Master Reported Speech in English Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

Which sentence correctly reports the direct speech, "The teacher announced, 'We will have a test tomorrow.'" in indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

The teacher stated that we would have a test the following day.

Answer

The teacher declared that we will have a test tomorrow.

Answer

The teacher announced that we will have a test the following day.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct reported form of the command, "Please turn off the lights."?

Accepted Answer

She instructed me to turn off the lights.

Answer

She requested that I turned off the lights.

Answer

She advised me turning off the lights.

Question 3

When reporting speech containing a future tense verb, what tense is typically used in indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

Past tense

Answer

The future tense is changed to the present perfect tense.

Question 4

Which reporting verb is commonly used to introduce a question in indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

Asked

Answer

Said

Question 5

What is the correct reported form of the question, "What time is it?"?

Accepted Answer

She asked what time it was.

Answer

She informed me it was time.

Answer

She wanted to know what time is it.

Answer

She asked what time is it?

Question 6

What is the difference between using "said" and "told" in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

"Said" is used to report statements, while "told" is used to report commands.

Answer

"Said" is used to report questions, while "told" is used to report statements.

Answer

"Said" is used for both statements and commands, while "told" is only used for questions.

Question 7

What is the main purpose of reporting speech?

Accepted Answer

To convey information or express someone's words or thoughts indirectly.

Answer

To emphasize a point.

Answer

To quote someone directly.

Question 8

Which of the following situations is NOT appropriate for using reported speech?

Accepted Answer

When quoting a famous quote.

Answer

When reporting someone's opinion.

Answer

When summarizing a conversation.

Question 9

What term refers to the change in pronouns that occurs when transforming direct speech into reported speech?

Accepted Answer

Pronoun shift.

Answer

Time shift.

Answer

Tense shift.

Answer

Verb shift.

Question 10

My friend asked me, "Had you watched this movie before?" Report this question in the past perfect tense.

Accepted Answer

My friend had asked me if I had watched the movie before.

Answer

My friend had asked me if I have watched the movie before.

Answer

My friend asked me if I had watched the movie before.

Answer

My friend has asked me if I have watched the movie before.

Question 11

What is the reported speech for the exclamation "He exclaimed, 'Wow, this is beautiful!'"?

Accepted Answer

He exclaimed that it was beautiful.

Answer

He shouted that it was beautiful.

Answer

He told that it was beautiful.

Answer

He said, 'It is beautiful.'

Question 12

What is the correct reported speech for the mixed sentence "He said, 'I am happy, but I am also tired.'"?

Accepted Answer

He said that he was happy, but he was also tired.

Answer

He told that I am happy, but I am also tired.

Answer

He said, 'I am happy, but I am also tired.'

Answer

He said I was happy, but I was also tired.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using reported speech?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the exact words of the speaker.

Answer

Avoiding plagiarism.

Answer

Conveying information or ideas indirectly.

Answer

Providing context and perspective.

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of using reported speech in writing?

Accepted Answer

To convey information or ideas indirectly.

Answer

To add emphasis or drama to the narrative.

Answer

To avoid using the passive voice.

Answer

To engage readers with direct quotations.

Question 15

The teacher asked, "Why are you late?"

Accepted Answer

The teacher asked why I was late.

Answer

The teacher inquired why I am late.

Answer

The teacher asked if I was late.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a rule for changing direct speech to indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

Change the future tense to the present tense.

Answer

Change personal pronouns.

Answer

Change time expressions.

Answer

Add reporting verbs.

Question 17

She asked her friend, "Have you finished your homework?"

Accepted Answer

She asked her friend if she had finished her homework.

Answer

She instructed her friend to finish her homework.

Answer

She told her friend to finish her homework.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

The teacher said that the students had made progress.

Answer

The teacher asked, "Have you made progress?"

Answer

The teacher exclaimed, "Congratulations on your progress!"

Question 19

How would you report the question, "Where are you going?" in indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

He asked me where I was going.

Answer

He wondered where I would go.

Answer

He asked where I go.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct reported speech version of the command, "Close the door!"?

Accepted Answer

He told me to close the door.

Answer

He commanded me close the window.

Answer

He asked me to shut the door.

Question 21

How would you report the exclamation, "What a beautiful day!" in indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

She exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.

Answer

She exclaimed that it had been a beautiful day.

Answer

She said that it would be a beautiful day.

Answer

She remarked that the day was beautiful.

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a time expression used in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

Tomorrow

Answer

Earlier

Answer

A few minutes later

Answer

Yesterday

Question 23

What is the reported speech version of the following dialogue:
"Where did you go yesterday?" "I went to the park."?

Accepted Answer

He asked me where I had gone the previous day and I told him that I had gone to the park.

Answer

He asked me where I was going the next day and I replied that I was going to the park.

Answer

He asked me where I went yesterday and I said I had gone to the park.

Question 24

Mary exclaimed with excitement, "This is such a beautiful day!"

Accepted Answer

Mary remarked that the day was exceptionally beautiful.

Answer

Mary commanded that it should be a beautiful day.

Answer

Mary stated that it was a beautiful day.

Answer

Mary inquired if it was a beautiful day.

Question 25

The teacher inquired, "When is the test scheduled?"

Accepted Answer

The teacher asked when the test was scheduled to take place.

Answer

The teacher informed that the test would be held soon.

Answer

The teacher exclaimed that the test was approaching.

Answer

The teacher ordered that the class prepare for the test.

Question 26

John admitted reluctantly, "I last saw her years ago."

Accepted Answer

John confessed that he had not seen her in years.

Answer

John exclaimed that he missed seeing her.

Answer

John questioned if he had seen her recently.

Answer

John commanded that she come to see him.

Question 27

The manager instructed clearly, "Submit this document by tomorrow afternoon."

Accepted Answer

The manager ordered that the document be submitted by the following afternoon.

Answer

The manager suggested that the document be completed promptly.

Answer

The manager asked if the document would be ready by tomorrow.

Question 28

The secretary inquired politely, "Could you provide the due date for the report?"

Accepted Answer

The secretary requested the due date of the report.

Answer

The secretary exclaimed that the report was overdue.

Answer

The secretary wondered if the report was ready.

Answer

The secretary instructed to submit the report by a certain date.

Question 29

Sarah uttered longingly, "I so wish I could take a vacation right now."

Accepted Answer

Sarah expressed her desire to take a vacation immediately.

Answer

Sarah commanded that she be allowed to take a vacation.

Answer

Sarah exclaimed that she was going on vacation.

Answer

Sarah inquired if she could go on vacation.

Question 30

The speaker announced formally, "The meeting has been postponed until next Monday."

Accepted Answer

The speaker informed that the meeting had been rescheduled for the following Monday.

Answer

The speaker exclaimed that the meeting was postponed.

Answer

The speaker requested that the meeting be rescheduled.

Question 31

The professor explained enthusiastically, "The concept of reported speech is crucial for effective writing."

Accepted Answer

The professor emphasized the importance of reported speech in effective communication.

Answer

The professor exclaimed that reported speech was essential.

Question 32

The guide informed the group, "Our itinerary includes a visit to the museum and art gallery."

Accepted Answer

The guide mentioned that their itinerary included a visit to the museum and art gallery.

Answer

The guide asked if they would visit the museum and the art gallery.

Answer

The guide exclaimed that they would visit the museum and the art gallery.

Question 33

Convert the following direct speech into reported speech: "I'm going to the store," said Sarah.

Accepted Answer

Sarah stated that she was going to the store.

Answer

Sarah asked if she was going to the store.

Answer

Sarah exclaimed that she went to the store.

Answer

Sarah commanded that she go to the store.

Question 34

Transform the following reported speech into direct speech: "The teacher inquired who could answer the question."

Accepted Answer

The teacher asked, "Who can answer this question?"

Answer

The teacher exclaimed, "Who can answer this question?"

Answer

The teacher commanded, "Who should answer this question?"

Answer

The teacher suggested, "Who can answer this question?"

Question 35

Report the following command in indirect speech: "Close the windows," ordered the principal.

Accepted Answer

The principal ordered that the windows be closed.

Answer

The principal suggested that the windows should be closed.

Answer

The principal exclaimed that the windows be closed.

Answer

The principal asked the windows to be closed.

Question 36

Convert the following exclamation into reported speech: "What a beautiful view!" exclaimed Jack.

Accepted Answer

Jack exclaimed that the view was breathtaking.

Answer

Jack asked if the view was beautiful.

Answer

Jack suggested that the view was beautiful.

Answer

Jack commanded that the view be beautiful.

Question 37

Which rule applies when changing present simple tense to past simple tense in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

Change '-s' to '-ed' or add 'did' before the main verb

Answer

No change is needed

Answer

Change '-s' to '-ing' or add 'was' before the main verb

Answer

Change '-s' to '-en' or add 'had' before the main verb

Question 38

Transform the following statement into reported speech: "I have finished my homework," said Peter.

Accepted Answer

Peter informed me that he had completed his homework.

Answer

Peter asked if he could finish his homework.

Answer

Peter exclaimed that he had finished his homework.

Answer

Peter promised that he would finish his homework.

Question 39

Report the following advice in indirect speech: "You should get plenty of rest," advised the doctor.

Accepted Answer

The doctor advised that I get plenty of rest.

Answer

The doctor exclaimed that I should get plenty of rest.

Answer

The doctor asked if I should get plenty of rest.

Answer

The doctor commanded that I get plenty of rest.

Question 40

Identify the example of indirect speech:

Accepted Answer

He explained that he couldn't attend the party.

Answer

He asked if I could attend the party.

Answer

He said, "I can't attend the party."

Answer

He exclaimed, "What a wonderful party!"

Question 41

She said, "I am going to the store now." How would you report this statement in the past tense?

Accepted Answer

She said that she was going to the store then.

Answer

She said she was going to the store now.

Answer

She said that she will go to the store then.

Answer

She said to me to go to the store.

Question 42

He asked, "Where is the library?" Report this question in reported speech.

Accepted Answer

He asked where the library was.

Answer

He asked if I knew where the library is.

Answer

He asked where was the library.

Answer

He asked me to tell him where the library is.

Question 43

The teacher told the students, "Don't forget your homework!" Report this command in indirect speech.

Accepted Answer

The teacher reminded the students not to forget their homework.

Answer

The teacher told the students to not forget their homework.

Answer

The teacher said the students don't forget their homework.

Question 44

"What a beautiful day!" she exclaimed.  Choose the grammatically correct reported speech version.

Accepted Answer

She exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.

Answer

She exclaimed what a beautiful day it is.

Answer

She exclaimed with joy that it was a beautiful day.

Answer

She exclaimed it is a beautiful day.

Question 45

He said, "I have been studying all night." Report this statement in the past perfect tense.

Accepted Answer

He said that he had been studying all night.

Answer

He said he was studying all night.

Answer

He said that he has been studying all night.

Question 46

Which of these is NOT a common reporting verb used in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

Tell to

Answer

Explain

Answer

Suggest

Answer

Admit

Question 47

She asked, "Can you help me with my homework?"  Choose the grammatically correct reported version.

Accepted Answer

She asked if I could help her with her homework.

Answer

She asked that I can help her with her homework.

Answer

She asked me to help her with her homework.

Answer

She asked can I help her with her homework.

Question 48

"I will call you tomorrow," he promised.  How would you report this promise in the past tense?

Accepted Answer

He promised that he would call me the next day.

Answer

He promised that he will call me tomorrow.

Answer

He promised calling me the next day.

Answer

He promised to call me tomorrow.

Question 49

What is the primary purpose of using reported speech?

Accepted Answer

To convey what someone said without using their exact words.

Answer

To confuse the listener or reader.

Answer

To make your writing sound more formal.

Question 50

He said, "This is the best pizza I have ever eaten!" Choose the reported speech version that accurately reflects the speaker's enthusiasm.

Accepted Answer

He exclaimed that it was the best pizza he had ever eaten.

Answer

He said that the pizza was good.

Answer

He said that he liked the pizza.