Reported Speech: Rules and Practice

Mastering Reported Speech: Rules, Usage and Exam-Oriented Practice

Comprehensive Study Module on Reported Speech: Rules and Practice

Introduction

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of conveying what someone has said without quoting their exact words. It’s a crucial aspect of English grammar and is commonly tested in language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and other competitive exams. The ability to report speech accurately, using the correct tense, pronouns, and punctuation, is vital for effective communication.

This module explains the rules, usage, and common mistakes associated with reported speech. It provides clear examples, practical applications, and comprehensive practice to help you master the topic for your exams.

1. Understanding Reported Speech

1.1 What is Reported Speech?

• Definition: Reported speech involves reporting or paraphrasing what someone has said, without using the exact words they used.
  • Example (Direct Speech): She said, “I am going to the store.”
  • Example (Reported Speech): She said that she was going to the store.

1.2 Difference Between Direct and Indirect Speech

• Direct Speech: The exact words of the speaker are quoted, and quotation marks are used.
  • Example: He said, “I will call you tomorrow.”
• Indirect Speech (Reported Speech): The speaker’s words are paraphrased, and the tense may change.
  • Example: He said that he would call me the next day.

2. Rules of Reported Speech

2.1 Changes in Tense

• When converting direct speech to reported speech, the tense often changes.
  • Present Simple → Past Simple
    • Direct: “I play tennis.”
    • Reported: He said that he played tennis.
  • Present Continuous → Past Continuous
    • Direct: “She is working.”
    • Reported: She said that she was working.
  • Present Perfect → Past Perfect
    • Direct: “I have finished my homework.”
    • Reported: He said that he had finished his homework.

2.2 Changes in Pronouns

• Pronouns in the direct speech are replaced according to the perspective of the reporting speaker.
  • Example:
    • Direct: “I am going home,” she said.
    • Reported: She said that she was going home.

2.3 Time Expressions in Reported Speech

• Today → that day
• Tomorrow → the next day
• Yesterday → the day before
• Now → then
  • Example:
    • Direct: “I will go tomorrow.”
    • Reported: She said that she would go the next day.

2.4 Reporting Verbs

• Common reporting verbs include “say,” “tell,” “ask,” “advise,” “promise,” etc.
  • Example (say): He said, “I am tired.” → He said that he was tired.
  • Example (tell): She told me, “You are late.” → She told me that I was late.

3. Special Cases in Reported Speech

3.1 Questions in Reported Speech

• When reporting a question, the word order changes, and the question mark is removed.
  • Yes/No Questions:
    • Direct: “Are you coming?”
    • Reported: He asked if I was coming.
  • Wh- Questions:
    • Direct: “Where are you going?”
    • Reported: She asked where I was going.

3.2 Commands and Requests

• When reporting commands or requests, the verb in the reported speech changes.
  • Direct (Command): “Close the door.”
  • Reported: He told me to close the door.
  • Direct (Request): “Please help me.”
  • Reported: She asked me to help her.

4. Applications of Reported Speech

4.1 In Writing

• Reported speech is used to convey conversations or statements in essays, reports, and other forms of academic writing.
  • Example: “The teacher explained that the exam would cover all the topics we had discussed.”

4.2 In Speaking

• It allows speakers to narrate conversations or share what others have said.
  • Example: “He told me that he was planning a trip to Paris.”

4.3 In Exams

• Commonly tested in direct/indirect conversion questions and reporting statements, questions, and commands.

5. Practice Questions

5.1 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the correct reported speech for the sentence: “I like to read books.”?
   a) He said that he likes to read books.
   b) He said that he liked to read books.
   c) He said that he is liking to read books.
   Answer: b) He said that he liked to read books.
   Explanation: In reported speech, the present tense changes to past tense.
2. Which of the following is the correct reported speech?
   “She is studying for the exam.”
   a) She said she was studying for the exam.
   b) She said she is studying for the exam.
   c) She said she studied for the exam.
   Answer: a) She said she was studying for the exam.
   Explanation: The present continuous tense changes to past continuous.
3. Choose the correct reported speech for: “I can swim.”
   a) He said that he can swim.
   b) He said that he could swim.
   c) He says that he could swim.
   Answer: b) He said that he could swim.
   Explanation: “Can” changes to “could” in reported speech.

5.2 Descriptive Questions

1. Define reported speech and explain its significance in communication.
   Answer:
   Reported speech is used to report or paraphrase what someone has said. It helps in relaying information accurately without quoting someone’s exact words. It’s used in both spoken and written communication, providing clarity and context.
2. Describe the changes that occur in tense when converting direct speech to reported speech with examples.
   Answer:
   When converting direct speech to reported speech:
   • Present Simple → Past Simple.
     • Example: “I go to school.” → He said that he went to school.
   • Present Continuous → Past Continuous.
     • Example: “She is reading a book.” → She said that she was reading a book.
3. How do you convert questions into reported speech? Provide examples.
   Answer:
   • Yes/No Questions: Use “if” or “whether.”
     • Example: “Is he coming?” → He asked if he was coming.
   • Wh- Questions: No “if” or “whether.”
     • Example: “What is your name?” → She asked what my name was.
4. Explain how commands are reported with examples.
   Answer:
   • Direct: “Open the door.” → Reported: He told me to open the door.
   • Direct: “Please sit down.” → Reported: She asked me to sit down.
5. Write a short dialogue and convert it into reported speech.
   Answer:
   • Direct Speech:
     • John: “I will go to the market.”
     • Sarah: “I am coming with you.”
   • Reported Speech:
     • John said that he would go to the market.
     • Sarah said that she was coming with him.

Conclusion

Mastering reported speech is essential for both written and spoken English, especially for language exams. By understanding the rules of tense changes, pronouns, and question structures, students can accurately convey others’ statements and conversations. This module equips learners with practical knowledge and ample practice to excel in reported speech tasks in exams.