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Direct and Indirect Speech Class 10 CBSE English

CBSE

Class 10

English Grammar

Direct Indirect Speech

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers - Download Free PDF With Solutions

In English, there are mainly two ways to express the spoken words between two individuals. They are direct speech and indirect or reported speech. These two types of speeches narrate the spoken words differently. Do you know about direct and indirect speech or Reported Speech Class 10? Are you able to convert direct speech into indirect speech and vice versa? If not, direct and indirect speech exercises for class 10 pdf with answers will help you learn direct and indirect speeches with ease and will leave no room for doubts.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers

Direct Speech

Direct speech refers to the speech with the speaker's actual words. This type of speech has the word-to-word restatement of the speaker's speech.

Example: Rahim said, "I am going to the playground."

Indirect or Reported Speech Class 10

Indirect or reported speech refers to the speech that doesn't use the actual word-to-word statement of the speaker. Also, indirect speech follows past tense, generally.

Example: Rahim said he was going to the playground.

Benefits of Learning Reported Speech Class 10

Mastering the art of direct and indirect speech holds significant importance in the academic journey of Class 10 students. As they navigate through the intricacies of language and communication, understanding the nuances of direct and indirect speech equips them with essential skills for effective expression and comprehension. In this introduction, we unravel the benefits of learning direct and indirect speech, shedding light on its relevance and impact on the academic and linguistic development of Class 10 students. Here are some of the Benefits of Learning Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers:

Enhances Communication Skills: Learning direct and indirect speech enhances students' communication skills by enabling them to effectively convey messages in various contexts. It empowers them to articulate thoughts, ideas, and narratives with clarity and precision, fostering confident expression in both oral and written communication.

Improves Language Proficiency: Delving into the intricacies of direct and indirect speech enhances students' language proficiency by deepening their understanding of grammar and syntax. It familiarizes them with the rules and conventions governing Reported Speech Class 10, enabling them to construct grammatically accurate sentences and compositions.

Facilitates Comprehension: Mastery of direct and indirect speech facilitates comprehension as students learn to decipher and interpret statements made by others accurately. It hones their ability to comprehend complex dialogues, narratives, and textual passages, thereby enhancing their reading and comprehension skills.

Enhances Critical Thinking: Engaging with direct and indirect speech prompts students to think critically as they analyze and evaluate different forms of communication. It encourages them to assess the implications of Reported Speech Class 10, discern underlying meanings, and draw inferences, thereby fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Prepares for Academic Success: Proficiency in direct and indirect speech is integral to academic success, especially in subjects like English and languages. It equips Class 10 students with the requisite skills to excel in examinations, comprehension exercises, and language-based assessments, laying a strong foundation for future academic pursuits.

Basic Rules of Direct and Indirect Speech that Students of Class 10 Should Know

In the journey of language acquisition and effective communication, the mastery of direct and indirect speech stands as a pivotal skill set. For students navigating the complexities of language at the Class 10 level, understanding the fundamental rules governing direct and indirect speech is paramount. In this introduction, we delve into the significance of comprehending these rules, equipping students with the necessary knowledge to navigate the intricacies of Reported Speech Class 10 with confidence and precision.

Rules of Direct Speech for Class 10

For every character's speech, use separate lines.
Always start a speech with a capital letter.
Every speaker's speech should be in quotes ("XYZ").
We will use a reported clause (like, 'said,' 'asked,' 'replied') before the quotation.

Rules of Reported Speech Class 10

If the reporting verb of the direct speech is in the past tense, all the present tenses used in direct speech will be in the past tense in the indirect or reported speech.
Present perfect tense and present continuous tense in direct speech will be in the past perfect tense and past continuous tense in indirect or reported speech.
Simple present tense in direct speech will be in simple past in indirect or reported speech.
Simple future and future continuous tense in direct speech changes to the present conditional and conditional continuous tense in indirect speech.
Modals like must, may, and can in direct speech become would have to/ had to, might, and could respectively in indirect speech.
The First-person in direct speech becomes the subject in indirect speech.
The imperative mood becomes the infinitive in Reported Speech Class 10.

Direct to Indirect Speech Conversion

Direct Speech: I said, "I am busy."

Indirect Speech: I said I was busy.

Direct Speech: She said, "Are you okay"?

Indirect Speech: She inquired of you whether you were okay.

Direct Speech: She said, "I will leave now."

Indirect Speech: She said that she would leave then.

Important Topics for Class 10 Direct and Indirect Speech

In this chapter, you will learn:

What are direct and indirect speech?
What are the basic rules of direct and indirect speech?
How to convert direct speech into indirect speech?

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers

This grammar section explains English Grammar clearly and simply. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers will help you to write better answers in your Class 10 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts.

Rules for Reported Speech Class 10

While changing direct speech into reported speech or vice-versa the following changes occur:

1. Changes In Reporting Verb

Affirmative sentences: said, told (object), asserted, replied, assured, informed, responded, whispered, alleged, believed, assumed, thought

Interrogative sentences: asked, enquired, wanted to know

Imperative sentences: ordered, begged, pleaded, implored, advised, demanded

2. Change Of Pronouns

Direct Speech: Johnny said, 'I am playing.'

Indirect Speech: Johnny said that he was playing.

First-person generally changes to third person {depending upon the subject of the reporting verb).

3. Change Of Tenses

Direct Speech	Indirect Speech
Johnny said, 'I like to play.'	Johnny said that he liked to play.
Johnny said, 'I am playing.'	Johnny said that he was playing.
Johnny said, 'I have played this game.'	Johnny said that he had played that game.
Johnny said, 'I have been playing this game.'	Johnny said that he had been playing that game.
Johnny said, 'I played this game last week.'	Johnny said that he had played that game the previous week.
Johnny said, 'I was playing this game when Mohan came home.'	Johnny said that he had been/was playing that game when Mohan came home.
Johnny said, 'I had played this game before you came.'	Johnny said that he had played that game before he came.
Johnny said, 'I will play this game.'	Johnny said that he would play that game.

In general, present tense becomes past tense; past tense and present perfect become past perfect.

4. Change of situations Example:

Nagesh said, 'I read this book last week. (direct speech)

Nagesh said that he had read that book the previous week, (indirect speech)

'this' becomes 'that'
'last week' becomes 'the previous week'
here – there
now - then
today - that day
yesterday - the day before/the previous day
tomorrow - the next day/the coming day
last week - the week before/the previous week • next month – the next month/the coming month

5. In case of questions and answers

Examples:

Nagesh asked, 'Have you read this book?' (direct speech)

Nagesh asked if' whether I had read that book, (indirect speech)
Nagesh asked, 'Where is the book?' (direct speech)
Nagesh asked where the book was. (indirect speech)

(a) For yes/no questions - use if/whether

(b) For wh- questions - use the wh-word

Word Order:

Nagesh asked, 'What's the matter?'
Nagesh asked what the matter was. (what + the matter + was) Nagesh asked what was the matter, (what + was + the matter)

The word order can be either:

who/which/what + complement + be or who/which/what + be + complement

6. Reported Speech using present and future tenses Examples:

Nagesh said, "The sun rises in the east. (direct speech)
Nagesh said that the sun rises in the east, (indirect speech)
Nagesh said, 'I will read this book.' (direct speech)
Nagesh said that he will read that book, (indirect speech)

If the original speaker's present and future is still present and future, the tense remains unchanged.

7. In case of modal verbs

can becomes could
will - would
Shall - should
may - might
would, should, could, might, ought to and must are unchanged.

Example:

Nagesh said, 'I can solve this sum.' (direct speech)
Nagesh said that he could solve that sum. (indirect speech)

Reported Speech Class 10 Solved Examples Exercises for CBSE Board

Read the dialogue given below and then complete the passage that follows.

Question 1.

Read the dialogue and complete the passage given below.

Interviewer: So, why do you want to be a computer programmer?

Ravi: Well, I have always been interested in computers.

Interviewer: I see. Do you have any experience?

Ravi: No, but I'm a fast learner.

Interviewer: What kind of a computer do you use?

Ravi: Computer? Uhm, let me see. I can use a Mac. I also used Windows 10 once.

Interviewer: That's good.

Ravi recently attended an interview for the selection of a computer programmer. At the interview, he was asked (a).......... To this question he replied that he wanted to change his job because (b).

When the interviewer asked him (e) ............................... he replied that. h... (..)........................................................................................ Finally, the interviewer wanted to know. (..)...............................................................................avi. replied that he could use a Mac and had also used Windows 10 once in the,.past. The interviewer seemed to be pleased with his answers.

Answer:

(a) why he wanted to be a computer programmer

(b) he had always been interested in computers

(d) didn't but that he was a fast learner

(e) the kind of computer he used

Question 2.

Manu: Where are you going to?

Annu: I am going to the market. Do you want anything?

Manu asked Annu (a)..........................

Answer:

(a) where she was going.

(b) that she was going to the market

Question 3.

Annu replied (b).... Annu replied (b). ............ and she further asked (C)..........

Sunita: Tomorrow is your birthday, what do you want as a gift?

Neetu: That is a lovely thought but I don't want anything.

Sunita asked Neetu since the next day was her birthday, (a).....Neetu replied that (b)...but (C).....

Answer:

(a) what she wanted as a gift

(b) that was a lovely thought

Question 4.

Gardener: Did you water the plant today?

Dev: No, but I will, today.

Gardener: Then tomorrow I will get a sapling of sunflower.

The Gardener asked Dev (a)

Dev replied negatively but (b)

Then the gardener said that (c)

Answer:

(a) if/whether he had watered the plant that day.

(b) said he would that day.

Question 5.

Mr. Harish: Can you polish my shoes?

Cobbler: Yes sir. But I will take 10 for each shoe.

Mr. Harish: I will not mind as long as it is done. Mr. Harish asked the cobbler (a) .................. The cobbler replied affirmatively but (b).............. Mr. Harish said that (C)...

Answer:

(a) if/whether he could polish his shoes.

(b) said that he would take 10 for each shoe

Question 6.

Electrician: When did your electricity go?

Mohan: It is not working since evening.

Electrician: Sorry sir, in this case, I will have to check the fuse now.

The electrician asked Mohan (a)........................................Mohan replied that(b)....................................The electrician apologetically said that in that case (c )…………………………………………….

Answer:

(a) when his electricity had gone.

(b) it was not working since evening.

Question 7.

Teacher Children, let us all pledge to save trees.

Children: Yes, mam, we all pledge to save our trees as the trees are the lungs of the city. Teacher: Let us start today by planting a sapling.

The teacher asked all the children to pledge to save trees. The children replied affirmatively (a)...............as the (b).......................Then the teacher said that said that (c)...........

Answer:

(a) saying that they all pledged to save trees

(b) trees are the lungs of the city.

Question 8.

Buddha: Honesty is the best policy.

Disciple: Does honesty always pay?

Buddha : It may or may not, but at least you will never feel guilty.

Buddha in his preaching said that (a).......................the best policy. A disciple asked him if (b)..................always pays, Buddha replied (C )…………………………..but at least he would never feel guilty.

Answer:

(a) Honesty is

(b) honesty

Question 9.

Doctor: You should take this medicine every day.

Patient: Should I take it before dinner or after dinner?

Doctor: No, you should take it after breakfast.

The Doctor advised the patient that (a).....................The patient further asked (b).....................The doctor replied negatively and then said ©……………………..

Answer:

(a) he should take that medicine every day.

(b) if/whether he should take it before dinner or after dinner.

Question 10.

Reena: Do you know how to swim?

Surbhi : Yes I know. I have learnt it during this summer vacation.

Reena asked Surbhi (a)...........Then Surbhi replied (b).................and also added that (c)....................

Answer:

(a) if/whether she knew how to swim

(b) in affirmative

Why Should You Download Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers Free PDF ?

Feeling lost in the world of "said" and "that"? Does converting direct speech to indirect speech leave you scratching your head? Worry no more! Here's your chance to download a free PDF packed with Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers specifically designed for Class 10 students. Master this essential grammar concept and boost your confidence for exams and beyond!

If you want the free direct and indirect speech exercises for Class 10 PDF, visit Vedantu’s website, find the chapter and click on the download button.
The Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers free PDFs available at Vedantu are easy to access and are also convenient, secure and compact.
The Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers PDF are completely reliable to practice for exams as they have been curated by the subject matter experts based on the latest syllabus.

The Vedantu’s teachers have given all the rules and directions for converting direct to indirect speeches with many examples. Several rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech need to be practised repeatedly, and the exercises from Vedantu's end will help you with that. Download direct and indirect speech exercises for class 10 pdf with answers and practise the solved exercises to ensure firm grip of the topic and solve your exam questions with ease. You can also sign up for our online classes to improve your hold on English grammar and fetch excellent results.

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech Class 10 CBSE English

1. What is the alternative name for direct speech?

Direct speeches are also called quoted speeches as the speaker's statements are provided in an exact manner , word-by-word, and are always within quotation marks.

2. How many parts does a direct speech have?

A direct speech is generally made up of two parts: reporting clause (verbs like say/said, ask/asked, shout/shouted, etc.) and the reported clause (the original dialogue of the speaker).

3. What is the indirect speech form of the word 'tomorrow'?

The word 'tomorrow' in a direct speech changes to 'the following day' or 'the next day’ in the indirect or reported speech.

4. What is Direct Speech in ?

Direct speech is the exact words spoken by someone, enclosed in quotation marks. It represents the speaker's original words and is commonly used in dialogue or reporting speech directly.

5. What is Indirect Speech?

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is the reporting of someone's words without using their exact words. It does not require quotation marks and often involves transforming the original speaker's words into a different form.

6. Why is it important to learn direct and indirect speech exercises for class 10 pdf with answers?

Learning direct and indirect speech exercises for class 10 pdf with answers is essential in Class 10 CBSE English Grammar as it enhances students' comprehension skills, improves their writing ability, and enables them to effectively report speech in various contexts, such as narratives, essays, and dialogue-based questions in exams.

7. What are the basic rules for transforming Direct Speech into Indirect Speech?

The basic rules for transforming direct speech into indirect speech include changing verb tenses, pronouns, time and place references, and often using reporting verbs such as 'said,' 'told,' or 'asked.'

8. How can I practice Direct and Indirect Speech effectively?

Practicing direct and indirect speech involves analyzing sentences, identifying the reporting verbs, and applying the appropriate rules for transforming direct speech into indirect speech. Engaging in exercises and writing prompts, as provided in resources like the Class 10 CBSE English Grammar PDF, can enhance proficiency.

9. Is the direct and indirect speech class 10 CBSE English Grammar PDF a reliable resource for learning Direct and Indirect Speech?

Yes, the direct and indirect speech class 10 PDF is a reputable resource provided by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and is designed to align with the curriculum standards. It typically includes explanations, examples, and exercises covering various grammar topics, including direct and indirect speech.

10. Are there any tips for mastering Reported Speech Class 10 CBSE English Grammar exams?

Some tips for Reported Speech Class 10 include practicing regularly, paying attention to verb tense changes, ensuring consistency in pronoun usage, and understanding the context of reported speech. Additionally, seeking clarification from teachers or referring to supplementary study materials can aid in comprehension and application.

11. Can I find additional Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers online?

Yes, Vedantu offers additional Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers and explanations for direct and indirect speech. These resources can complement the Class 10 CBSE English Grammar PDF and provide further opportunities for practice and reinforcement.