Reported Speech: Learn to Report What Others Say and Think

Question 1

Which reporting verb best completes the sentence: "The manager _________ that the new project will be delayed"?

Accepted Answer

claimed

Answer

suggested

Answer

whispered

Answer

agreed

Question 2

When writing a formal letter to a colleague, which form of reported speech is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

She informed me that she would be late.

Answer

She said she would be late.

Answer

She had mentioned that she would be late.

Answer

She was saying that she would be late.

Question 3

The teacher instructed her students to revise for their upcoming test. Rewrite this instruction in reported speech.

Accepted Answer

The teacher told her students to revise for their upcoming test.

Answer

The teacher reminded her students to revise for their upcoming test.

Answer

The teacher asked her students if they had revised for their upcoming test.

Answer

The teacher instructed her students to revise for their test next week.

Question 4

When reporting the traveler's statement, "This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen!" how should we handle the superlative adjective 'most beautiful'?

Accepted Answer

Keep 'most beautiful' unchanged

Answer

Change 'most beautiful' to 'more beautiful'

Answer

Change 'most beautiful' to 'beautifully'

Question 5

How does the choice of reporting verb influence the meaning of reported speech?

Accepted Answer

It can express the speaker's attitude or opinion about what is being reported.

Answer

It has no impact on the meaning of the reported speech.

Answer

It solely determines the tense of the reported speech.

Answer

It shows if the reported speech is in direct or indirect form.

Question 6

Why is it crucial to adjust verb tenses when reporting events in indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

To accurately reflect the timing of the original event.

Answer

To make the reported speech easier to understand.

Answer

To add emphasis or emotion to the reported speech.

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of using reported speech in daily conversations?

Accepted Answer

To convey what someone else has said or thought

Answer

To ask questions in a formal setting

Answer

To make requests or give commands

Question 8

In reported speech, what's the main purpose of using quotation marks and punctuation?

Accepted Answer

To mark the start and end of the reported speech.

Answer

To show the time frame of the reported speech.

Answer

To highlight key words or phrases in the reported speech.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct reported speech for the sentence: "She asked me, 'Where are you going?'"?

Accepted Answer

She asked me where I was going.

Answer

She asked me where I am going.

Answer

She asked me where I will go.

Answer

She asked me where I went.

Question 10

When reporting a statement that expresses an opinion or belief, which of the following should be used?

Accepted Answer

Tense backshift and modal verb

Answer

Tense backshift only

Answer

Modal verb only

Answer

Neither tense backshift nor modal verb

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct reported speech for the sentence: "The doctor advised, 'You should get more sleep.'"?

Accepted Answer

The doctor advised that I should get more sleep.

Answer

The doctor advised that I must get more sleep.

Answer

The doctor advised that I should have gotten more sleep.

Answer

The doctor advised that I must have gotten more sleep.

Question 12

When reporting a statement that expresses a command or request, which modal verb should be used?

Accepted Answer

could

Answer

must

Answer

should

Answer

will

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct reported speech for the sentence: "She whispered, 'I don't know.'"?

Accepted Answer

She whispered that she didn't know.

Answer

She whispered that she doesn't know.

Answer

She whispered she didn't know.

Answer

She whispered she doesn't know.

Question 14

Change the following direct speech into reported speech: "Can you meet me tomorrow?"

Accepted Answer

He inquired if I could meet him the following day.

Answer

He asked if I was able to meet him tomorrow.

Answer

He suggested that we meet the next day.

Answer

He ordered me to meet him tomorrow.

Question 15

Which of the following sentences shows indirect speech with a modal verb?

Accepted Answer

She said she was unable to attend.

Answer

He instructed me to remain patient.

Question 16

How would you report the thought: "I wish I had more time"?

Accepted Answer

He wished he had more time.

Answer

He said he wishes he had more time.

Question 17

Choose the correct reported speech for "I've never been to Spain."

Accepted Answer

She said she had never been to Spain

Answer

She said she's never been to Spain

Answer

She said she will never go to Spain

Answer

She said she would never go to Spain

Question 18

Which option accurately reports the statement "I'm sure she'll succeed."?

Accepted Answer

He said he was sure she would succeed

Answer

He said he was sure she will succeed

Answer

He said he's sure she will succeed

Answer

He said he's sure she would succeed

Question 19

Identify the correct reported speech for the following: "They promised to help us tomorrow."

Accepted Answer

They said they would help us tomorrow

Answer

They said they will help us tomorrow

Answer

They said they can help us tomorrow

Answer

They said they could help us tomorrow

Question 20

Which sentence correctly reports the direct speech: "I love learning French!"?

Accepted Answer

She said that she loves learning French.

Answer

She said that she loved learning French.

Answer

She said that she will love learning French.

Answer

She said that she liked learning French.

Question 21

What is the correct indirect speech version of the question: "What time is it?"?

Accepted Answer

She asked what time it was.

Answer

She asked what the time is.

Answer

She asked what time will it be.

Answer

She asked what time had it been.

Question 22

What is the correct indirect speech version of the question: "Where have you been?"?

Accepted Answer

She asked where I had been.

Answer

She asked where I have been.

Answer

She asked where I will be.

Answer

She asked where had I been.

Question 23

Which option best reports the command: "Don't touch that!"?

Accepted Answer

He warned me not to touch that.

Answer

He warned not to touch that.

Answer

He warned that I not touch that.

Answer

He told not to touch that.

Question 24

What is the correct indirect speech version of the question: "What will you do tomorrow?"?

Accepted Answer

She asked what I would do tomorrow.

Answer

She asked what I will do tomorrow.

Answer

She asked what I had done tomorrow.

Answer

She asked what I am doing tomorrow.

Question 25

In the sentence "The teacher inquired whether the students had completed their assignments," the reporting verb is:

Accepted Answer

inquired

Answer

whether

Answer

had completed

Answer

their

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of reported speech?

Accepted Answer

To convey the exact words of the speaker

Answer

To avoid direct confrontation

Answer

To summarize what someone said

Answer

To create a sense of distance

Question 27

The sentence "He said, 'I will be there tomorrow'" uses:

Accepted Answer

Double quotation marks in reported speech

Answer

Single quotation marks in reported speech

Answer

No quotation marks in reported speech

Answer

Incorrect punctuation in reported speech

Question 28

What is the reported speech version of the question "Could you help me, please?"

Accepted Answer

He asked if I could help him.

Answer

He asked if I can help him.

Answer

He asked if I would help him.

Answer

He asked me to help him.

Question 29

Which of the following pronouns should be used in reported speech when the speaker is different from the subject of the reported statement?

Accepted Answer

he/she

Answer

I

Answer

you

Answer

it

Question 30

Which of the following time expressions is used to maintain the original meaning when reporting speech in the past?

Accepted Answer

then

Answer

today

Answer

yesterday

Answer

now

Question 31

In reported speech, which word is used to introduce a statement attributed to another person?

Accepted Answer

said

Answer

because

Answer

although

Answer

so

Question 32

What type of reported speech is used when the speaker's exact words are not important and only the general meaning is conveyed?

Accepted Answer

Summary speech

Answer

Direct speech

Answer

Reported thought

Answer

Reported question

Question 33

What is the reported speech form of the question: "Do you like apples?"?

Accepted Answer

He asked if I liked apples.

Answer

He asked if I do like apples.

Answer

He asked if I will like apples.

Answer

He asked do I like apples.

Question 34

Which reporting verb is most suitable when someone expresses their opinion? (e.g., "My favorite color is blue.")

Accepted Answer

stated

Answer

said

Answer

suggested

Answer

asked

Question 35

Which of the following pronouns should be used in reported speech when the speaker is referring to themselves?

Accepted Answer

I

Answer

me

Answer

my

Answer

myself

Question 36

Which reporting verb is used to introduce an indirect question?

Accepted Answer

Asked

Answer

Said

Answer

Told

Answer

Suggested

Question 37

Which of the following is the correct reported speech for the sentence, "He promised to be back by 7 pm"?

Accepted Answer

He said he would be back by 7 pm.

Answer

He said he had promised to be back by 7 pm.

Answer

He had said he promised to be back by 7 pm.

Answer

He would say he was back by 7 pm.

Question 38

Which of the following is the correct reported speech for the sentence, "Please don't make a mess!"?

Accepted Answer

He begged me not to make a mess.

Answer

He ordered me not to make a mess.

Answer

He suggested I not make a mess.

Answer

He reminded me not to make a mess.

Question 39

What is the reported speech for the exclamation, "What a beautiful day it is!"?

Accepted Answer

He exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.

Answer

He announced that it was a beautiful day.

Answer

He whispered that it was a beautiful day.

Answer

He suggested that it was a beautiful day.

Question 40

Which of the following is the correct reported speech for the sentence, "Could you please pass me the salt?"?

Accepted Answer

He asked if I could pass him the salt.

Answer

He asked if he could pass me the salt.

Answer

He wondered if I could pass him the salt.

Answer

He suggested if I could pass him the salt.

Question 41

In reported speech, how can you ensure clarity when reporting what multiple people have said?

Accepted Answer

Use different pronouns for each speaker

Answer

Don't use quotation marks

Answer

Use the same reporting verb for all speakers

Question 42

How does the choice of reporting verb impact the meaning of reported speech? Provide specific examples to illustrate your answer.

Accepted Answer

The choice of reporting verb can convey the speaker's attitude or perspective towards the reported information.

Answer

The reporting verb primarily affects the tense of the reported speech.

Answer

Reporting verbs have no influence on the meaning of the reported speech.

Answer

The reporting verb solely determines the grammatical structure of the reported speech.

Question 43

Emily told her friend that she would visit the library to prepare for her final exams. Rewrite Emily's statement in reported speech.

Accepted Answer

Emily said she would visit the library to prepare for her final exams.

Answer

Emily mentioned she would visit the library to prepare for her final exams.

Answer

Emily stated she would visit the library to prepare for her final exams.

Answer

Emily exclaimed she would visit the library to prepare for her final exams.

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a reporting verb?

Accepted Answer

thought

Answer

said

Answer

told

Answer

exclaimed

Question 45

Transform the following reported speech into direct speech: He told me that he had enjoyed the film.

Accepted Answer

He said, "I had enjoyed the film."

Answer

He said, "I have enjoyed the film."

Answer

He said, "I have enjoyed the film"

Answer

He said, "I enjoy the film."

Question 46

Transform the following direct speech into reported speech: "Don't touch that button!" He exclaimed.

Accepted Answer

He exclaimed that I shouldn't touch that button.

Answer

He exclaimed if I didn't touch that button.

Answer

He exclaimed not to touch that button.

Answer

He exclaimed that I touched that button.

Question 47

Transform the following reported speech into direct speech: She reported that she was tired.

Accepted Answer

She said, "I was tired."

Answer

She said, "I am tired."

Answer

She said, "I will be tired."

Answer

She said, "I have been tired."

Question 48

When transforming direct speech into indirect speech, which strategy is crucial for accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Adjusting pronouns and possessive adjectives to match the reporting context

Answer

Employing diverse reporting verbs to preserve a natural tone

Answer

Omitting non-essential details from the direct speech

Answer

Using contractions in indirect speech to maintain conversational flow

Question 49

How does reported speech help develop characters in fictional stories?

Accepted Answer

It shows characters' thoughts and feelings, giving readers a deeper understanding of their motivations and personalities.

Answer

It speeds up the story by providing information quickly.

Answer

It hints at future events and creates suspense.

Question 50

How does reported speech contribute to a sense of detachment or objectivity in a narrative?

Accepted Answer

By utilizing third-person pronouns and past tense to establish a distance from the events

Answer

By employing reporting verbs that convey the speaker's perspective or bias

Answer

By using present tense to indicate that the events are ongoing

Question 51

How can reported speech enhance suspense and foreshadowing in a narrative?

Accepted Answer

It can gradually reveal information, building suspense and anticipation.

Accepted Answer

It can create a sense of mystery or uncertainty.

Accepted Answer

It can foreshadow future events, hinting at what may happen later.

Answer

Reported speech cannot be used to create literary effects in a narrative.

Question 52

How does reported speech allow us to shorten statements while preserving their key points?

Accepted Answer

It condenses sentences and removes unnecessary details.

Answer

It changes verb tenses to indicate past events.

Answer

It employs more formal and sophisticated language.

Answer

It provides additional background information and context.

Question 53

How does reported speech help writers develop characters in a story?

Accepted Answer

It shows characters' private thoughts and feelings, giving readers a better understanding of their personalities.

Answer

It makes the story more distant and objective.

Answer

It adds excitement and mystery to the story.

Answer

It makes the story harder to understand by confusing readers with different viewpoints.

Question 54

What is a potential disadvantage of using reported speech in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Reported speech can create a sense of distance between the writer and reader.

Answer

Reported speech can make writing more objective.

Answer

Reported speech always makes writing clearer.

Answer

Reported speech can add credibility to writing.

Question 55

How do reporting verbs expressing certainty differ from those expressing uncertainty?

Accepted Answer

Certainty verbs show no doubt, while uncertainty verbs show some doubt.

Answer

Certainty verbs are formal, while uncertainty verbs are informal.

Answer

Uncertainty verbs are always past tense, while certainty verbs can be any tense.

Answer

Certainty verbs use the subjunctive mood, while uncertainty verbs do not.

Question 56

How does the reporting verb 'admit' influence the tone of the reported speech? Provide an example to demonstrate your understanding.

Accepted Answer

It suggests reluctance or hesitation.

Answer

It makes the reported speech sound more formal.

Answer

It implies doubt about the truthfulness of the reported statement.

Answer

It makes the reported speech sound more forceful.

Question 57

The speaker said, with uncertainty, "The bus is due at the station around 8:00 AM." Which of these accurately conveys the speaker's tone in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

He wondered if the bus was due at the station around 8:00 AM.

Answer

He stated that the bus was due at the station around 8:00 AM.

Answer

He insisted that the bus would arrive at the station by 8:00 AM.

Answer

He confirmed that the bus is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 AM sharp.

Question 58

Which of the following is an indirect speech report of the question: "Where are you going?"

Accepted Answer

She asked me where I was going.

Answer

She asked where I am going.

Answer

She asked where was I going.

Answer

She asked me where am I going.

Question 59

Transform the following command into indirect speech: "Close the door!"

Accepted Answer

She told me to close the door.

Answer

She told me that I close the door.

Answer

She told me closing the door.

Answer

She told me to closed the door.

Question 60

Which of the following is NOT a common reporting verb used in indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

shout

Answer

tell

Answer

ask

Answer

say

Question 61

Which of the following sentences is an example of indirect speech within a direct speech context?

Accepted Answer

She said that she was feeling tired.

Answer

She exclaimed that she was feeling tired.

Answer

She told me that she is feeling tired.

Answer

She said she was feeling tired.

Question 62

Which of the following is a key principle to consider when transforming direct speech into indirect speech?

Accepted Answer

Changing pronouns and time references to maintain meaning.

Answer

Omitting unnecessary details.

Answer

Using the same tense as in direct speech.

Question 63

Which of the following words is used to introduce an indirect speech report of a question?

Accepted Answer

whether

Answer

because

Answer

since

Answer

although

Question 64

Transform the following negative statement into indirect speech: "I don't like coffee."

Accepted Answer

She said she didn't like coffee.

Answer

She said she not liking coffee.

Answer

She said she doesn't like coffee.

Answer

She told me that she don't like coffee.