This set of English Grammar Exercises (MCQs) focuses on “Direct and Indirect Speech”.
1. When we quote the actual words of a speaker, what is that called?
a) Active voice
b) Passive voice
c) Indirect speech
d) Direct speech
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Explanation: Words spoken by a speaker may be reported in more than one way. When we quote the actual words of the speaker, it is called Direct speech.
2. What form of speech reporting is this?
Shyam said, “I am not willing to compromise”.
a) Active voice
b) Indirect speech
c) Direct speech
d) Passive voice
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Explanation: In direct speech we quote the words spoken by the speaker directly. It must also be noted that in direct speech, we use inverted commas to show the exact words of the speaker.
3. When we report what is said without quoting the exact words, what is that called?
a) Direct speech
b) Active voice
c) Indirect speech
d) Passive voice
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Explanation: Another way of reporting speech is Indirect speech. In this, we report what is said without quoting the exact words of the speaker.
4. What form of speech is this?
Tina mentioned that she would be late to the party.
a) Indirect speech
b) Passive voice
c) Direct speech
d) Active voice
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Explanation: Indirect speech is a form of speech where we report the speaker’s words without actually quoting them. It is also known as Reported speech.
5. Which conjunction is used in conversion to Indirect speech?
a) because
b) that
c) so
d) as
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Explanation: Certain changes are made while converting direct to indirect speech. One of these changes is the use of the conjunction ‘that’.
6. Which person is the pronoun changed to while converting to indirect speech?
a) second person plural
b) first person singular
c) second person singular
d) first person plural
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Explanation: Another change accompanying the conversion to indirect from direct speech is the change of person of pronoun. For example, I changes to he or she.
7. What is the change in tense accompanying direct to indirect change?
a) present to past
b) present to future
c) past to present
d) past to future
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Explanation: While converting direct speech to indirect speech, there is also change of tense of the sentence that occurs. The present tense is changed to past tense.
8. Which of the following is not seen when direct speech is changed to indirect speech?
a) Change of verb from present tense to past tense
b) The change in person of pronoun from first person to second person
c) Introduction of the conjunction ‘that’
d) Addition of inverted commas to mark off the exact words of the speaker
View Answer
Explanation: Addition of inverted commas is only seen in direct speech. Whereas, while changing to indirect speech, change of tense, introduction of conjunction ‘that’ and change of person of pronoun occur.
9. What is the change of adverb in conversion to indirect speech?
a) then to now
b) now to later
c) now to then
d) then to later
View Answer
Explanation: This is another change that accompanies the transition from direct speech to indirect speech. The same does not apply for the reverse transformation.
10. Which of the following is the correct form of direct speech?
a) Ram said he likes school.
b) Ram said, “I like school”.
c) Ram said, he likes school.
d) Ram said, I like school.
View Answer
Explanation: There are certain identifying qualities for direct speech. The pronouns being in the first person and inverted commas to mark off the exact words of the speaker are some of them.
More English Grammar Exercises on Direct and Indirect Speech:
- Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises (Set 2)
- Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises (Set 3)
- Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises (Set 4)
- Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises (Set 5)
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