Use conjunction ‘that’ to connect 3. If Reporting Verb is in Past Tense the tense of the Reported Speech is changed according to the rules given below: –

• Present Indefinite changes to Past Indefinite
• Present Continuous changes to Past Continuous
• Present Perfect changes to Past Perfect
• Present Perfect.Continuous changes to Past Perfect Continuous
• Past Indefinite changes to Past Perfect
• Past Continuous changes to Past Perfect Continuous
• Will/Shall changes to Would/Should
• Can changes to Could
• May changes to Might

In Reported Speech words showing nearness changes into words showing distance:-

• This becomes That
• These becomes Those
• Now becomes Then
• Today becomes That day
• Tonight becomes That night
• Yesterday becomes The previous day
• Last night becomes The previous night
• The next day becomes The following day
• Here becomes There
• Ago becomes Before
• He said, “I am going to college today.” He said that he was going to college that day.
• Sunny said to me, “You will get good marks in this test.” Sunny told me that I would get good marks in that test.
• She said to her mother, “My teacher awarded me yesterday.” She told her mother that her teacher had awarded her the previous day.
• Rajani said to her friends, “You were shopping in the market.” Rajani told her friends that they had been shopping in the market.
• I said, “Ritu, you will learn very fast.” I told Ritu that she would learn very fast.
• “I may go to London next month,” he said. He told that he might go to London the following month.

Note: If Reported Speech has an explanation of Universal Truth, Habitual Fact or Historical Fact its Tense is not changed at all. Examples:-

• He said, “The earth moves round the sun.” He.said that the earth moves round the sun.
• She said to me, “Mohan plays with left hand.” She told me that Mohan plays with left hand.
• The teacher said to the students, “India became independent in 1947.” The teacher told the students that India became independent in 1947.

Part-III (Interrogative Sentences) Rules: 1. In Interrogative sentences said or said to of reporting verb are replaced with asked or enquired. 2. If the interrogative (question) begins with Helping Verb or Modal (is, am, are, do, does, was, were, has, have, had, will, shall, would, can, could, should, may, might, must, etc.) the inverted commas (” “) are replaced with the conjunction if or whether. 3. If the interrogative (question) begins with WH-family (Why, what, which, when, whose, who, whom, how, etc.) the inverted commas (” “) are not replaced with any conjunction at all. 4. If there are no interrogatives (questions) in indirect speech we place helping verb or modal after the subject.

• The teacher said to us, “Have you completed your home work?” The teacher asked us if we had completed our home work.
• He said to me, “Did you finish your work yesterday?” He asked me if I had finished my work the previous day.
• Rocky said, “Meena, do you want to go to Shimla?” Rocky asked Meena if she wanted to go to Shimla.
• I said to him, “Will you return tomorrow?” I asked him if he would return the next day.
• Ravi said to him, “What have you learnt?” Ravi asked him what he had learnt.
• She said, “Which train will go to Jaipur?” She enquired which train would go to Jaipur.

Interrogative Sentences in present or future:

• She says to them, “Have you taken the money?” She asks them if they have taken the money.
• He will say to me, “What can I do for you?” He will ask me what he can do for me.

Part-IV (Imperative Sentences) Rules: 1. In Imperative sentences said to is replaced with ordered, commanded, advised, suggested, proposed, persuaded, warned, etc. 2. Inverted commas (” “) are replaced with ‘to’. The first form of verb is applied after ‘to’. 3. In Negative sentences ‘said’ to is replaced with ‘forbade’ or ‘do’ is replaced with ‘not’.

• She said to me, “Work hard”. She advised me to work hard.
• I said to my friend, “Please give me your car for two hours.” I requested my friend to give me his car for two hours.
• She said to Meena, “Do not make a noise”. She forbade Meena to make a noise. (or She ordered Meena not to make a noise.)
• The general said to the soldiers, “March forward.” The general commanded the soldiers to march forward.
• Ramesh said to him, “Let me do my home work.” Ramesh requested him to let him do his home work.
• The manager said to the peon, “Let the visitors come in.” The manager ordered the peon to let the visitors come in.
• He said to me, “Let us go on picnic this Sunday”. He proposed/suggested me that we should go on a picnic that Sunday. (or He proposed me to go on a picnic that Sunday.
• He said, “Thank you, doctor.” He thanked the doctor.
• Dinkar said to me, “Beware of such politicians.” Dinkar warned me against such politicians.

PART-V (Exclamatory Sentences)

Rules: 1. Use conjunction ‘that’ to connect the speech with reporting verb. 2. Change tenses according to the rules learnt in PART-II. 3. ‘Said’ is mostly changed into ‘exclaimed’ (sometimes ‘applauded saying’) 4. Replace ‘what’ or ‘how’ with ‘very’ (sometimes ‘big’ or ‘great’). 5. Replace exclamatory words as follows: AH!, Alas!…. with sorrow; Aha!, Ha!, Hurrah! ….with joy; Oh with surprise; Pooh! ….with contempt; Sorry! with regret, Bravo! with applauded saying.

• The child said, “What a bitter medicine!” The child exclaimed that the medicine was very bitter.
• He said, “How big the train is!” He exclaimed that the train was very big.
• Vikas said, “Alas! I have lost my wallet.” Vikas exclaimed with sorrow that he had lost his wallet.
• Rajani said to her friend, “Pooh! You have cheated me.” Rajani exclaimed with contempt that her friend had cheated her.
• The captain said to the players, “Bravo! You played well today.” The captain applauded his players saying that they had played well that day.

PART-VI (Optative Sentences)

Rules: 1. Such sentences indicate greeting & wishes (good morning, good noon, good day, would that, etc.), and prayer (may, may God). Therefore ‘said’ is mostly replaced with ‘wished’ or ‘prayed’. 2. In case of good bye, farewell, good night (when parting company) ‘said’ is replaced with ‘bade’. Examples:-

• He said, “Good morning uncle!” He wished his uncle good morning.
• Ranjita said, “Good bye friends!” Ranjita bade her friends good bye.
• My grandmother said to me, “May you live long.” My grandmother prayed me that I might live long.
• Montu said, “Would that I were a minister!” Montu wished that he had been a minister.

Indirect Speech of two or more sentences:

• She said to me, “I am going to the market. Do you want to go?” She told me that she was going to the market and asked if I wanted to go.
• The manager said to the clerk, “You may leave now. Don’t forget to keep these files in the file cabinet.” The manager told the clerk that he might leave then and ordered not to forget to keep those files in the file cabinet.
• The doctor said to the patient, “Why didn’t you come yesterday. You have a high fever.” The doctor asked the patient why he hadn’t come the previous day as he had a high fever was high.
• I said to Rocky, “Don’t abuse others. It is a bad habit. How will you feel if others abuse you?” I advised Rocky not to abuse others because it is a bad habit and asked how he would feel if others abused him.

Reported Speech Solved Examples Exercises for Class 8 CBSE

Question 1. Fill in the blanks (i) She looks pretty sick. I think she _____________ go to a doctor. (a) should (b) can Answer: (a) should

(ii) You’ve been driving all day. You _____________ be exhausted! (a) should (b) must Answer: (b) must

(iii) You _____________ smoke so much. It’s bad for your health. (a) can’t (b) shouldn’t Answer: (b) shouldn’t

(iv) Hey I’m lost _____________ you help me? (a) can (b) should Answer: (a) can

(v) You have such a beautiful voice. You _____________ sing for us! (a) should (b) can Answer: (a) should

(vi) I know he speaks five languages, but _____________ he speak Arabic? (a) should (b) can Answer: (b) can

(vii) That looks very expensive. It _____________ have cost a fortune! (a) should (b) must Answer: (b) must

(viii) I _____________ believe that you failed your test! (a) can’t (b) shouldn’t Answer: (a) can’t

(ix) I’m on my way. I _____________ be there in about 10 minutes. (a) should (b) can Answer: (a) should

(x) I _____________ afford that. (a) can’t (b) shouldn’t Answer: (a) can’t

Question 2. Complete the sentences. (i) Jacob: “I work in an office.” Jacob told me (that) _____________ worked in an office.

(ii) Ryan and Lucas: “We play football.” Ryan and Lucas told me (that) _____________ played football.

(iii) Victoria: “I like my cat.” Victoria told me (that) _____________ liked _____________ cat.

(iv) Henry: “Can you see me?” Henry asked me if _____________ could see

(v) Julian: “I will have to borrow your pencil.” Julian told me (that) _____________ would have to borrow

(vi) Melanie: “My father is Jamaican.” Melanie told me (that) _____________ father is Jamaican.

(vii) Emma and Doris: “Can we use your camera?” Emma and Doris asked me if _____________ could use _____________ camera.

(viii) Leah: “How is your journey?” Leah’ asked me how _____________ journey was.

(ix) Isabella and Ella: “We love our pets.” Isabella and Ella told me (that) _____________ loved _____________ pencil.

(x) Grandmother: “Please bring me a cup of my tea.” Grandmother told me to bring _____________ a cup of _____________ tea. Answer: (i) he (ii) they (iii) she, her (iv) I, him (v) he, my (vi) her (vii) they, my (viii) my (ix) they, their (x) her, her.

Question 3. Change the direct speech into reported speech. Choose the past simple of ‘ask’, ‘say’, or ‘tell: (i) “Don’t do it!” She _____________

(ii) “I’m leaving tomorrow” She _____________

(iii) “Please get me a cup of tea” She _____________

(iv) “She got married last year” She _____________

(v) “Be quick!” She _____________

(vi) “Could you explain number four, please?” She _____________

(vii) “Where do you live?” She _____________

(viii) “We went to the cinema and then to a Chinese restaurant” She _____________

(ix) “I’ll come and help you at twelve” She _____________

(x) “What are you doing tomorrow?” She _____________ Answer: When I used ‘said’ you can also use ‘told me’) (i) She told me to do it. (ii) She said (that) she was learning tomorrow. (the next day). (iii) She asked me to get her a cup of tea. (iv) She said (that) she got married last year. (v) She told me to be quick. (vi) She asked me to explain number four. (vii) She asked me where I lived. (viii) She said (that) they went (had been) to the cinema and then to a Chinese restaurant. (ix) She said (that) she would come and help me at twelve. (x) she asked me what I was doing tomorrow (the day after).

Reported Speech Practice Examples Exercises for Class 8 CBSE

Question 1. Change the direct speech into reported speech. Choose the past simple of ‘ask’, ‘say, or “tell: (i) “Don’t go!”. She _____________

(ii) “Do you work in London?” She _____________

(iii) “Could you tell me where the post office is?” She _____________

(iv) “Come here!” She _____________

(v) “I’ve never been to Wales” She _____________

(vi) “Have you ever seen ‘Lord of the Rings?” She _____________

(vii) “I don’t like mushroom” She _____________

(viii) “Don’t be silly!” She _____________

(ix) “Would you mind waiting a moment please?” She _____________

(x) “How often do you play sport?” She _____________

Question 2. Write here, that day, the day before, the next day, the week before, according to the sentences.

1. Anita (a week ago): “Tanya and I are going to a concert tomorrow.” You (today): Anita said she and Tanya were going to a concert ________ 2. Jyoti (two days ago): “I’ve only been in England since yesterday.” You (today): Jyoti said he had only been in England since ________ 3. Nitin (a week ago): “I’m meeting my friend at the airport later today.” You (today): Nitin said he was meeting his friend at the airport later ________ 4. Mohan (in the street): “I’ll see you at the coffee bar.” You (at the coffee bar): Mohan said he would see me ________ 5. Pawan (a month ago): “The festival was in the last week.” You (today): Pawan told me the festival had been ________

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"He will come tomorrow" .

She told me that he ________ tomorrow.

"I see the clouds." . He told me that she ________ the clouds.

"My mother is taking the bus to work tomorrow" . He told me that his mother ________ the bus to work tomorrow.

"I am happy" . She told me that she ________ happy.

• 8. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt "Mike will help to cook dinner tomorrow." She said that Mike helped to  cook dinner tomorrow. She said that Mike would help to  cook dinner tomorrow. no correct answer
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She asked me if I had played tennis.

She told me if I had played tennis.

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"will you play tennis"?

She asked me if I would play tennis.

"What will you play "?

She asked what I will play

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• English Grammar
• Grammar Exercises
• Direct And Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and indirect speech is one topic in English grammar that confuses most language learners. It need not necessarily be so; if you understand how it works, you can easily use it in your writing.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

When converting direct speech to indirect speech or vice-versa, you will have to take care to convert the verb , pronoun and the adverb appropriately. Go through the following exercises and try them out. Answers are given below each exercise; refer to them to see if your answers are right.

Exercise 1: Change into indirect speech

Read the following sentences and convert them into indirect speech.

• Rahul told to me, “When are you leaving?”
• “Where do you live?” the stranger asked Aladdin.
• The teacher said to Shelly, “Why are you laughing?”
• Dhronacharya said to Arjun, “Shoot the bird’s eye.”
• “Call the first convict,” said the jury.
• “Call the ambulance,” said the man.
• Bruce said to me, “I shall do the work.”
• My mother said to me, “You were wrong.”
• Mr Richard said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
• The captain said to me, “Bravo! You have played well.”
• Raj said, “Alas! My pet died.”
• Ruchi said, “I may go there.”
• Bucky said to Steve, “Do you hear me?”
• The boy said, “Let me come in.”
• Granny said to me, “May God bless you.”

Answers –

• Rahul asked me when I was leaving.
• The stranger asked Aladdin where he lived.
• The teacher asked Shelly why he was laughing.
• Dhronacharya ordered Arjun to shoot the fish’s eye.
• The jury ordered to call the first convict.
• The man urged to call the ambulance.
• Bruce said to me he would do the work.
• My mother told me that I was wrong.
• Mr Richard requested me to wait there till he returned.
• The captain applauded me, saying that I had played well.
• Raj exclaimed sadly that his pet died.
• Ruchi said that she might go there.
• Bucky asked Steve if he heard him.
• The boy asked to let him come in.
• Granny prayed that God might bless me.

Convert the following into Direct Speech

Read the following passage and convert it into direct speech.

One of them told Issac that the latter had forgotten one thing that belonged to a mill. Issac enquired what that was. The friend asked where the miller was. Issac replied that (absence of the miller) was true – and he must look for one.

“But Issac,” said one of them, “you have forgotten one thing that belongs to a mill.”

“What is that?” asked Issac.

“Why, where is the miller?” said his friend.

“That is true – I must look for one,” said Issac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct narration.

When the actual words/sentences as spoken by the speaker are quoted in a speech, it’s called direct speech/narration.

What is indirect speech?

When the quoted speech is reported in the form of a narrative without changing the meaning of the actual quotation/words by the speaker, it’s called indirect speech/narration.

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English Grammar Direct and Indirect Speech Class 8

English Grammar

• Direct And Indirect Speech

Direct and Indirect Speech Class 8 - Download Free PDF with Solutions

In simple terms, we can understand direct speech as the precise words that a speaker or writer uses. The spoken words are enclosed in inverted commas in a direct speech. On the other hand, indirect speech entails summarising another person’s words using our own language. In indirect speech, we do not write someone else’s precise words, and we do not use inverted commas. Learning direct and indirect speech in Class 8 is an integral part of their overall grammar syllabus, and having a firm grasp on the topic is essential to score good marks in exams.

In today’s day and age, solely sticking to NCERT textbooks and exercises is not enough. Some extra hand holding goes a long way, and students need some ancillary academic support in the form of revision notes, sample tests, etc. Teachers and parents should go the extra mile to provide children with additional study material from credible sources. 

English Grammar for Class 8 Direct and Indirect Speech Download Free PDF

Today we will study an exciting topic “Reported speech”. Reported speech refers to how we have interpreted the words of the speaker. 

Definition of Reported Speech

In simple terms, Reported speech refers to reporting the speech of the speaker i.e. whether conveying directly the words of the speaker or indirectly conveying after altering the words of the speaker. For good understanding and idea clarity, practice questions and solved examples are provided throughout the article. Let's start our journey on this pretty topic.

The Convey of Speech

Parts of reported speech in a sentence

Reported verb 

Reported speech,

For example, Ram said to me,” he wants to eat pizza”.

Here in the sentence, Ram said to me is the reporting verb, 

And the sentence in inverted commas “he wants to eat pizza” is the reported speech.

The reported verb refers to the simple sentence at the starting of the sentence and reported speech refers to the sentence in inverted commas that defines someone else.

Reporting Verb

The part of the sentence which is not in the inverted commas is called the reported verb.

When we change a direct speech into indirect speech then there are 3 types/ forms of changes that take place.

Change of person

Change of tense and

Change of other parts of speech

For example, Priya said to the class,” keep quiet teacher is coming”.

Here in the sentence, Priya said to the class is the reporting verb.

Reporting Speech

The part of the sentence which is under inverted commas is called reporting speech.

The second part of the sentence refers to some other person, universal facts, imaginary parts, historical facts, happening events, etc.

For example, Shyam said,” taj mahal was built by Shahjahan”

Here the sentence “taj mahal was built by Shahjahan” is the reported speech. 

Basically, there are two types of speech.

Direct speech 

Indirect speech

Direct Speech

It refers to reporting the exact words spoken by the speaker. There is no change in the verb or the sentence.

For example, Ram said to Riya, “go to school”

Priya asked Ram, “where is her bag”

Ratan enquired Raman,” why was he not picking up her call”.

Rules of Direct Speech

Speech should be opened with quotations or inverted commas.

The word said is used to connect two sentences.

Reporting clause should be used at the end of the sentence.

At the end of the sentence full stop should be placed.

Indirect Speech

It is the speech that tells what someone has said but it does not explain the actual words spoken by the person. It just conveys the basic narration of what is being said to the third person.

For example, Ram asked Riya to go to school.

Priya asked Ram where was her bag.

Ratan enquired Raman why was he not picking up her call.

Rules of Indirect Speech

Past tense is used when the situation is uncertain

The present tense of the sentence is changed to the past tense in indirect speech. 

Universal facts tense remains the same.

The use of the word “that” connects the reported verb and reported speech.

Difference Between Direct Speech and Indirect Speech

Difficult Words Meaning

Practice Question

Rewrite the following sentence converting from direct speech to indirect speech.

He asked me “ what is your mother’s name”.

Riya said to the shopkeeper, “ what is the price of the item?”

Ram said, “How is the weather”.

Commander said to militarians, “practice well”.

Honey told his mother, “I am not feeling well”.

The Doctor said, “Health is your wealth”.

Traffic police said, “Don't rush”.

He asked me what my mother's name is.

Riya asked the shopkeeper what the price of the items was.

Ram asked how the weather was.

Commander ordered militarians to practice well.

Honey told he mother that he was not feeling well.

The Doctor advised that health is wealth.

Traffic police asked the public not to rush.

Importance of Learning Direct and Reported Speech Class 8 

Having a firm grasp on direct and reported speech in Class 8 is integral to building the foundation of English grammar for young minds.

Knowing when and how to use direct and indirect speech can help students form grammatically correct sentences.

The essay writing and answer composition skills of young minds improve significantly when they know the nitty-gritty of direct and indirect speech.

Learning the rules of changing speech from direct to indirect enables students to summarise texts more aptly.

Lastly, indirect and direct speech introduces young students to the fundamentals of quoting, which is an aspect of grammar that they will need for years on end.

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech for Class 8 Students

Riya said, “I am going on a long vacation.” – Direct Speech

Riya said that she was going on a long vacation. – Indirect Speech

The stranger asked me, “Where is your house?” – Direct Speech

The stranger asked me where my house was. – Indirect Speech

Rina asked Steve if he had overheard her conversation. – Indirect Speech

Rina asked Steve, “Did you overhear my conversation?” – Direct Speech

The direct and indirect speech exercises for Class 8 with answers PDF should include simple and relatable examples like the ones stated above.

Interesting Facts about Direct and Indirect Speech for Class 8 Students

While changing a sentence from direct to indirect speech, we use the conjunction ‘that.’

Likewise, while changing a sentence from direct to reported speech, the tense of the verb is changed from present to past.

Direct speech helps in defining the character of a person.

The prolonged use of direct speech in an essay can slow its pace. However, the use of indirect speech smoothens the pace of a writeup.

If the reported speech expresses some universal truth, then we do not have to change the tense of the sentence.

All direct and indirect worksheets with answers in Class 8 ought to be an amalgamation of examples, definitions, and interesting facts to make learning more interesting for young minds. 

Important Topics of Direct and Indirect Speech Class 8 

The 17th Chapter of the Class 8 NCERT grammar book is on direct and indirect speech. Below are the topics students will learn from this chapter. 

Understanding direct speech

Understanding indirect speech

Rules for changing direct speech into indirect speech

Exceptions to rules

Therefore, all direct and indirect speech exercises for Class 8 with answers PDF should encompass the following topics.

Learn English Grammar Direct and Indirect Speech with PDFs

Meticulously designed by the subject matter experts of Vedantu, the English grammar PDFs for Class 8 students on direct and indirect speech are the one-stop destination for all young minds keen on expanding their horizons. The PDFs include reported speech exercises for Class 8 CBSE with answers , tips and tricks to learn grammar faster, sample question papers, etc.

The PDFs of Vedantu are downloadable from the comfort of your homes.

They are free.

The content is regularly updated by Vedantu’s subject matter experts.

The PDFs contain more than 50 examples of direct and indirect speech exercises.

So, do not wait any longer and download Vedantu’s PDFs now to watch your child reach new academic zeniths.

FAQs on English Grammar Direct and Indirect Speech Class 8

1. What is direct narration?

When we quote the exact words of the speaker, then it is direct narration.

2. What is the indirect speech of the sentence – Rima said, “The sun rises in the east.”

Rima said that the sun rises in the east.

3. When should I use direct speech in a sentence?

The ideal time to use direct speech is when you want to precisely quote the words of some other person. Direct speech can help break the monotony in an essay and make it more interesting to readers. 

Reported speech

Dương Thị Tuyết Mai

rewrite the sentences

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers

When we use the exact words of the speaker, it is called direct speech. Indirect or Reported Speech refers to a sentence reporting what someone has said.

Basic  English Grammar  rules can be tricky. In this article, we’ll get you started with the basics of sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, and more.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers PDF

Direct and indirect speech differ in the following aspects:

• punctuation
• pronouns and their forms
• tense forms
• the reporting verb (introduce/change)
• words that show time and position
• that, if, etc. (if necessary)

Punctuation Indirect speech, the exact words of the person (quote) are placed after the introductory clause, it is always set apart by the use of a comma (,) and quotation marks (“’) or (“”).

Also, the first letter of the exact words of the speaker indirect speech is always capitalized. Example:

• Mother said to me, ‘Please tidy your room.

If the quote is placed at the beginning of the sentence a comma is put before the end quotation mark for a declarative or imperative sentence. A question mark or an exclamatory mark is placed before the end quotation if it is a question or an exclamatory sentence. Examples:

• “Where are we going for our picnic?’ asked Mira.
• “What an excellent idea!’ said Sunny.

If the quote is divided into two we can do either of the following: Examples:

• “That is fine,’ he said. “We don’t mind sharing our room with you.’
• “No!’ he said. “We can’t check into this hotel.’

In reported (indirect) speech, question marks and exclamations are removed because all sentences are converted to statements. We do not use a comma or quotation marks to set apart the words of the speaker. A comma is used only if the sentence calls for one. Example:

• Sally told me that Rosie, Anuja and Jenny are going for a movie tomorrow. . .

A. Punctuate the following sentences in direct speech. Insert (*), (,) and (?), (!) or (.).

Question 1. Divya said to me How are you Answer: Divya said to me,‘How are you?’

Question 2. Wow What a wonderful picture said Lucy Answer: ‘Wow! What a wonderful picture! ’ said Lucy.

Question 3. I said I am fine. Have you seen Sunil anywhere Answer: I said, ‘I am fine. Have you seen Sunil anywhere?’

B. There is one punctuation mark missing in each of these sentences. Add it.

Question 1. Urvashi said ‘Our class teacher is on leave today.’ Answer: Urvashi said,‘Our class teacher is on leave today.’

Question 2. “But I saw her in the canteen today, said Heena. Answer: ‘But I saw her in the canteen today,’ said Haya.

Question 3. How sad ’ said Urvashi, “I thought we would have two free periods today.’ Answer: ‘How sad! ’ said Urvashi, ‘I thought we would have two free periods today.’

Pronouns While reporting, we must pay close attention to personal pronouns, possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives—1, we, you, they, he, she, my, our, your, their, his, her, mine, ours, yours, theirs, hers. Examples: 1. Teacher said to me, ‘This is Radhika’s book, please give it to her.’ What would you tell Radhika?—Teacher told me that this was your book and asked me to give it to you. But if you report this to your friend Sashi, you would say—Teacher told me that this was Radhika’s book and asked me to give it to her.

2. His mother said to Raghu, ‘You must work hard.’ His mother told Raghu that he must work hard.

3. Mohan said to me, “My books are on your desk.’ Mohan told me that his books were on my desk.

As we see in these examples, the words we use to refer to people change to match the speaker/ writer and listener/reader.

C. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

Question 1. Manny said to me, “We must play more football.’ Manny told me that ………………………. (we/you) must play more football. Answer: Manny said to me, ‘We must play more football. ’ Manny told me that we (we/you) must play more football.

Question 2. Mr Chandresh said to me, ‘You must visit my house.’ Mr Chandresh insisted that I must visit ………………………. (my/his) house. Answer: Mr Chandresh said to me, ‘You must visit my house. ’ Mr Chandresh insisted that I must visit his (my/his) house.

Question 3. Amrit said to Neeta, ‘Our friends will meet us in Noida.’ Amrit told Neeta that ………………………. (their/our) friends would meet ………………………. (them/us) in Noida. Answer: Amrit said to Neeta, ‘Our friends will meet us in Noida.’ Amrit told Neeta that their (their/our) friends would meet them (them/us) in Noida.

Reporting verbs

We usually use verbs like said (say), told (tell) to introduce what somebody said. Verbs that help us convey what was said are called reporting verbs. They are used in direct and indirect speech.

Says and told are the reporting verbs in the following sentences:

• He says, “The world is a flat piece of paper.
• He told me he could help me with my homework.

Said and told are used in similar contexts but in reported speech we say something, and we tell somebody something. In direct speech, we use said to me/him/her, etc. Examples:

• Dipti said to me, ‘I might not come to school tomorrow.’
• Dipti said that she might not come to school the next day.
• Dipti told me that she might not come to school the next day.

D. Fill in the blanks with told or said.

Question 1. Rosy ………………………. that he was going to the supermarket. Answer: Rosy said that he was going to the supermarket.

Question 2. He ………………………. Sonia that he had to get some stationery. Answer: He told Sonia that he had to get some stationery.

Question 3. I ………………………. to him, “You have to hand in your work on time.’ Answer: I said to him, ‘You have to hand in your work on time.’

Question 4. Sameer ………………………. that he that he didn’t believe in aliens. Answer: Sameer said that he didn’t believe in aliens.

Question 5. My grandmother ………………………. me that when she was little, computers were unheard of. Answer: My grandmother told me that when she was little, computers were unheard of.

Some of the other reporting verbs we use are answered, added, promised, replied, suggested, explained, etc. The use of the reporting verb depends on the type of sentence reported.

Interrogative Sentences

While reporting questions we use the reporting verbs asked, enquired, etc. and while reporting the answer to the questions we use verbs like replied, answered, etc. Examples:

• Salim said to me, ‘Have you read The Wind in the Willows?’ Salim asked me if I had read The Wind in the Willows. I told Salim, ‘Yes, it is my favourite book.’ I replied that I had and that it was my favourite book
• Tarun said to me, ‘Where is our next class?’ Tarun asked me where our next class was.

A. Punctuate the following sentences in direct speech. Insert (..) and ()

Imperative Sentences While reporting imperative sentences we use a reporting verb to match the mood of the sentence. Apart from say and rell we can also use as request, beg, command in it, ander warm remind, exicowa gesi, pryse, etc. Examples:

• The Judge said to the people, “Maintain silence.” The Judge ordered the people to maintain silence.
• I said to John, “Please pass me the salt.” Trieste Jolino pass me the salt.
• Linda said, ‘Let’s go for a swim. Linda menekled going for a swim

Please note that in reported speech we use the non-finite form of the verbs in quotes. We use infinitive forms (base verb, lo + base verb) or gerund forms (ing).

Exclamatory Sentences While reporting exclamatory sentences we use reporting verbs like exclaimed, admired, apologize cried, wished thanked, etc. Interjections like wow, oh, oh dear, alas, etc. and nouns of addres are removed Examples:

• Ritu said to me ‘Wow! What a beautiful dress! Ritu admired my dress.
• I said to my teacher, ‘Good morning, Ma’am!-I wished my teacher good morning
• ‘Oh, no! I didn’t bring my lunchbox!’ said Deepak. Deepak exclaimed that hadn’t brought his lunchbox.
• Surya said to Shayan, ‘I am so sorry! Surya apologized to Shayan.

E. Fill in the blanks with appropriate reporting verbs from the box.

1. Sanjay said, ‘Shall we go to the chemistry lab? Sanjay ……………………… to go to the chemistry lab. 2. He said to me, ‘T’ll definitely help you.” He ……………………… to help me. 3. Manish said to me, I’m sorry. I forgot to bring your packet.” Manish ……………………… for forgetting to bring my packet. 4. Natasha said to her little brother, “Don’t cross the street carelessly” Natasha ……………………… her little brother not to cross the street carelessly 5. Nisha said to the receptionist, ‘Is Dr Gregory here?’ Nisha ……………………… if Dr Gregory was there. 6. ‘Oh dear! I have lost my keys!’ said Chandu. Chandu ……………………… that he had lost his keys. Answer: 1. Sanjay said, ‘Shall we go to the chemistry lab?’ Sanjay asked to go to the chemistry lab.

2. He said to me, ‘I’ll definitely help you. He offered to help me.

3. Manish said to me, ‘I’m sorry. I forgot to bring your packet. Manish apologized for forgetting to bring my packet

4. Natasha said to her little brother, ‘Don’t cross the street carelessly. Natasha advised/warmed her little brother not to cross the street carelessly.

5. Nisha said to the receptionist, ‘Is Dr Gregory here?’ Nisha asked if Dr Gregory was there.

6. ‘Oh dear! I have lost my keys! ’ said Chandu. Chandu exclaimed that he had lost his keys.

TENSES When we report a statement, we must look at the tense of the reporting verb.

1. If the reporting verb is in the present tense, we need not change the tense of the rest of the sentence. Examples:

• a. She says, “They are on their way.’—She says that they are on their way.
• Kina says, “All birds are friendly.”—Kina says that all birds are friendly.

2. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, we change the tense of the rest of the sentence being reported into corresponding past tense.

Sometimes, when universal truths are being reported we can choose to retain the original tense of the sentence or change it. Examples:

• Mother said, “The earth revolves around the sun. Mother said that the earth revolves/revolved around the sun.
• Jose said, “Hot air rises to the top.’ Jose said that hot air rises/rose to the top.

Time And Place Words When there are words that show time and place in direct speech, we have to change them appropriately in reported speech. Example:

• Rajesh said, “I will finish this project by next week.’
• Rajesh said that he would finish that project by the following week.

Here are a few such words: But this is done in accordance with the time and place of reporting. The expressions change if the time is long past. They do not change if the speech is reported in the same place and period of time.

• Sayani says, “I will not come to school tomorrow.’ (said on 12 August)”
• Sayani says that she will not come to school tomorrow. (also said on 12 August)
• Sayani told me that she would not come to school the next day. (30 November)

Reporting Conversations

In normal conversation we don’t always speak in full sentences. But while reporting them we must complete these sentences. Avoid using said and told too many times.

Instead, use reporting verbs like added, informed, wanted, etc. Examples:

• Direct speech:
• Salim: How is Sanjay?
• Sanjukta: He is fine now.
• Salim: Was he seriously ill last month?
• Sanjukta: Not exactly. But he had some minor ailments. He is at home now.

Reported speech: Salim asked Sanjukta how Sanjay was. She replied that he was fine then. Salim wanted to know if Sanjay had been seriously ill the previous month. Sanjukta said that he had not been seriously ill, but he had had some minor ailments. Then she added that Sanjay was at home then.

Omission Of That

In reported speech, that is often used to introduce the speaker’s words. But even if we omit that, the meaning would remain the same. Examples:

• Zoey told me (that) Rosie, Anuja and Shehnaaz were going for a movie the next day.
• Angmo said (that) she might not come to school the next day.

F. Read the following conversation and rewrite it in reported speech. Some reporting verbs you may want to use are informed, congratulated and thanked. Sneha: Good morning, Pari. How are you? Pari: Good morning, Sneha. I am getting on fine. You know, I got selected for the school table tennis team. We are going for the inter-school match on Friday. Sena: Wow! Great! Wish you the best of luck for Friday. I’m sure you’ll win the match. Pari: Thanks, Sneha. I hope we’ll win this time.

Sneha greeted Pari and asked ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Sneha greeted Pari and asked her how she was. Pari greeted Sneha back and told her that she was getting on fine. She also told Sneha that she had gotten selected for the school table tennis team, and that the team was going for the inter-school match on Friday .

Sneha exclaimed that was great, and then wished Pari the best of luck for Friday. She said that she was sure that Pari would win the match. Pari thanked Sneha and said that she hoped to win that time .

G. Here are a few lines from the famous story The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. Punctuate these sentences. 1. By Jove said Sherlock Holmes this is treasure trove indeed I suppose you know what you have got ……………………………………………………………………………… 2. A precious diamond said Peterson it cuts into glass as though it were putty ……………………………………………………………………………… 3. It is more than a precious stone said Holmes it is the precious stone ……………………………………………………………………………… 4. Not the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle Watson exclaimed ……………………………………………………………………………… 5. Precisely so said Holmes ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: 1. By Jove said Sherlock Holmes, this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have got‘ By Jove!’ said Sherlock Holmes, ‘this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have got!

2. A precious diamond, sir? said Peterson. It cuts into glass as though it were putty ‘A precious diamond, sir?’ said Peterson. ‘It cuts into glass as though it were putty.’

3. It is more than a precious stone said Holmes it is the precious stone ‘It is more than a precious stone.’ said Holmes, ‘it is the precious stone.’

4. Not the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle Watson exclaimed ‘Not the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle!’ Watson exclaimed.

5. Precisely so said Holmes ‘Precisely so.’ said Holmes.

Resources teachers, parents and learners can use!

Lesson Plan: Grade 11 Additional Language – direct and indirect speech

Lesson plan title: grade 11 additional language: direct and indirect speech, materials needed:.

• Textbook with examples of direct and indirect speech
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen or interactive whiteboard
• Printed handouts with practice exercises
• Laptops or tablets (if available) for online practice
• Flashcards with sentences for quick conversion practice

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: 1. Distinguish between direct and indirect speech. 2. Convert sentences from direct to indirect speech accurately and vice versa. 3. Apply the rules of tense changes and pronoun shifts when converting from direct to indirect speech. 4. Use reporting verbs correctly in sentences. 5. Demonstrate understanding through written and oral exercises.

Vocabulary:

• Direct Speech : Quoting someone’s exact words.
• Indirect Speech : Paraphrasing someone’s words.
• Reporting Verb : The verb used to report what someone has said (e.g., said, told).
• Tense Shift : Changes in verb tense when converting speech (e.g., present to past).
• Pronoun Shift : Changes in pronouns to fit indirect speech (e.g., I to he/she).

Previous Learning:

In previous lessons, students have learned about sentence structure and basic tense usage, which are foundational for understanding direct and indirect speech.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

• Confusion with Tense Changes : Provide a clear chart summarizing rules for tense changes and display it prominently during instruction.
• Pronoun Shifts : Use consistent examples and targeted practice exercises focusing on this aspect, reinforcing them with peer discussions.

Beginning Activities (10% – 6 minutes):

• Introduction (3 mins) : Briefly introduce the topic by clearly defining direct and indirect speech and stating the learning objectives. Use an engaging and accessible example to capture student interest.
• Activating Prior Knowledge (3 mins) : Prompt students to recall and share personal experiences related to reporting someone else’s words. Write an example on the board to visualize their contributions.

Middle Activities (80% – 48 minutes):

• Direct Instruction (8 mins) : Clearly explain the rules for converting direct speech into indirect speech, detailing the essential components such as tense changes, pronoun shifts, and the use of reporting verbs. Provide illustrative examples on the whiteboard.

Guided Practice (15 mins) :

• Work through several examples as a class to convert direct to indirect speech and vice versa using flashcards for interactive practice.
• Discuss common reporting verbs and their applications, ensuring to mention cultural variations in usage when relevant.
• Divide students into small, diverse groups, ensuring a mix of abilities. Provide each group with a set of sentences to convert from direct to indirect speech, promoting collaborative problem-solving.
• Facilitate movement among groups to provide personalized support and clarification as needed.
• Distribute worksheets featuring a variety of direct and indirect speech sentences. Instruct students to convert the sentences independently while applying the discussed rules.
• Monitor their progress closely during this time and provide immediate feedback.
• If resources permit, have students use laptops/tablets to engage in an online quiz or game focused on direct and indirect speech. Alternatively, suggest printable quizzes for those without technology access.

End Activities (10% – 6 minutes):

Consolidation (3 mins) : Recap the main learning points of the lesson. Encourage several students to volunteer their converted sentences to foster peer learning and reinforcement.

Exit Ticket (3 mins) : Ask students to write one direct speech sentence along with its indirect speech conversion on a slip of paper for submission as they exit the classroom. This acts as a formative assessment of their learning.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

• Monitor student participation in group activities and during direct instruction to gauge understanding.
• Evaluate worksheets for accuracy in conversions and adherence to rules.
• Review exit tickets to assess individual comprehension and identify common misconceptions.

Differentiation Strategies:

• Struggling Learners : Offer additional one-on-one support during independent practice, using visual aids and simplified handouts. Provide a tiered worksheet approach to match varied learning levels.
• Advanced Learners : Challenge with complex sentences that feature multiple clauses for conversion and encourage exploration of more nuanced reporting speech forms, perhaps by finding additional examples from literature.

Teaching Notes:

• Emphasize the significance of context when selecting appropriate reporting verbs.
• Promote peer teaching as a strategy to reinforce understanding and create a collaborative learning environment.
• Incorporate culturally relevant examples in the sentences used for practice, ensuring engagement and connection to students’ experiences.

Cross-Curricular Integration:

• Link to literature by applying dialogue from a novel or play currently being studied in class.
• Integrate with history by analyzing historical figures’ speeches, converting them into indirect speech.

Inclusive Education:

• Provide materials in multiple formats, incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements to support diverse learning needs.
• Foster a classroom culture that encourages all students to participate, including creating opportunities for peer support, such as a buddy system.

Formative Assessment:

• Employ strategic questioning during the direct instruction phase to check for understanding.
• Conduct frequent check-ins with groups during activities to address misconceptions in real-time.
• Utilize exit tickets as a concise formative assessment tool to highlight successful understanding and areas needing attention for future lessons.

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