4. Re-write the following passage changing the form of speech: [Jashore Board- 2019]
I said to my friend, "Where are you going after the examination?" "I've not yet decided," said my friend.
"Let's go to my village home together. What a great time we will have there!" "I'll discuss it with my parents," my friend said.
4. I asked my friend where he was going after the examination. He replied that he had not yet decided. At this, I proposed that we should go to my village home together. I exclaimed with wonder that we would have a really great time there. Hearing this, my friend said that he would discuss it with his parents.
6. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Dhaka Board- 2019]
"What were you doing?" said he to me. I said, "I was doing my assignment." "You should play in the afternoon. It will keep you fit." "Thank you for your advice."
6 He asked me what I had been doing. I replied that I had been doing my assignment. He told me that I should play in the afternoon. He also added that it would keep me fit. Then, I thanked him for his advice.
7. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Mymensingh Board- 2019]
"Will you come to my house tomorrow?" I asked the boy. "We can discuss terms and conditions then," I said. "I shall be very happy to meet you at your house. Thank you so much," he replied.
7. I asked the boy if he would come to my house the next day. I said that we could discuss terms and conditions then. The boy replied that he would be very happy to meet me at my house. Then he thanked me a lot.
8. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Cumilla Board- 2019; Dinajpur Board-2016]
"Ruma, have you done your English lesson today?" asked the teacher. "Yes, sir, I have. But I haven't understood some grammatical points", replied Ruma. "Where is the problem?" said the teacher. "Let us try again."
8. The teacher asked Ruma if she had done her English lesson that day. Ruma respectfully replied in the affirmative that she had done. She then said that she hadn’t understood some grammatical points. At this, the teacher asked her where the problem was. Then he (T) proposed that they should try again.
9. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Rajshahi Board- 2019]
The teacher said to Hasan, "Have you read the story of Shamima?" "Yes, sir. I have read it," said Hasan. The teacher again said, "Tell me the story." Hasan said, "I am telling it now." "What a good student you are!" said the teacher.
9. The teacher asked Hasan if he (H) had read the story of Shamima. Hasan respectfully replied in the affirmative that he had read the story. The teacher then told Hasan to tell him (T) the story. Hasan said that he (H) was telling it then. At this, the teacher exclaimed that he (H) was a very good student.
10. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Dinajpur Board- 2019]
My friend said to me, "Why did you not attend my birthday party?" "I was in Dhaka at that time," said I. "I missed you so much," said he. "Take this gift, please," said I. "How nice it is!" said he.
10. My friend asked me why I had not attended his birthday party. I replied that I had been in Dhaka at that time. At this, he said that he had missed me very much. Then I requested him to take the gift. He exclaimed with joy that it (the gift) was very nice.
11. Re-write the following passage changing the form of speech: [Chattogram Board- 2019]
Once I asked a little girl, "What's your mother's name?" "I know my mother's name but I won't tell you that. I never tell my mother's name to anybody whom I don't know." I said, "How clever you are"!
11. Once I asked a little girl what her mother’s name was. She replied that she knew her mother’s name but she wouldn’t tell me that. She also said that she never told her mother’s name to anybody whom she didn’t know. At this, I exclaimed with wonder that she was very clever.
12. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Sylhet Board- 2019]
"Good morning, Emon. Why did you miss the most important class on the rules of the passage narration yesterday?" said the teacher. "What a fool I am! Please help me, sir." "Don't miss the class and let's discuss the topic," said the teacher.
12. The teacher wished Emon good morning and asked why he (E) had missed the most important class on the rules of the passage narration the previous day. Emon exclaimed with regret that he was a great fool and requested his teacher politely to help him (E). At this, the teacher advised him not to miss the class and suggested that they should discuss the topic.
13. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Barishal Board- 2019]
My friend said to me, "Where are you going?" "I am going to the tree fair", said I. "Will you take me with you?" "Yes," said I. "Let's walk together," he said.
13. My friend asked me where I was going. I replied that I was going to the tree fair. He then asked me if I would take him with me. I replied in the affirmative. At this, he proposed that we should walk together.
14. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Dhaka Board- 2018]
Ratul said to me, “Where are you going now?” “I am going to the stadium to watch a cricket match. Do you want to go with me?” said I. Ratul said. “Yes,” I said, “Let’s go together.”
14. Ratul asked me where I was going then. I replied that I was going to the stadium to watch a cricket match. Then I asked him if he wanted to go with me. Ratul replied in the affirmative. At this, I proposed that we should go together.
15. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Rajshahi Board-2018]
Mother said to Samia, "What are you doing now?" "I am watching television, mother," Samia replied. "Have you prepared your lesson?" "Yes, mother." "It's late at night. Go to bed," mother said.
15. Mother asked Samia what she was doing then. Samia replied courteously that she was watching television. Then her mother asked if she had prepared her lesson. Samia replied in the affirmative. At this, her mother said that it was late at night and ordered her to go to bed.
16. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Dinajpur Board-2018]
"I came here yesterday from my town," Rudra said. "Why did you come here?" I asked. "My mother sent me to you with this letter." "Oh, what a good news! Let me read the letter," said I.
16. Rudra told me that he had come here the previous day from his town. I asked him why he had come here. He replied that his mother had sent him to me with that letter. I exclaimed with wonder that it was a very good news and eagerly wanted to read the letter.
17. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Jashore Board-2018]
The teacher said to the boy, "Why are you making a noise in the class? You are not attentive to your lessons." The boy said, "Sir, I am sorry. I was asking for a pen to my friend." The teacher said, "Be attentive and listen to me carefully."
17. The teacher asked the boy why he (B) was making a noise in the class. He (T) then told the boy that he (B) was not attentive to his lessons. The boy apologized to the teacher and said that he had been asking for a pen to his friend. At this, the teacher advised/told him (B) to be attentive and listen to him (T) carefully.
18. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Chattogram Board-2018, 2014]
The old man said, "Can you give me some food? I have been starving for two days." The maid said, "Why do you beg? Can't you work?"
18. The old man asked the maid if she could give him some food. He said that he had been starving for two days. Hearing this, the maid asked him why he begged. She also asked if he couldn’t work.
5. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech: [Cumilla Board-2018]
My friend said to me, "Why are you reading this hour? It is time for prayer. Let us go out for a walk after saying prayer." "Yes, I agree with you," I said.
5. My friend asked me why I was reading that hour. He then told me that it was time for prayer. He proposed that we should go out for a walk after saying prayer. I replied in the affirmative and agreed with him.
1. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
The teacher said to Helal, "Why are you talking in the class? You should behave yourself." Helal replied, "Sir, I am sorry. I am asking Ratan to lend me his pen. My pen has run out." The teacher said, "Pay attention and follow my lecture."
1. The teacher asked Helal why he (H) was talking in the class. Then he (T) reminded/told him (H) that he (H) should behave himself. Helal respectfully appologized and said that he was asking Ratan to lend him (H) his pen. He also said that his (H) pen had run out. Finally, the teacher advised him (H) to pay attention and follow his (T) lecture.
2. Change the following passage into indirect speech.
"My sons, a great treasure lies hidden in the land there. I am going to leave it as I shall die soon," said the old father. Being curious, the sons said, "How shall we find it?" "You must dig the land for it," said the old man.
2. Addressing his sons, the old farmer told them that a great treasure lay hidden in the land there. He also told them that he was going to leave that as he would die soon. Being curious, the sons asked him how they would find that. The old man replied that they had to dig the land for that.
3. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
"Fahad, can you tell me what I am teaching?" the teacher asked. "I am sorry, I can't follow," replied Fahad. "You can't because you are not attentive. Be serious," the teacher said.
3. The teacher asked Fahad if he could tell him (T) what he (T) was teaching. Fahad appologized and replied that he (F) could not follow. Then the teacher said that he (F) could not follow because he (F) was not attentive. He (T) then advised Fahad to be serious.
26. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“How shall I know which mangoes are sour, Sir?” said Raju. “You only told me to look after your mangoes. You never told me to eat them.” “You are right. How pleased I am at your honesty! Take these mangoes” said his master.
26. Raju asked his master how he would know which mangoes were sour. He added that the master only told him to look after his mangoes and he had never told him to eat them. His master replied that Raju was right and exclaimed with joy that he was very pleased at his honesty. He offered him to take those mangoes.
27. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“We would like to go on an excursion. Can we have permission, Sir?” said the students. “Yes, you can arrange it after the examination is over. And you should choose a historical place for that,” replied the Headmaster. “Thank you, sir.”
27. The students told the Headmaster that they wanted to go on an excursion. They asked him politely if they could have permission. The Headmaster replied in the affirmative that they could arrange it after the examination was over. Then he advised them to choose a historical place for that. The students then thanked the teacher.
28. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
"Why did you not go to school yesterday?" said the mother to the girl. "I was ill," the girl replied. "How are you today?" the mother asked again. "I am well," said the girl, "don't worry for me."
28. The mother asked the girl why she (G) had not gone to school the previous day. The girl replied that she (G) had been ill. The mother further asked her (G) how she (G) was that day. The girl answered that she (G) was well. She (G) also told/requested her (M) not to worry for her (G).
29. Rewrite the following passage changing form of speech.
He said, “I can chop some wood today.” I said, “But I have a boy coming from the orphanage.” “I’m the boy.” “You? But you are small.”
29. He told me that he could chop some wood that day. But I told him that a boy was coming from the orphanage. He replied that he was the boy. I was surprised and said that he was small.
19. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“What’s your programme after examination? asked Salam. Kamal said, “I’ve not yet decided. Can you suggest any?” “Let us go for a picnic,” said Salam. What an excellent idea! I shall certainly join you,” said Kamal.
19. Salam asked Kamal what his (K) programme was after the examination. In reply, Kamal told him (S) that he (K) had not yet decided. Then he (K) asked Salam if he could suggest any. Then Salam proposed that they should go on a picnic. Hearing this, Kamal exclaimed with joy that it was a very excellent idea. He (K) also ensured that he would join him (S).
20. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“Stop writing now, the time is over.” “Sir, please wait a few more minutes. I came late,” the student said. “That can’t be excuse. The school is not responsible for your delay,” said the teacher. “Sorry, sir.”
20. The teacher ordered the student to stop writing because the time was over. Addressing the teacher as sir, the student requested the teacher to wait a few more minutes as he had gone late. In reply, the teacher said that it couldn’t be an excuse because the school was not responsible for his (S) delay. At this, the student expressed his sorrow.
21. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
The man said to the manager, “May I come in, sir?” “Yes, come in. What do you want?” said the manager. “I want to open a bank account in your bank,” said the man. “Can you tell me the process of opening a savings account?”
21. The man requested the manager, addressing as sir, if he (man) might go in. The manager replied in the affirmative and said that he (man) might go in. Then he (manager) asked the man what he wanted. The man replied that he wanted to open a bank account in his (manager) bank. After that, he asked the manager if he could tell him (man) the process of opening a savings account.
22. Rewrite the following passage changing form of speech.
“Why are you late?” said the teacher. “I am late for traffic jam,” said the student. “Always try to attend the class in time,” said the teacher. “Yes, sir, I shall try my best to attend my class in time,” replied the student.
22. The teacher asked the student why he was late. He(s) replied that he was late for traffic jam. Then the teacher advised the student to always try to attend the class in time. He replied in the affirmative and added that he would try his best to attend his class in time.
23. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
My father looked at me in anger and said to me, “Where have you been so long? Why are you wasting your time? Will you not appear in the final examination?” “I went to my friend’s house to bring some notes. They were very essential for me,” replied I.
23. My father looked at me in anger and asked me where I had been so long and why I was wasting my time. He asked me if I would not appear in the final examination. I replied that I had gone to my friend’s house to bring some notes and added that they were very essential for me.
24. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“What are you doing?” said he to me. “I am doing my homework now,” I answered. “You should play in the afternoon. It will keep you fit.” “Thank you for your advice,” I said.
24. He asked me what I was doing. I answered that I was doing my homework then. He told me that I should play in the afternoon and added that it would keep me fit. I thanked him for his advice.
25. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
Father said to his son, “Why are you making late? Go to school now.” “No, I am not going to school today. I feel dizzy,” said his son.
25. Father asked his son why he was making late. He ordered/ told him to go to school then. But the son replied in the negative and said that he was not going to school that day and added that he felt dizzy.
42. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
Mother said to Mamun, "Why are you still lying? Won't you go to school today?" Mamun said, "I feel out of sorts now. I feel feverish and dizzy." "Then let's go to see a doctor in the afternoon," mother said.
42. Mother asked Mamun why he was still lying. She further asked him if he wouldn't go to school that day. Mamun replied that he felt out of sorts then. He also added that he felt feverish and dizzy. Hearing this, mother proposed Mamun that they should go to see a doctor in the afternoon.
43. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
Lima said to her friend Liya, "Were you ill yesterday?" "No, why?" "Because you were absent from the class. We missed you greatly." "Thank you for your kindness," said Liya.
43. Lima asked her friend Liya if she had been ill the previous day. Liya replied in the negative and asked her why she was asking that. Lima replied that she was asking because she (Liya) had been absent from the class. She added that they had missed her (Liya) greatly. Liya thanked her (Lima) for her kindness.
44. Change the following passage into indirect speech. Suddenly, a voice called out, "Good morning, gentlemen. Where are you going and what are you doing here?" "Oh, nowhere and nothing." "You look so pensive, why?" "Yes, you are right. We are looking for something," replied the six blind men. "Who are you, sir?"
44. Suddenly, addressing the six blind men as gentlemen, a voice wished them good morning. The voice asked them where they were going and what they were doing. The six blind men replied that they were going nowhere and doing nothing. The voice then asked why they looked so pensive. The six blind men replied in the affirmative and said that the voice was right. They also added that they were looking for something. Then they asked the voice politely who he was.
45. Change the following passage into indirect speech.
"Good morning," said the tourist. "Do you have any room vacant?" "Yes, sir, double or single?" "I want one single," said the tourist. The receptionist said, "We have a single room on the second floor."
45. The tourist wished good morning to the receptionist and asked him/her if they had any room vacant. The receptionist respectfully replied in the affirmative and asked the tourist if he (T) wanted a double or single room. The tourist replied that he wanted one single room. Then the receptionist said that they had a single room on the second floor.
46. Change the following passage into indirect speech.
"It may rain today. So, you should take an umbrella with you," my father said to me. I said, "Yes, father. I also think so. I shall take the umbrella." "But don't leave it in the taxi as you did last week," father reminded me.
46. My father said to me that it might rain that day and so I should take an umbrella with me. I replied in the affirmative and said that I also thought so. I also added that I would take the umbrella. Hearing this, my father reminded me not to leave the umbrella in the taxi as I had done the previous week.
47. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“Oh, my lord, please don’t kill the child,” said the woman. “Let her have him.” The king said, “Now everything is clear to me.” Pointing to the woman, he said to the servant, “Give her the child. She is the mother of the baby.”
47. Addressing the king as her lord, the woman requested him not to kill the child. She also asked the king to let her have him. Hearing this, the king said that everything was clear to him then. Pointing to the woman, he ordered the servant to give her the child. He further added that she was the mother of the baby.
48. Change the following into indirect speech.
"How dare you wake me up?" the lion roared, "I will kill you for that." "Please let me go," the mouse cried. "I didn't mean to wake you up. I may come to your help one day."
48. The lion roared and asked the mouse angrily how he (M) dared wake him (L) up. He also said that he (L) would kill him (M) for that. Hearing this, the mouse requested the lion to let him (M) go. He added that he (M) had not meant to wake him (L) up. He further added that he (M) might come to his (L) help one day.
49. Change the following passage into indirect speech.
"Porter, you may go," said the mistress of the house laughing. "You have gained your freedom." "By Allah," he replied, "I will not leave this house until I have heard the stories of my companions."
49. The mistress of the house said to the porter laughing that he might go. She also added that he had gained his freedom. Swearing by Allah, the porter replied that he would not leave that house until he had heard the stories of his companions.
50. Change the following passage into indirect speech.
Once a rich banker said to a poor cobbler, "How much do you earn a year?" The cobbler replied laughing, "I never count in this way. I earn barely enough to pass a day, and I am happy." "Are you really happy?" said the banker.
50. Once a rich banker asked a poor cobbler how much he earned a year. The cobbler replied laughingly that he never counted in that way. He added that he earned barely enough to pass a day, and he was happy. The banker then asked him (cobbler) if he (cobbler) was really happy.
30. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
(a) The teacher said to the students, “I am giving you a small homework.”
(b) Ratan said to me, “I went to your house yesterday.”
(c) I said to him, “Where do you live?”
(d) He said, “I take exercise every day.”
(e) My friend said to me, “Are you ill?”
30. (a) The teacher told the students that h/she was giving them a small homework.
(b) Ratan told me that he had gone to my house the previous day.
(c) I asked him where he lived.
(d) He said that he took exercise every day.
(e) My friend asked me if I was ill.
31. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
Nafisa said to the English teacher, “Sir, I want to improve my English. How can I do that?” “Don’t worry. I shall help you,” said the teacher. "Thank you, sir," said Nafisa. “Give emphasis on all the four skills of language namely listening, speaking, reading and writing,” said the teacher.
31. Nafisa told her English teacher respectfully that she wanted to improve her English and asked him how she could do that. In reply, the teacher told her not to worry and also said that he would help her. At this, Nafisa thanked him respectfully. Then the teacher advised Nafisa to give emphasis on all the four skills of language namely listening, speaking, reading and writing.
32. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
"Why are you sleeping now?" Your JSC Examination is knocking at the door," mother said to her daughter. "I have a bad headache,” said the girl. "Take care of your health," said mother. "Thank you," said the girl.
32. Mother asked her daughter why she was sleeping then. She (M) also said that her (D) JSC Examination was knocking at the door. In reply, the daughter said that she had a bad headache. Hearing this, the mother advised her (D) to take care of her (D) health. At this, the daughter thanked her mother.
33. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“Raihan, can you tell me who has broken the bench?” “Sorry, sir, I can’t. I was busy with my preparation for class test,” said Raihan. “Sit down. It is very bad to damage property of the school,” said the teacher.
33. The teacher asked Raihan if he (R) could tell him (T) who had broken the bench. Apologizing to his teacher respectfully, Raihan said that he could not. He also said that he had been busy with his preparation for class test. The teacher told Raihan to sit down. He also said that it was very bad to damage property of the school.
34. Change the form of speech.
"Excuse me, can I have a discussion with you, Mina? I have a big trouble. Can you spoil some of your time for me?" "What a surprise! I have just remembered you. First tell me what your problem is!"
34. Drawing the attention politely and calling by the name, the speaker asked Mina if he/she (S) could have a discussion with her (M). The speaker said that he/she had a big trouble and asked Mina if she (M) could spoil some of her (M) time for his/her (S). Mina exclaimed with wonder that it was a surprise. She said that she had just remembered him/her (S). Then Mina asked him/her to tell her (M) what his/her (S) problem was.
35. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Lincoln, “Let us not disgrace the age and country in which we live. This is a country where the freedom of speech is guaranteed. Mr. Jhonson has the right to speak and ought to be permitted to do so. I am here to protect him.”
35. Addressing the audience as gentlemen, Mr Lincoln proposed that they should not disgrace the age and country in which they lived. He (L) added that that was a country where the freedom of speech was guaranteed. He again added that Mr. Jhonson had the right to speak and ought to be permitted to do so. He further added that he (L) was there to protect Mr. Jhonson.
36. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
Mother said to Mina, "Are you going to school now?" "Yes," replied Mina. "You have to return from school soon because we will go for Eid shopping," said the mother. "What a nice idea! You are great, mom," said Mina.
36. Mother asked Mina if she was going to school then. Mina replied in the affirmative. Then her mother said that she (Mina) had to return from school soon because they would go for Eid shopping. Hearing this, Mina exclaimed with joy that it was a nice idea. Mina again exclaimed that her mother was great.
37. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
Nick said to his mother, "How are you, mother? Will you give me some money?" "No, you don't need any money. I cannot give," replied mother.
37. Nick asked his mother how she was. He also asked her if she would give him some money. Mother replied in the negative and said that he did not need any money. She also said that she could not give him any money.
38. Change the narrative style of the following text.
Sabina said to Jehad, "Happy birthday to you. You are looking very smart." "Thanks for your appreciation, said Jehad. "Where is Maliha? Won't she come?" "Sorry, she has gone to hospital with her mother." She replied. "But Why?" he asked. "She fell on the road and lost sense," said Sabina. "Lets go to the hospital, said Jehad.
38. Sabina wished Jehad happy birthday and said that he (J) was looking very smart. At this, Jehad thanked Sabina for her appreciation. Then he asked her where Maliha was and if she (M) wouldn't come. In reply, Sabina apologized to Jehad and said that she (M) had gone to hospital with her (M) mother. Hearing this, Jehad asked her (S) why she (M) had gone there. Sabina replied that she (Maliha's mother) had fallen on the road and lost sense. Jehad then proposed that they should go to the hospital.
39. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
The class teacher of the class X said to the students, "Do you like to go on a study tour?" "Yes," said all the students to their class teacher. Then he said, "Take the permission from your parents." One of the students said, "Where will we go, sir?" "It will be decided after a discussion," said the teacher.
39. The class teacher of the class X asked the students if they liked to go on a study tour. All the students replied in the affirmative. Then he told them to take the permission from their parents. One of the students respectfully asked the teacher where they would go. The teacher replied that that would be decided after a discussion.
40. Rewrite the following passage changing the form of speech.
"What are you writing?" The angel looked up and replied in a sweet tone, "The names of those who love the Lord". "And is mine one there?" asked Abu. "No, your name is not included here," replied the angel. "Please write down my name as I love my fellowmen." Abu said.
40. Abu asked the angel what he (An) was writing. The angel looked up and replied in a sweet tone that he was writing the names of those who loved the Lord. Hearing this, Abu asked him (An) if his (Ab) name was there. The angel replied in the negative that his name was not included there. Then, Abu requested him (An) to write down his name as he (Ab) loved his (Ab) fellowmen.
41. Change the following passage into indirect speech.
"What kind of stories did Aesop tell?" asked Anwar. "Fables," replied Mrs. Amin. "Do you know what fables are?" "No," replied Anwar. "Well," continued Mrs. Amin, "Fables are stories with a message or moral."
41. Anwar asked Mrs. Amin what kind of stories Aesop told. Mrs. Amin replied that Aesop had told fables. Then, she asked him if he knew what fables were. Anwar replied in the negative. Mrs. Amin explained that fables are stories with a message or moral.
