This set of English Grammar Exercises (MCQs) focuses on “Direct and Indirect Speech – Commands and Requests”.
1. Which of the following is not used in commands and requests?
a) Introduction of verb expressing command
b) Imperative to infinitive mood change
c) Introduction of verb expressing request
d) Reporting verb followed by whether or if
View Answer
Explanation: Reporting verb is followed by whether or if only in the case of questions. For commands and requests, the indirect speech is introduced by verb expressing command or request and change of mood from imperative to infinitive.
2. Pick the correct verb.
Krishna ____________ his assistant to take down notes of the meeting.
a) requested
b) asked
c) ordered
d) enquired
View Answer
Explanation: The verb ordered is used when issuing a command. This is usually done when a superiors addresstheir subordinate or other such situations.
3. What is the correct form of indirect speech?
He shouted, “Sam is a traitor.”
a) He told Sam is a traitor.
b) He said Sam is a traitor.
c) He shouted that Sam was a traitor.
d) He shouted Sam is a traitor.
View Answer
Explanation: Instances where commands or requests are issued, verbs such as ordered, shouted, commanded are used. The conjunction ‘that’ is also used although it is omitted in spoken English.
4. Choose the correct answer.
The teacher said to the students, “Be quiet and do your work.”
a) The teacher commanded the students to be quiet and do their work.
b) The teacher said that be quiet and do your work.
c) The teacher requested the students to be quiet and do their work.
d) The teacher asked the students to be quiet and do their work.
View Answer
Explanation: While issuing commands, verbs such as commanded and ordered are used in the indirect speech. Certain changes to the pronouns are to be made as well.
5. Which of the following is thecorrect verb?
She _________ me to join her for her morning walk.
a) asked
b) urged
c) requested
d) commanded
View Answer
Explanation: The verbs such as urged can be used in situations where the statement is not a real command. It is usually used when referring to friends or close acquaintances.
6. State true or false.
In reporting questions, indirect speech is introduced by some verbs as asked, inquired etc.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: In reporting questions, indirect speech is introduced by some verbs as asked, inquired etc. When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.
7. What reporting verbs are used if the question is not introduced by aninterrogative word ?
a) whether
b) commanded
c) requested
d) ordered
View Answer
Explanation: When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if. The question mark is also omitted.
8. Which of the following is the correct conversion to indirect speech?
“Bring me the traitors”, said the king.
a) The king said to bring the traitors.
b) The king requested them to bring the traitors.
c) The king asked to bring the traitors.
d) The king commanded them to bring him the traitors.
View Answer
Explanation: While converting commands to indirect form, there are specific reporting verbs to be used. Those are commanded, ordered, urged, etc.
9. Is the following statement true or false?
In reporting commands and requests, infinitive mood is changed to imperative.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: In case of commands and requests, the mood is changed from imperative to infinitive. The reporting verbs also require changing in accordance with the situation.
10. Report the following in indirect speech.
The principal’s orders were, “No student should be found roaming the corridors during the exams.”
a) The principal asked the students not to roam the corridors during the exams.
b) The principal ordered that no student should roam the halls during the exams.
c) The principal requested the students not to roam the corridors during the exams.
d) The principal urged the students not to roam the corridors during the exams.
View Answer
Explanation: In case of commands and requests, the mood is changed from imperative to infinitive. And the reporting verbs such as commanded and ordered are used.
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