Narration - Exercise -1 for University Admission Test, Job Application Test, BCS Exam and Any Competitive Examination
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Nov 28, 2025
- 31 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Topic: Narration
Questions:
1. The correct narration of "He said, I am well"-
a) He said that I am well.
b) He said that I was well.
c) He said that he was well.
d) He said that he is well.
2. He said "I met her long ago." The correct indirect speech is:
a) He said that he met her long ago.
b) He said that he had met her long ago.
c) He said that he was met her long ago.
d) He said that he has met her long ago.
3. He said that he had seen him long before. Which one is the correct direct form?
a) He said, "I saw him long ago."
b) He said, "I have seen him long before."
c) He said, "I did see him long ago."
d) He said, "I had seen him long before."
4. He said, "We are all sinners."
a) He said that all of them were sinners.
b) All of them were sinners was told by them.
c) All of us are sinners was told by him.
d) He said that we are all sinners.
5. Anis said, "I must write a letter" The indirect speech is -
a) Anis said he must write a letter.
b) Anis said that he must write a letter.
c) Anis said he had to write a letter.
d) Anis said that he had to write a letter.
6. "I will have a cup of tea," my father said, "Because I'm not hungry." Which of the following sentence is the correct indirect speech?
a) My father said that he will have a cup of tea because he wasn't hungry
b) My father said that he would have had a cup of tea because he wasn't hungry
c) My father said that he would have a cup of tea because he wasn't hungry
d) My father said that he will had a cup of tea because he wasn't hungry
7. Choose the correct indirect speech- She asked me. 'Are you happy in your new job?'
a) She asked me if I was happy in my new job.
b) She asked me if I have been happy in my new job.
c) She asked me whether I am happy in my new job.
d) She asked me if I had been happy in my new job.
8. Correct indirect speech of, He said to me, "Where were you born?"
a) He told me where I were born.
b) He asked me where I was born.
c) He asked me where I had been born.
d) He asked me where I had born.
9. Change the speech: A man said to his father, "What are you doing?"
a) A man asked his father what he was doing.
b) A man asked to his father what he was doing.
c) A man asked what his father was doing.
d) A man said to his father what you are doing.
10. Change the speech: She asked me, "Are you a student?"
a) She asked me that I was a student
b) She asked me if I was a student
c) She asked me was I a student
d) She asked me if I am a student
11. I said, "Do it." (Change the narration)
a) I said that it should be done.
b) I said that let it be done.
c) I said to do it.
d) I ordered someone to do it.
12. Put the following into indirect narration: 'You had better not leave your room unlocked' said my friends.
a) My friends warned me not to leave my room unlocked.
b) My friends asked me not to leave my room unlocked.
c) My friends reminded me to leave lock my room.
d) My friends advised me to leave lock my room.
13. He said to his master, "Forgive me, Sir."
a) He begged his master to forgave him.
b) He begged his master to forgive him, Sir.
c) He respectfully begged his master to forgive him. (Implied from option 'c' in key, though text varies slightly)
d) He requested his master to forgive him.
14. He said to me, "Let us go home together."
a) He proposed to me to go home together.
b) He proposed to me that we should go home together.
c) He asked me to go home with him.
d) He urged me to go home with him.
15. The indirect speech of 'He said, "Let me have some milk."'
a) He told that he let have some milk.
b) He said that he had some milk.
c) He replied that he should have some milk.
d) He desired that he might have some milk.
16. He said, 'Good morning, Mr. Kamal.' Make indirect speech.
a) He had wished Mr. Kamal good morning.
b) He wished Mr. Kamal good morning.
c) He said Mr. Kamal good morning.
d) He told Mr. Kamal good morning.
17. He said to me, "Thank you". Make it indirect speech.
a) He thanked me.
b) He told me that thank you.
c) He wished a thank to me.
d) He had thanked me.
18. He said, "What a pity!" বাক্যের indirect speech হচ্ছে
a) He said that it was a great pity
b) He exclaimed that it is great pity
c) He exclaimed that it was a great pity
d) He said that it is great pity
19. Change the narration: We said, "Long live Bangladesh".
a) We wished that Bangladesh might live long.
b) We prayed that Bangladesh might live long.
c) We wished Bangladesh a long life.
d) All the above
20. You said to me, "would you help me, please?" (Make it indirect.)
a) You said to me, would you help me.
b) You said to me, you would help me.
c) You said to me if I would help me.
d) You asked me if I would help you kindly.
Answers With Explanation:
1. c) He said that he was well. (In indirect speech, present indefinite becomes past indefinite if the reporting verb is in the past tense. 'I' becomes 'he'. Reporting verb past tense এ থাকলে Reported speech এর tense পরিবর্তন হয়। I became he and am became was.)
2. b) He said that he had met her long ago. (Past Indefinite ('met') becomes Past Perfect ('had met') in indirect speech. Past Indefinite থাকলে Past Perfect Tense হয়।)
3. a) He said, "I saw him long ago." (This is the reverse of Q2. 'Had seen' (Past Perfect) comes from 'Saw' (Past Indefinite). Also, 'long before' in indirect speech comes from 'long ago' in direct speech. Past Perfect থেকে Past Indefinite এ রূপান্তর।)
4. d) He said that we are all sinners. (Universal truths or habitual facts do not change tense in indirect speech. "We are all sinners" is considered a universal statement here. চিরন্তন সত্য বা অভ্যাসবশত কর্ম বোঝালে Tense এর পরিবর্তন হয় না।)
5. d) Anis said that he had to write a letter. ('Must' typically changes to 'had to' in indirect speech when it indicates obligation. Must এর পরিবর্তে had to বসে।)
6. c) My father said that he would have a cup of tea because he wasn't hungry ('Will' changes to 'would', and 'am not' changes to 'wasn't'. Will পরিবর্তিত হয়ে would এবং am পরিবর্তিত হয়ে was হয়েছে।)
7. a) She asked me if I was happy in my new job. (Interrogative sentences starting with auxiliary verbs take 'if' or 'whether'. Present tense 'are' changes to past 'was'. প্রশ্নবোধক বাক্যে if/whether বসে এবং Tense পরিবর্তন হয়।)
8. c) He asked me where I had been born. (Wh-questions retain the wh-word. 'Were born' (Past Indefinite) changes to 'had been born' (Past Perfect). Note: Often 'was born' is kept as 'was born', but strictly Past Indefinite -> Past Perfect. The key selects 'c'. Past Indefinite থাকলে Past Perfect হয়।)
9. a) A man asked his father what he was doing. (Present Continuous ('are doing') changes to Past Continuous ('was doing'). Present Continuous থেকে Past Continuous হয়।)
10. b) She asked me if I was a student ('Are you' changes to 'if I was'. Interrogative sentence rule applied. প্রশ্নবোধক বাক্যে if বসে এবং verb subject এর পরে যায়।)
11. d) I ordered someone to do it. (Imperative sentence expressing command uses 'ordered'. 'Do it' becomes 'to do it'. আদেশ বুঝালে ordered ... to বসে।)
12. a) My friends warned me not to leave my room unlocked. ('Had better' implies a strong piece of advice or warning. 'Warned' captures this tone. সতর্ক করা অর্থে warned বসে।)
13. c) He respectfully begged his master to forgive him. (Note: Option 'c' in source text is garbled/missing full text, but standard conversion for 'Sir' is 'respectfully'. The key says 13.c. Usually, "begged to forgive" is used. 'Sir' এর জন্য respectfully বসে।)
14. b) He proposed to me that we should go home together. ('Let us' implies a proposal. Structure: Subject + proposed + that + we/they + should + verb. প্রস্তাব বুঝালে proposed ... that ... should বসে।)
15. d) He desired that he might have some milk. ('Let me' implies a wish or request, not a proposal. Structure: might/might be allowed to. ইচ্ছা বুঝালে desired/wished ... might বসে।)
16. b) He wished Mr. Kamal good morning. (Greetings like 'Good morning' use the verb 'wished'. সম্ভাষণ বুঝালে wished বসে।)
17. a) He thanked me. ('Thank you' changes to the verb 'thanked'. Thank you থাকলে subject + thanked + object হয়।)
18. c) He exclaimed that it was a great pity (Exclamatory sentences use 'exclaimed'. 'What a pity' becomes 'it was a great pity'. বিস্ময় বুঝালে exclaimed that ... great বসে।)
19. a) We wished that Bangladesh might live long. (Optative sentences use 'wished' or 'prayed'. 'May' (implied in Long live) becomes 'might'. ইচ্ছা বা প্রার্থনা বুঝালে wished/prayed ... might বসে।)
20. d) You asked me if I would help you kindly. (Polite requests with 'would...please' are reported using 'asked' and 'if'. 'Please' is often converted to 'kindly' or 'politely'. অনুরোধ বুঝালে asked ... if ... kindly বসে।)
TOPIC: NARRATION
QUESTIONS
BCS Questions
Here are the questions rewritten in the spacious, vertical format with answers and explanations.
01. Which one is the correct indirect narration? "Why have you beaten my dog"? he said to me. [38th BCS]
A. He demanded me why had I beaten his dog
B. He asked me why I have had beaten his dog
C. He enquired me why had I had beaten his dog
D. He demanded of me why I had beaten his dog
Ans: D
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: "He said to me" changes to "He demanded of me" (used for forceful questions) or "He asked me".
Sentence Structure: In indirect speech, the interrogative word order (Auxiliary + Subject) changes to Statement word order (Subject + Auxiliary). So, "why have you" becomes "why I had".
Tense: Present Perfect ("have beaten") changes to Past Perfect ("had beaten").
Option A has incorrect word order ("why had I").
Option D follows all rules: "demanded of me" + "why I had beaten".)
02. Teacher said, "The earth - round the sun." [36th BCS]
A. moves
B. moved
C. has moved
D. will be moving
Ans: A
(Explanation: This is a special rule of Narration. If the reported speech expresses a Universal Truth or habitual fact, the tense does not change, even if the reporting verb is in the past tense. "The earth moves round the sun" is a universal truth.)
03. He said that he - be unable to come. [29th BCS]
A. will
B. shall
C. should
D. would
Ans: D
(Explanation: This sentence is in Indirect Speech with a past reporting verb ("said"). Therefore, the future auxiliary "will" from the direct speech ("I will be unable") must be changed to its past form, "would".)
04. Choose the correct indirect speech- She asked me, "Are you happy in your new job?" [27th BCS]
A. She asked me if I was happy in my new job.
B. She asked me if I have been happy in my new job.
C. She asked me whether I am happy in my new job.
D. She asked me if I had been happy in my new job.
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Connector: Since it is a Yes/No question, we use "if" or "whether".
Tense: The direct speech is in the Present Simple ("Are you"). It must change to the Past Simple ("I was").
Pronouns: "You" becomes "I"; "your" becomes "my".
Option A correctly applies all these changes: "...if I was happy...".)
Primary Questions
01. 'He said that he had done the work'. The direct speech is [Primary Assistant Teacher 2019 (2nd Phase)]
A. He said, 'I will do the work."
B. He said, 'The work will be done by me.'
C. He said, 'I do the work'.
D. He said, 'He did the work'.
Ans: D
(Explanation: The indirect speech uses the Past Perfect Tense ("had done"). This usually comes from the Past Indefinite ("did") or Present Perfect ("have done") in direct speech. Option D ("He did the work") is the only option that fits this tense change. Note: Usually, the subject changes from 'I' to 'he', but 'He said, "He did..."' is grammatically valid if referring to a third person.)
02. He said, 'What a pity' indirect speech- [Primary Assistant Teacher 2019; 2012; 2010]
A. He exclaimed that it is great pity.
B. He exclaimed that it is very pity.
C. He exclaimed that it is a great pity.
D. He exclaimed that it was a great pity.
Ans: D
(Explanation: For exclamatory sentences, the reporting verb becomes "exclaimed". The sentence becomes a statement, and the tense changes from Present ("is") to Past ("was"). "What a pity" becomes "it was a great pity".)
03. 'The Captain ordered the soldiers to march on' direct speech: [Primary Assistant Teacher 2019; 2013]
A. The Captain asked, 'Soldiers, march on.
B. The Captain said, to the soldiers, 'Please march on.'
C. The Captain said, 'Soldiers, I ask you to march on.'
D. The Captain said to the soldiers, 'March on.'
Ans: D
(Explanation: The reporting verb "ordered" in indirect speech indicates an Imperative sentence in direct speech. "The Captain said to the soldiers, 'March on.'" correctly conveys this command.)
04. Kamal said to me. 'What is your name?" (Indirect form) [Primary Assistant Teacher 2019]
A. Kamal asked what was my name.
B. kamal asked you your name.
C. What my name is, Kamal asked.
D. Kamal asked me what my name was.
Ans: D
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: "Said to" becomes "asked".
Connector: The Wh-word "what" is used.
Tense: "Is" changes to "was".
Structure: Question form changes to Statement form (Subject + Verb). "What my name was".)
05. He addressed Mr. Rahman and wished him good morning. direct speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2019; 2013; 2009]
A. He said, "Good morning, Mr. Rahman"
B. He said, "Good morning to Mr. Rahman".
C. He bade good morning to Mr. Rahman.
D. He said to Mr. Rahman, "Good morning."
Ans: A
(Explanation: The phrase "Good morning, Mr. Rahman" contains both the greeting (wished good morning) and the address (Mr. Rahman) in the vocative case.)
06. Choose the correct indirect speech She asked me, 'Are you happy in your new job?' [Primary Assistant Teacher 2019; 2018; 2016]
A. She asked me if I had been happy in my new job
B. She asked me if I was happy in my new job
C. She asked me if have been happy in my new job
D. She asked me whether I am happy in my new job
Ans: B
(Explanation:
Connector: For Yes/No questions, use "if".
Tense: Present Simple ("Are you") changes to Past Simple ("I was").
Pronoun: "You" changes to "I".)
07. The indirect form of the sentence "Farida said to her mother. I shall go to bed now" is [Primary Assistant Teacher 2018; 2014]
A. Farida told her mother that she will go to bed now
B. Farida told her mother that she should go to bed
C. Farida told her mother that she will go to bed
D. Farida told her mother that she would go to bed then
Ans: D
(Explanation:
Tense: "Shall" changes to "would" (future in the past).
Adverb: "Now" changes to "then".
Reporting Verb: "Said to" becomes "told".)
08. She said, "Let me come in". Which of the following is correct indirect form [Primary Assistant Teacher 2016]
A. She requested that she may be allowed to come in
B. She requested that she might come in
C. She said that she come in
D. She requested that she may come in
Ans: B
(Explanation: Sentences starting with "Let me" (implying a request/wish) are often reported using "might" or "might be allowed to". Option B fits the grammatical structure for indirect requests.)
09. He said, 'I have been working since sunrise', Make it indirect speech. [Primary Assistant Teacher 2015]
A. He said he had been working since sunrise
B. He said that he has worked for sunrise
C. He said that he has been working since sunrise
D. He said that he is working
Ans: A
(Explanation: Present Perfect Continuous ("have been working") changes to Past Perfect Continuous ("had been working").)
10. He requested that he might be allowed to come in. Which of the following is the correct direct speech? [Primary Assistant Teacher 2015]
A. He asked, "Let me allow to come in."
B. He said, "Let me to come in,"
C. He said, "May I come in".
D. He requested me, "Let him allowed to corne in."
Ans: C
(Explanation: The standard direct speech for "requested... might be allowed" is usually "Let me...". However, among the given options, A, B, and D are grammatically incorrect. Option C, "May I come in", is the only correct English sentence and functions as a request for permission, which aligns with the indirect meaning.)
11. The mother said to her son, "May you pass the examination." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2009]
A. The mother wished her son that he might pass the examination
B. The mother said to her son that he might pass the examination
C. The mother wished that her son might pass the examination
D. The mother wished her son that he may pass the examination
Ans: C
(Explanation: This is an Optative Sentence.
Reporting Verb: "Said to" changes to "wished" or "prayed".
Structure: "That" + Subject + might + Verb. Option C follows this structure perfectly.)
12. Which one is correct: He said to me 'May you be happy', [Primary Assistant Teacher 2015]
A. He told that I might be happy
B. He reported that I might be happy
C. He said that I might he happy
D. He wished that I might be happy
Ans: D
(Explanation: Optative sentences use "wished" as the reporting verb. "May" changes to "might".)
13. Which one is the correct narration-Who told "Do the Work"? [Primary Assistant Teacher 2015]
A. He said that do the work
B. He asked to do the work
C. He requested doing the work
D. He told doing the work
Ans: B
(Explanation: For Imperative sentences (commands/requests), the structure is usually Reporting Verb + Object + To-infinitive. Although "asked" usually takes an object (e.g., "asked me"), in multiple-choice questions without a clear object in the original text, "He asked to do the work" is the grammatically closest choice among the options provided.)
14. Put the following sentence into indirect narration: "You had better not leave your room unlocked" said my friends. [Primary Assistant Teacher 2014]
A. My friends asked me not to leave my room unlocked
B. My friends reminded me to lock my room
C. My friends advised me to lock my room
D. My friends warned me not to leave my room unlocked
Ans: D
(Explanation: The phrase "had better" implies a strong piece of advice or a warning of consequences. Therefore, "warned" is the most appropriate reporting verb to capture the tone.)
15. " I will have a cup of tea" my father said "because I'm not hungry." Which one is the correct indirect speech? [Primary Assistant Teacher 2014]
A. My father said that the will have a cup of tea because be was not hungry
B. My father said that he would have a cup of tea because he was not hungry
C. My father said that he would have had a cup of tea because he was not hungry
D. My father said that he had a cup of tea because he was not hungry
Ans: B
(Explanation:
Future Tense: "Will have" changes to "would have".
Present Tense: "Am not" changes to "was not".)
16. Anis said, "I must write a letter". The indirect narration of this sentence is [Primary Assistant Teacher 2014; 2013; 2012; 2011]
A. Anis said that he must write a letter.
B. Anis said he had to write a letter.
C. Anis said that he had to write a letter.
D. Anis said he must write a letter.
Ans: C
(Explanation: When "must" indicates present obligation, it typically changes to "had to" in indirect speech. "Anis said that he had to write a letter.")
17. "How dare you wake me up?" The lion roared at the mouse. Choose the correct narration: [Primary Assistant Teacher 2014]
A. The lion roared and said to the mouse why he wake him up?
B. The lion roared and asked the mouse how it dared to wake him up
C. The lion said the mouse why it got him up?
D. The lion questioned the mouse how it dared to wake him up?
Ans: B
(Explanation: The reporting verb "roared" is kept. The question structure changes to statement form: "how it dared to wake him up".)
18. The teacher said to me, "May you pass the examination." It's indirect form is [Primary Assistant Teacher 2014]
A. The teacher prayed I could pass the examination
B. The teacher wished that I may have passed the examination.
C. The teacher wished that I might pass the examination
D. The teacher prayed that I might have passed the examination
Ans: C
(Explanation: Optative sentence. "Said to" becomes "wished". "May" becomes "might". Structure: Wished + that + Subject + might + Verb.)
19. Report the following in Indirect speech. He said tome, "How did you do it?" [Primary Assistant Teacher 2014]
A. He enquired of me how I had done, it
B. He said to me if I had done it
C. He said to me that I had done it
D. He enquired of me if I had done it
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: "Said to" becomes "enquired of" (or asked).
Tense: Past Indefinite ("did... do") becomes Past Perfect ("had done").
Connector: "How" is retained.)
20. He said to me, "Do you like music?" the indirect form of this is [Primary Assistant Teacher 2014]
A. He said if I like music
B. He asked me do I like music
C. He asked to me if I like music
D. He asked me if I liked music
Ans: D
(Explanation:
Connector: Yes/No question uses "if".
Tense: Present Simple ("like") changes to Past Simple ("liked").)
21. He said to me, "May you have wealth." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. He wished me that I might have wealth.
B. He wished me that I might had wealth.
C. He wished me that I should have wealth.
D. He said to me that I might have wealth.
Ans: A
(Explanation: Optative sentence. "May" changes to "might". Reporting verb is "wished".)
22. You said to me, "You do not do your duty."- indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2009]
A. You told me that I do not do my duty.
B. You said to me that I did not do my duty.
C. You said to me that I do not do my duty.
D. You told me that I did not do my duty.
Ans: D
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: "Said to" usually changes to "told" in statement sentences.
Tense: "Do not do" (Present) changes to "did not do" (Past).
Pronoun: "You" (Subject) becomes "I".)
23. Asad said to me, "I want to go to school now." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. Asad said to me that he wanted to go to school now.
B. Asad said to me that he wanted to go to school then.
C. Asad told me that he wanted to go to school then.
D. Asad told me that he wants to go to school then.
Ans: B (or C)
(Explanation: "Said to" can remain "said to" or change to "told". Option C is also correct, but standard exams often accept "said to... that". Key changes: "wanted" (past tense) and "then" (for 'now').)
24. Abid said to me, "I was ill" indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2010]
A. Abid said to me that he was ill.
B. Abid told me that he had been ill.
C. Abid told me that I had been ill.
D. Abid told me that he has been ill.
Ans: B
(Explanation: Past Indefinite ("was") typically changes to Past Perfect ("had been") in indirect speech.)
25. 'Arif told us that he had waited an hour' direct speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2012; 2009]
A. Arif said to us, "I waited an hour."
B. Arif said to us, "I have been waiting an hour."
C. Arif said to us, "I had to wait an hour."
D. Arif told to us, "I have waited an hour."
Ans: A
(Explanation: Indirect "had waited" (Past Perfect) comes from Direct "waited" (Past Indefinite). Structure: "I waited an hour.")
26. "Are you weeping?" he asked her. indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. He asked her that she is weeping
B. He asked her if she was weeping
C. He asked her that he is weeping
D. None of these
Ans: B
(Explanation: Present Continuous ("Are you weeping") changes to Past Continuous ("she was weeping"). Connector: "if".)
27. Abul said, "I was busy." Indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. Abul said that I was busy
B. Abul said that he was busy
C. Abul said that I had been busy
D. Abul said that he had been busy
Ans: D
(Explanation: Past Simple ("was") changes to Past Perfect ("had been").)
28. Farida said, "I shall go to school." Indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2010]
A. Farida said that she would go to school.
B. Farida said that she will go to school.
C. Faridą told that she went to school.
D. None of these
Ans: A
(Explanation: Future "shall/will" changes to "would".)
29. 'He asked me where I had gone the previous day. direct speech – [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2011]
A. He said to me, "Where did you go yesterday?"
B. He asked to me, "Where did you go yesterday?"
C. He said to me, "Where you went yesterday?"
D. He said to me, "Where did I go yesterday?"
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Tense: Indirect "had gone" (Past Perfect) <- Direct "did... go" (Past Indefinite).
Time: Indirect "previous day" <- Direct "yesterday".)
30. He said to his friends. "Let us play now" indirect speech. [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2011]
A. He requested to his friends that they should play then
B. He proposed to his friends that they would play then.
C. He proposed to his friends that they should play then.
D. He proposed to his friends that we should play then.
Ans: C
(Explanation: "Let us" indicates a proposal. Reporting verb: "Proposed". "Let us" becomes "that they should". "Now" becomes "then".)
31. What is the indirect speech of the sentence. He said, "Good morning sir"? [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. He respectfully wished good morning to the person spoken to
B. He respectfully wishes good morning to the person spoken to
C. He respectfully wish good morning to the person spoken to
D. He respectfully wished good morning to the person spoke to
Ans: A
(Explanation: "Sir" is handled by adding "respectfully". "Good morning" is reported using the verb "wished".)
32. He said to me, "Which book do you want?" indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2011]
A. He said to me which book I wanted.
B. He asked me which book I wanted.
C. He asked to me which book I wanted.
D. He said to me which book I have wanted.
Ans: B
(Explanation: Wh-question. Reporting verb "asked". Present Simple ("do... want") changes to Past Simple ("wanted").)
33. The teacher said, "I shall not teach him English." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013; 2010]
A. The teacher said he would not teach him English
B. The teacher said that he would not teach him English
C. The teacher said that he will not teach him English
D. The teacher said that he would not taught him English
Ans: B
(Explanation: "Shall" changes to "would".)
34. I said to you, "He has done his duty." Indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. I said to you that you have done your duty
B. I said to you that he had done his duty
C. I told you that you had done your duty.
D. I told you that he has done his duty.
Ans: B
(Explanation:
Subject: "He" (Third person) remains "He".
Tense: Present Perfect ("has done") changes to Past Perfect ("had done").)
35. I said, 'Do it.' indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. I ordered to do it.
B. I said to do it.
C. I said that it should be done.
D. I said that let it be done.
Ans: A (or C)
(Explanation: "Do it" is an imperative. "I ordered [someone] to do it" is the standard transformation. Option A is the most commonly accepted answer for this specific question type in local exams.)
36. Anwar said, 'I have done the sum.' indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. Anwar said that I have done the sum
B. Anwar said that I had done the sum
C. Anwar said that he had done the sum
D. Anwar said that he has done the sum
Ans: C
(Explanation: "I" becomes "he". "Have done" becomes "had done".)
37. The Chairman said to the members, 'Let us drop the matter today.' indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2013]
A. The Chairman proposed to the members to drop the matter that day.
B. The Chairman proposed to the members that they should drop the matter today.
C. The Chairman proposed to the members that they should drop the matter that day.
D. The Chairman proposed to the members that they might drop the matter today.
Ans: C
(Explanation: "Let us" -> Proposed. "Today" -> "that day". "Drop" -> "should drop".)
38. He said to me, 'Wait until I come.' indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. He asked me to wait until he came.
B. He asked me to wait until he comes.
C. He told me to wait until he has come.
D. He told me for wait until he has returned.
Ans: A
(Explanation: Imperative sentence. "Wait" becomes "to wait". "Come" (Present) changes to "came" (Past) to maintain sequence of tenses.)
39. Anwar said, "What a fool I am!" indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. Anwar said that he is a great fool.
B. Anwar told that he has been a great fool.
C. Anwar exclaimed that he was a great fool.
D. Anwar told that he had been a great fool.
Ans: C
(Explanation: Exclamatory sentence. Reporting verb "exclaimed". Tense shift from "am" to "was".)
40. My father said to me, "We are going there tomorrow." indirect speech, [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. My father told me that they would be going there the next day.
B. My father said to me that they are going there the next day.
C. My father told me that they were going there the next day.
D. My father told me that they are going there the next day.
Ans: C
(Explanation:
Tense: "Are going" (Present Continuous) changes to "were going" (Past Continuous).
Time: "Tomorrow" changes to "the next day".)
1. Nasima said, "What a fine picture it is!" indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012; 2009]
A. Nasima said that it is a very fine picture.
B. Nasima exclaimed that it was a very fine picture.
C. Nasima exclaimed that it is a very fine picture.
D. Nasima exclaimed that what a fine picture it was.
Ans: B
(Explanation: This is an Exclamatory Sentence.
Reporting Verb: "Said" becomes "exclaimed" to convey the emotion.
Sentence Structure: The exclamation "What a fine picture it is" is changed into a statement "it was a very fine picture".
Tense: Present ("is") changes to Past ("was").
Adjective: The word "What" is replaced by "very" before the adjective "fine". Therefore, Option B follows all the rules.)
2. The boy said, 'Let me have a pencil.'- indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. The boy said that he would have a pencil.
B. The boy said that he might have a pencil.
C. The boy told that he will have a pencil.
D. The boy told that he needed a pencil.
Ans: B
(Explanation: When "Let" implies a wish or desire, it is often reported using "might" or "might be allowed to". The sentence "The boy wished that he might have a pencil" is standard. Among the options, B is the closest grammatical structure representing this wish.)
3. 'You have all done very badly!' remarked the teacher. - indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. The teacher remarked that they had all done it very badly.
B. The teacher told that they did it very badly.
C. The teacher said that they have done worsed.
D. The teacher remarked that they do it bad.
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: "Remarked" is retained from the direct speech.
Tense: The Present Perfect ("have done") changes to the Past Perfect ("had done").
Pronoun: "You" (plural) refers to the students, so it changes to "they".)
4. The poorman said, "Let me have some food." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. The poorman begged that I might had some food.
B. The poorman begged that I might have some food.
C. The poorman begged that he might had some food.
D. The poorman begged that he might have some food.
Ans: D
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: "Said" changes to "begged" to reflect the context of a poor man asking for food.
Subject: "Me" refers to the poor man, so it becomes "he".
Structure: "Let" expressing a wish uses "might". Since "might" is a modal verb, it is followed by the base form "have" (not "had"). Option D is correct.)
5. He said, "How charming the sight is!" indirect form - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. He exclaimed that the sight is very charming.
B. He exclaimed that the sight is charming.
C. He exclaimed that the sight was very charming.
D. He exclaimed that the sight was charming.
Ans: C
(Explanation:
Tense: Present ("is") changes to Past ("was").
Intensifier: "How" is replaced by "very" before the adjective "charming". "He exclaimed that the sight was very charming.")
6. The man said, "Good morning my friends" indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012; 2011]
A. The man bade his friends good morning
B. The man wished his friends good morning
C. The man had told his friends good morning
D. The man wishes his friends good morning
Ans: B
(Explanation: Traditionally, the greeting "Good Morning" is reported using the verb "wished", whereas "Good Night" or "Goodbye" uses "bade". Therefore, option B is the standard correct answer.)
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7. He said to her, 'What do you want?' indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. He told her what did she want
B. He told her what she wanted
C. He asked her what does she want
D. He asked her what did she wanted
Ans: B (Note: Standard answer usually uses 'asked', but B is the only grammatically correct structure among options)
(Explanation:
Structure: In indirect speech, the question form changes to statement form (Subject + Verb). "What she wanted".
Option A uses question order ("did she want") - Incorrect.
Option C uses Present tense - Incorrect.
Option D uses double past ("did... wanted") - Incorrect.
Option B: "He told her what she wanted" is grammatically sound, even though "asked" is the preferred reporting verb.)
8. Amani exclaimed that she was a great fool. direct form - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2011; 2009]
A. Amani said, "What a fool I am!"
B. Amani said, "What I am a fool!"
C. Amani said, "How I am a fool!"
D. Amani exclaimed, "I am a great fool!
Ans: A
(Explanation: This reverses the rules of exclamatory sentences.
"Exclaimed" goes back to Said.
"She was" goes back to "I am".
"A great fool" implies the use of "What a" in the direct exclamation. "What a fool I am!")
9. Anis said, "Good night, Father". Indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2011]
A. Anis said good night for his father.
B. Anis bade his father good-bye.
C. Anis gave good night to his father.
D. Anis addressed his father and told good-bye.
Ans: B (Closest Option)
(Explanation: "Good night" is a parting phrase reported by "bade". The ideal sentence would be "Anis bade his father good night". Option B says "good-bye", which serves the same function (parting) and correctly uses the verb "bade". It is the best choice among the provided options.)
10. He said to me, "By God! I shall support you."- indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2011]
A. He swore by God that he will support me.
B. He swore by God that he will have supported me.
C. He swear by God that he would have supported me.
D. He swore by God that he would support me.
Ans: D
(Explanation:
Oath: "By God" is reported as "He swore by God".
Tense: "Shall" (Future) changes to "would" (Past Future) to match the past reporting verb. "He swore by God that he would support me.")
11. He said, "The earth moves round the sun." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2011]
A. He said that the earth moved round the sun.
B. He said that the earth moves round the sun.
C. He said that the earth has moved the round the sun.
D. He said that the earth had moved round the sun.
Ans: B
(Explanation: This statement is a Universal Truth. In such cases, the tense of the reported speech does not change, even if the reporting verb is in the past. "The earth moves..." remains "The earth moves...".)
12. You said to me, "Would you help me, please?" Indirect speech- [Primary Assistant Teacher 2011; 2010]
A. You politely asked me if I would help you.
B. You politely asked to me if I would help you.
C. You politely asked me that whether I would help you.
D. You politely asked me that if I should help you.
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Politeness: The word "please" is often conveyed by "politely asked".
Connector: Since it is a Yes/No question, "if" is used.
Verb: "You asked me" (No 'to'). "You politely asked me if I would help you.")
13. He said that he had come to see me- direct speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012; 2011]
A. He said, 'he has come to see you'.
B. He said, 'I came to see you'.
C. He said, I have come to see you'.
D. He said, 'I had come to see you'.
Ans: C
(Explanation: The indirect "had come" (Past Perfect) typically originates from the Direct "have come" (Present Perfect) or "came" (Past Indefinite). Option C ("I have come to see you") is the standard direct form that transforms to "He said that he had come...".)
14. He said, "Alas! I am ruined." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010]
A. He exclaimed with sorrow that he is ruined
B. He exclaimed with sorrow that he was ruined
C. He exclaimed with sorrow that he has ruined
D. He exclaimed with sorrow that he has been ruined
Ans: B
(Explanation:
Exclamation: "Alas!" indicates sorrow, so the reporting verb becomes "exclaimed with sorrow".
Tense: "Am ruined" (Present) changes to "was ruined" (Past).)
15. He said "I am well" indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010]
A. He said that I am well
B. He said that he was well
C. He said that I was well
D. He said that he is well
Ans: B
(Explanation: A simple statement.
Pronoun: "I" changes to "he".
Tense: "Am" changes to "was". "He said that he was well.")
16. He said, "tell me, boy, is the miller within?" Indirect speech- [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010]
A. Addressing the boy, he asked him (boy) to tell him if the miller was within.
B. Addressing the boy, he said to him (boy) to tell him if the miller was within
C. Addressing the boy, he asked him (boy) to tell him that the miller was within
D. Addressing the boy, he said him (boy) to tell him if the miller was within
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Address: "Boy" is handled by "Addressing the boy".
Imperative: "Tell me" becomes "asked him to tell him".
Question: "Is the miller within?" becomes "if the miller was within".)
17. I said to him, "Will you follow me?" Indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010; 2009]
A. I said to him if he would follow me.
B. I asked him if he would follow me
C. I asked to him if he would follow me
D. I said to him if he will follow me
Ans: B
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: This is a question, so "said to" becomes "asked". (Note: 'Asked' does not take 'to').
Tense: "Will" changes to "would".
Connector: "if". "I asked him if he would follow me.")
18. Come in, my friend, said I indirect speech- [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010; 2009]
A. Addressing him as my friend, he said him to go in.
B. Addressing him as my friend, I told him to go in
C. Addressing him as my friend, I have said him to go in
D. Addressing him as my friend, I asked him to go in
Ans: B (or D)
(Explanation: "Come in" is an imperative sentence. "I told him to go in" or "I asked him to go in" (if polite) are correct structures. Option B is a standard correct form. "Addressing him as my friend..." handles the vocative case.)
19. Rony said, "The train reached at nine.' indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010; 2009]
A. Rony said that the train has reached at nine
B. Rony said that the train had reached at nine
C. Rony said that the train reached at nine
D. Rony said that the train reaches at nine
Ans: B
(Explanation: The Past Indefinite tense ("reached") changes to the Past Perfect tense ("had reached") in indirect speech.)
20. Nafis said to Romel, "Go away"- indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010]
A. Nafis asked Romel to go away
B. Nafis requested Romel to go away
C. Nafis ordered Romel to go away
D. Nafis asks Romel to go away
Ans: C
(Explanation: "Go away" is a command. Therefore, the reporting verb "ordered" is the most appropriate choice.)
21. "Run away children" said their mother. indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010]
A. Addressing the children, their mother said to them to run away.
B. Addressing the children, their mother urged them to run away.
C. Addressing the children, their mother told them to run away.
D. Address the children, their mother asked them to run away.
Ans: C (or A)
(Explanation: Often, vocatives ("children") are handled by "Addressing...". "Their mother told them to run away" conveys the core instruction. Option A is also structurally acceptable but "said to them to" is less elegant than "told them to".)
22. He said to me, 'I don't believe you.' indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010]
A. He said that he did not believe me.
B. He said that he does not believe me.
C. He says that he did not believe me.
D. He says that he does not believe me.
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Pronouns: "I" -> "he", "you" -> "me".
Tense: Present Simple ("don't believe") changes to Past Simple ("did not believe").)
23. He said to me, "What are you doing"? indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2010]
A. He asked me what I was doing
B. He asked me what I am doing
C. He asks me what I am doing
D. He asks me what I was doing
Ans: A
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: "Said to" becomes "asked".
Tense: Present Continuous ("Are... doing") changes to Past Continuous ("was doing").
Order: "What I was doing" (Statement order).)
24. Choose the correct narration-He says, 'I am well'.- [Primary Assistant Teacher 2007]
A. He said that he is well
B. He says that he is well
C. He says that he was well
D. He says that he has been well
Ans: B
(Explanation: The Reporting Verb is in the Present Tense ("He says"). Therefore, the tense of the reported speech does NOT change. "He says that he is well.")
25. He said to me, "will you go home?"- indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. He said to me if I will go home.
B. He said to me if I would go home.
C. He asked me if I would go home.
D. He asked me if I will go home.
Ans: C
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: Question -> "asked".
Tense: Future "Will" changes to Past Future "would".)
26. Rahim called me a coward direct speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. Rahim said to me, "You are a coward."
B. Rahim told me, "You are a coward."
C. Rahim says to me, "You are a coward."
D. Rahim said to me, "You were a coward."
Ans: A
(Explanation: The indirect phrase "Rahim called me a coward" implies he addressed me directly with that label. The direct form "Rahim said to me, 'You are a coward'" accurately reflects this.)
27. Anwar said, "Let him say whatever he likes." indirect speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. Anwar said that he may say whatever he liked
B. Anwar said that he might say whatever he liked
C. Anwar told that he might say whatever he likes
D. Anwar said he might say whatever he likes
Ans: B
(Explanation:
"Let him" (permission/possibility) is reported using "might".
"Likes" (Present) changes to "liked" (Past). "Anwar said that he might say whatever he liked.")
28. He said, "Alas! I am undone." indirect speech [Primary Assistant Teacher 2012]
A. He said with grief that he is undone
B. He said with sorrow that he has undone
C. He exclaimed with sorrow that he was undone
D. He exclaimed with sorrow that he were undone
Ans: C
(Explanation:
"Alas!" indicates sorrow -> "exclaimed with sorrow".
"Am undone" -> "was undone".)
29. 'Rafiq called me a liar'- direct speech - [Primary Assistant Teacher 2009]
A. Rafiq said to me, 'You were a liar'.
B. Rafiq says to me, 'You are a liar'.
C. Rafiq told me, 'You are a liar'.
D. Rafiq called me a liar
Ans: A
(Explanation: Note: The provided options are tricky. The most standard direct speech for "Rafiq called me a liar" is Rafiq said to me, "You are a liar." Option A uses "were", which is technically tense-inconsistent with a direct insult. However, in local exams, option A is often the intended answer as it uses the past reporting verb structure "said to me", distinguishing it from the others. Standard conversion: Direct "You are a liar" -> Indirect "He called me a liar".)
Teacher Registration Questions
01. He said, "I went to Tangail." (Indirect) [15th NTRCA 2019]
A. He said that had he gone to Tangail.
B. He said that I had gone to Tangail.
C. He said that he had gone to Tangail.
D. He said that he went to Tangail.
Ans: C
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: The reporting verb "said" is in the Past Tense.
Tense Change: When the reporting verb is past, the Past Indefinite ("went") in the direct speech changes to the Past Perfect ("had gone").
Person Change: The first-person pronoun "I" changes according to the subject of the reporting verb ("He"). Therefore, "He said that he had gone to Tangail" is correct.)
02. Which of the following is the correct indirect form of the given direct speech: "How long will you carry me?" He said to me. [8th NTRCA 2012]
A. "How long will you carry me?" He said to me.
B. He asked me how long he will carry me.
C. He asked me how long he would carry me.
D. He asked me how long would he carry me.
Ans: C
(Explanation:
Reporting Verb: Since it is an interrogative sentence, "said to" changes to "asked".
Sentence Structure: In indirect speech, the question format (Auxiliary + Subject) must change to the Statement format (Subject + Auxiliary). Therefore, "how long would he" (Option D) is incorrect, and "how long he would" (Option C) is correct.
Tense: The future auxiliary "will" changes to the past form "would". Note on Pronouns: While strictly "you" referring to "me" should become "I", Option C is the only choice that follows the grammatical rules of syntax (Statement order) and tense backshifting.)
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