29 + Interview Questions in ENGLISH COMPREHENSION in DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH

1.	1). The man asked Tarun why he waited there.2). The man asked Tarun why he was waiting there.3). The man asked Tarun why he had been waiting there.4). The man asked Tarun why he was waiting here.
Answer» The words in INDIRECT speech must have a change in tense and pronouns. The correct tense in indirect speech is past CONTINUOUS tense as the tense in direct speech is present continuous tense. THUS the correct verb is 'was waiting.' The word 'here' must be replaced with 'there' as it is in indirect speech. Thus option 2 is the correct answer.

Discussion

2.	My friend said that it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.1).2).3).4).
Answer» The sentence is in INDIRECT SPEECH we need to convert it into DIRECT SPEECH. The TENSE in Direct/Indirect Speech does not CHANGE when the statement being said still holds true. The GIVEN sentence is one such CASE. The PERSON has spoken a famous quote. Option 2 is wrong because ‘tense’ is incorrect. Option 3 is wrong because ‘that’ is used in Direct Speech. Option 4 is wrong because ‘tense’ is incorrect.

2.

My friend said that it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.1).2).3).4).

Answer»

The sentence is in INDIRECT SPEECH we need to convert it into DIRECT SPEECH.

The TENSE in Direct/Indirect Speech does not CHANGE when the statement being said still holds true. The GIVEN sentence is one such CASE. The PERSON has spoken a famous quote.

Option 2 is wrong because ‘tense’ is incorrect.

Option 3 is wrong because ‘that’ is used in Direct Speech.

Option 4 is wrong because ‘tense’ is incorrect.

Discussion

3.	1). The man requested the children not to play there as they could hurt themselves.2). The man warned the children that they could hurt themselves if they played there.3). The man told the children they could hurt yourselves if they played there.4). The man shouted at the children not to play there as they could hurt themselves.
Answer» The SENTENCE has the TONE of a warning thus option 2 is the CORRECT answer. 'Can' in direct speech becomes 'could' in indirect speech. 'Play' in simple PRESENT becomes 'played' in simple past in indirect speech.

Discussion

4.	1). The Judge said to the accused," Were you being caught red handed?"2). The Judge said to the accused,"What have you caught red handed?"3). The Judge asked the accused," If have you been caught red handed?"4). The Judge said to the accused," Have you caught red handed?"
Answer» Correct option- 1 Clearly, the sentence is an indirect speech, so it is CHANGED into a direct speech. When a question is being ASKED in indirect speech, then reporting verb asked is REPLACED with said/said to in direct speech. Hence, option 3 is eliminated. Now, wh- words are kept as it is while changing the speech. Since, there is no use of what in the indirect speech. Hence, it will not be used in direct speech. Hence, option 2 is eliminated. Now, according to rules, present perfect tense in direct speech is changed into past perfect tense in indirect speech but not into past perfect continuous tense. So, option 4 is eliminated. THUS, option 1 is correct. Correct sentence- The Judge said to the accused, "Were you being caught red handed?"

4.

1). The Judge said to the accused," Were you being caught red handed?"2). The Judge said to the accused,"What have you caught red handed?"3). The Judge asked the accused," If have you been caught red handed?"4). The Judge said to the accused," Have you caught red handed?"

Answer»

Correct option- 1

Clearly, the sentence is an indirect speech, so it is CHANGED into a direct speech. When a question is being ASKED in indirect speech, then reporting verb asked is REPLACED with said/said to in direct speech. Hence, option 3 is eliminated. Now, wh- words are kept as it is while changing the speech. Since, there is no use of what in the indirect speech. Hence, it will not be used in direct speech. Hence, option 2 is eliminated. Now, according to rules, present perfect tense in direct speech is changed into past perfect tense in indirect speech but not into past perfect continuous tense. So, option 4 is eliminated. THUS, option 1 is correct.

Correct sentence- The Judge said to the accused, "Were you being caught red handed?"

Discussion

5.	1). The lady told the child that she would never left her alone.2). The lady told the child that she would never leave her alone.3). The lady told the child that she will never leave her alone.4). The lady told to the child that she would never left her alone.
Answer» The SENTENCE is in DIRECT speech. In indirect speech, the TENSE and the PRONOUNS need a change. The word ‘that’ must be used before mentioning the words in indirect speech. The verb 'will' should be written as 'would' in indirect speech. The verb 'leave' should be written in simple present as 'would' is always used with verbs in simple present tense. Option 2 is the correct answer.

Discussion

6.	1). The sage told the villagers to awaken their minds2). The sage told the villagers to awaken your minds3). The sage asked the villagers to awaken their minds4). The sage wanted the villagers to awaken their minds
Answer» When converting direct speech to reported, the rule is to change the verb to 'told', if a definite SPEAKER and listener are given. 'That' is a conjunction that is used after the verb 'told'; however, if there is an INFINITIVE IMPLIED in the sentence, or if there is another conjunction already present, (here, to), then 'that' is omitted. The only sentence that satisfies these CONDITIONS is OPTION 1. So, that must be the correct answer.

Discussion

7.	1). The mother told to the boy to switch the light off then.2). The mother commanded the boy to switch the light off then.3). The mother requested the boy to switch the light off then.4). The mother commanded the boy that to switch the light off then.
Answer» The sentence is in DIRECT SPEECH. In indirect speech, the tense and the PRONOUNS NEED a change. The tone is that of an order so 'commanded' is the correct word to be used. OPTION 2 is the correctly framed sentence.

Discussion

8.	1). Tarun said that he would leave the place next month.2). Tarun said that he could leave the place next month3). Tarun said that he would be leaving the place next month4). Tarun said that he will leave the place next month.
Answer»

Discussion

9.	1). Grey said that he/she needs totake care of my diet.2). Grey said that I had needed totake care of my diet.3). Grey said to the person that he/she needed to take care of his/her diet.4). Grey said that I need totake care of my diet.
Answer» In indirect speech the words of the speaker are not WRITTEN in quotes. Usually the word 'that' is used to convey the words of the speaker. The correct tense should be simple past as the tense in DIRECT speech is simple PRESENT. OPTION 3 is the correct answer.

Discussion

10.	1). The coach applauded and said that he has made him proud.2). The coach applauds and says well done that he had made him proud.3). The coach applauded, says well done and that he has made him proud.4). The coach applauded him saying that he had made him proud.
Answer» The CORRECT option is (4) The ORIGINAL DIRECT speech is in present tense and indicates the coach applauding and saying that they have made him proud. Option 1 is not suitable because it uses present perfect tense when it should be past perfect tense in indirect speech and so is incorrect. Option 2 is not suitable because it uses present tense to indicate the indirect speech thus making it incorrect. Option 3 is not suitable because it uses present perfect tense when it should be past perfect tense in indirect speech and it separates a single SENTENCE, making it the incorrect option. HENCE, Option (4) is the suitable option.

Discussion

11.	1). She said that would want to buy the book.2). She said that she wanted to buy the book.3). She said that she wanted to buy that book.4). She said that she wants to buy the book.
Answer» The WORDS in indirect SPEECH MUST be followed by the WORD 'that' if that is not a question. The correct tense is simple past as the tense in direct speech is simple present. The word 'this' BECOMES 'that' in indirect speech. Option 3 is the correct answer.

Discussion

12.	1). He says, "You have completed your graduation".2). He says, "You had completed your graduation".3). He said, "You have completed your graduation".4). None of the above.
Answer»

Discussion

13.	1). The old man applauded Ankit for his kindness and he shall never forget Ankit2). The old man thanked Ankit and assured him that he would never forget his kindness3). Ankit was being thanked by the old man for his kindness towards an old man4). The old man said thank you to Ankit for his kindness.
Answer» Correct Answer: The old man thanked Ankit and assured him that he would never forget his kindness In this CASE, the reporting verb shall be 'thanked'. Since the reporting verb is in PAST tense, the tense of the reported speech shall ALSO be changed accordingly. The pronoun 'I' is replaced by 'he' and the verb 'shall' is replaced by 'would'. In other words, 'I shall' is replaced by 'he would'. Only option 2 fulfils the above CRITERIA and is, THEREFORE, the answer.

13.

1). The old man applauded Ankit for his kindness and he shall never forget Ankit2). The old man thanked Ankit and assured him that he would never forget his kindness3). Ankit was being thanked by the old man for his kindness towards an old man4). The old man said thank you to Ankit for his kindness.

Answer»

Correct Answer: The old man thanked Ankit and assured him that he would never forget his kindness

In this CASE, the reporting verb shall be 'thanked'. Since the reporting verb is in PAST tense, the tense of the reported speech shall ALSO be changed accordingly. The pronoun 'I' is replaced by 'he' and the verb 'shall' is replaced by 'would'. In other words, 'I shall' is replaced by 'he would'. Only option 2 fulfils the above CRITERIA and is, THEREFORE, the answer.

Discussion

14.	“Ride carefully, the road is very slippery”, Sonali said to his husband.1).2).3).4).
Answer» The sentence is in DIRECT SPEECH we NEED to convert it into INDIRECT SPEECH. The given sentence is in ‘SIMPLE Present tense’ thus ‘Simple Past tense’ must be used in Indirect Speech sentence. Adverb ‘carefully’ suggests a warning is being given. Option 1 and 4 are wrong because incorrect reporting VERB is used. Option 3 is wrong because structure of sentence is incorrect. Option 2 is the correct answer.

14.

“Ride carefully, the road is very slippery”, Sonali said to his husband.1).2).3).4).

Answer»

The sentence is in DIRECT SPEECH we NEED to convert it into INDIRECT SPEECH.

The given sentence is in ‘SIMPLE Present tense’ thus ‘Simple Past tense’ must be used in Indirect Speech sentence.

Adverb ‘carefully’ suggests a warning is being given.

Option 1 and 4 are wrong because incorrect reporting VERB is used.

Option 3 is wrong because structure of sentence is incorrect.

Option 2 is the correct answer.

Discussion

15.	1). Bina said to Palak she wants to eat after an hour.2). Bina said Palak she wants to eat after an hour.3). Bina said Palak that she wants to eat after an hour.4). Bina told Palak that she wanted to eat after an hour.
Answer» The words in indirect speech must have the correct TENSE and pronouns. The tense in direct speech is simple present thus the tense in indirect speech is simple PAST. The WORD 'told' is the correct word to be used here.The verb 'said' is not correct without 'to' and the word 'that' must be used here. Thus option 4 is the correct ANSWER.

Discussion

16.	1). Tarun said that he did get the job.2). Tarun said that he will get the job.3). Tarun said that he had got the job.4). Tarun said that he has got the job.
Answer» The sentence is in direct SPEECH. In INDIRECT speech, the TENSE and the pronouns need a change. The word ‘that’ must be used before mentioning the words in indirect speech. The tense in direct speech is PRESENT perfect so the tense in indirect speech is past perfect.Thus option 3 is the correct answer.

Discussion

17.	1). You said to me, "When did you read the article?"2). You said to me, “Have you read the article?”3). You said to me, "Are you going to read the article?"4). You said to me, "Will you read the article?"
Answer» The correct ANSWER is option 2. The given sentence is in Indirect Speech and needs to be converted to Direct Speech. There are several rules for doing the same: 1. It is important to use the correct tense of the reporting verb (said). 2.The conjunctions ‘that, to, if, whether’ must be removed. 3. QUOTATION marks, QUESTION marks, exclamation marks and full stop must be inserted wherever necessary. 4. A comma must be inserted before the statement. 5. The order of words must be carefully looked at. 6. PAY attention to the correct CONJUGATION of the verbs in the given statement. Keeping all the above rules in consideration, the correct form of the sentence in Direct Speech would be: You said to me, “Have you read the article?”

17.

1). You said to me, "When did you read the article?"2). You said to me, “Have you read the article?”3). You said to me, "Are you going to read the article?"4). You said to me, "Will you read the article?"

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is option 2.
The given sentence is in Indirect Speech and needs to be converted to Direct Speech.

There are several rules for doing the same:
1. It is important to use the correct tense of the reporting verb (said).
2.The conjunctions ‘that, to, if, whether’ must be removed.
3. QUOTATION marks, QUESTION marks, exclamation marks and full stop must be inserted wherever necessary.
4. A comma must be inserted before the statement.
5. The order of words must be carefully looked at.
6. PAY attention to the correct CONJUGATION of the verbs in the given statement.
Keeping all the above rules in consideration, the correct form of the sentence in Direct Speech would be:

You said to me, “Have you read the article?”

Discussion

18.	1). Zeenat requested Aman to find his purse2). Zeenat requested Aman to find her purse3). Zeenat said to Aman to find her purse4). Zeenat told Aman to find her purse
Answer» The rule when converting direct SPEECH to indirect is to pay attention to each word and change it accordingly. WHENEVER there is 'please' in a sentence, it is usually a REQUEST. So, the verb 'said' BECOMES 'requested' in reported speech. In reported speech, the word 'my' becomes third person pronoun 'her'. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

18.

1). Zeenat requested Aman to find his purse2). Zeenat requested Aman to find her purse3). Zeenat said to Aman to find her purse4). Zeenat told Aman to find her purse

Answer»

The rule when converting direct SPEECH to indirect is to pay attention to each word and change it accordingly. WHENEVER there is 'please' in a sentence, it is usually a REQUEST. So, the verb 'said' BECOMES 'requested' in reported speech.

In reported speech, the word 'my' becomes third person pronoun 'her'.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

Discussion

19.	Rajesh ordered his driver to do as he was told.1). Rajesh ordered his driver “Do as you are told”.2). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as I told you”.3). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as you are told”.4). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as you were told”.
Answer» Correct ANSWER: Rajesh ordered his driver “Do as you are told”. Sentence 3 changes ‘he’ to ‘you’ and ‘was’ to ‘are’, on converting from Indirect to Direct SPEECH. The other SENTENCES do not follow the tense conversion and are incorrect therefore.

19.

Rajesh ordered his driver to do as he was told.1). Rajesh ordered his driver “Do as you are told”.2). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as I told you”.3). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as you are told”.4). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as you were told”.

Answer»

Correct ANSWER: Rajesh ordered his driver “Do as you are told”.

Sentence 3 changes ‘he’ to ‘you’ and ‘was’ to ‘are’, on converting from Indirect to Direct SPEECH. The other SENTENCES do not follow the tense conversion and are incorrect therefore.

Discussion

20.	1). The girl said to her partner that he will have to dance better than that the day after.2). The girl said to her partner that he would have to dance better than this the day after.3). The girl said to her partner that he would have to dance better than that the day after.4). The girl said to her partner that he will have to dance better than this the day after.
Answer»

Discussion

21.	1). Reema said that she wanted to buy the dress.2). Reema said that she wants to buy that dress.3). Reema said that she had wanted to buy that dress.4). Reema said that she wanted to buy that dress.
Answer»

Discussion

22.	1). She said, "I was a nurse, not a doctor".2). She said, "I were a nurse, not a doctor".3). She said, "I am a nurse, not a doctor".4). None of the above.
Answer» The correct option is option 3. Direct speech describes when something is being repeated exactly as it was, usually in between a pair of inverted commas. Indirect speech is a report on what SOMEONE else said or wrote without using that person's exact words. The GIVEN sentence is in Indirect Speech and needs to be converted to Direct Speech. There are several rules for doing the same: 1. It is important to use the correct tense of the reporting VERB (said). 2.The conjunctions ‘that, to, if, whether’ must be removed. 3. Quotation marks, question marks, exclamation marks and full STOP must be inserted wherever necessary. 4. A comma must be inserted before the statement. 5. The order of words must be carefully looked at. 6. Pay attention to the correct conjugation of the verbs in the given statement. Keeping all the above rules into consideration, the correct form of the sentence in Direct Speech WOULD be: She says, "I am a nurse, not a doctor".

22.

1). She said, "I was a nurse, not a doctor".2). She said, "I were a nurse, not a doctor".3). She said, "I am a nurse, not a doctor".4). None of the above.

Answer»

The correct option is option 3.

Direct speech describes when something is being repeated exactly as it was, usually in between a pair of inverted commas. Indirect speech is a report on what SOMEONE else said or wrote without using that person's exact words.

The GIVEN sentence is in Indirect Speech and needs to be converted to Direct Speech.

There are several rules for doing the same:

1. It is important to use the correct tense of the reporting VERB (said).

2.The conjunctions ‘that, to, if, whether’ must be removed.

3. Quotation marks, question marks, exclamation marks and full STOP must be inserted wherever necessary.

4. A comma must be inserted before the statement.

5. The order of words must be carefully looked at.

6. Pay attention to the correct conjugation of the verbs in the given statement.

Keeping all the above rules into consideration, the correct form of the sentence in Direct Speech WOULD be:

She says, "I am a nurse, not a doctor".

Discussion

23.	The foreman said to his workers "I cannot pay you higher wages."1). The foreman warned his workers that he cannot pay them higher wages.2). The foreman told his workers that he could not pay them higher wages.3). The foreman told his workers that they could not be paid higher wages.4). The foreman forbid his workers to pay higher wages.
Answer» Correct Answer: The foreman told his workers that he could not pay them HIGHER wages. Sentence 2 is correct since it converts the present tenses to PAST and changes first-person to third-person properly. SENTENCES 1 and 4 change the meaning, while Sentence 3 changes the PERSPECTIVE.

23.

The foreman said to his workers "I cannot pay you higher wages."1). The foreman warned his workers that he cannot pay them higher wages.2). The foreman told his workers that he could not pay them higher wages.3). The foreman told his workers that they could not be paid higher wages.4). The foreman forbid his workers to pay higher wages.

Answer»

Correct Answer: The foreman told his workers that he could not pay them HIGHER wages.

Sentence 2 is correct since it converts the present tenses to PAST and changes first-person to third-person properly. SENTENCES 1 and 4 change the meaning, while Sentence 3 changes the PERSPECTIVE.

Discussion

24.	1). She said, "I have cooked a special dish".2). She said, "I had cooked a special dish".3). She says, "I have cooked a special dish".4). None of the above.
Answer»

Discussion

25.	James said, ‘Amanda, I will return the book after I have read it.’1).2). James said to Amanda that he would return the book after he has read it.3).4).
Answer» Correct Answer: James said to Amanda that he would return the book after he had read it. All the sentences EXCEPT SENTENCE 4 have INCORRECT usage of tense. Sentences 1 and 3 do not change ‘will’ to ‘would’ and Sentence 2 does not change ‘have’ to ‘has’. Only Sentence 4 is correct.

Discussion

26.	A sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect Speech. Out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct Speech. 1).2).3).4).
Answer» Are => were when we CHANGE it to REPORTED speech. Option 4) Gopal ASKED his friends whether they were ANGRY is the correct ANSWER.

Discussion

27.	1).The man had been saying that it is time for them to work really hard.2). The man said that it was time for them to work really hard.3). The man said that it had been time for them to work really hard.4). The man said that it is time for them to work really hard.
Answer»

Discussion

28.	"What time does the flight arrive?" she asked the receptionist.1). She asked the receptionist what time the flight arrived2). She asked the receptionist what time the flight arrive3). She asked the receptionist when does the flight arrive4). She asked the receptionist what was going to be the time for the flights arrival
Answer» SINCE the sentence is in indirect speech, the word 'arrive' should be changed to 'arrived'. Therefore options 2 and 3 are not ACCURATE. The correct FORM of the word to be used in the indirect speech is 'arrived' That's why the correct option should be 1.

Discussion

29.	1). Reema said that she wants to sleep then.2). Reema said that she wanted to sleep then.3). Reema said that she wanted to sleep now.4). Reema said that she wanted to sleep.
Answer» The WORDS in indirect speech must be followed by the word 'that' if that is not a question. The CORRECT tense is simple past as the tense in direct speech is simple present. The word 'now' BECOMES 'then' in indirect speech. Option 2 is the correct answer.

Discussion

Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

1). The man asked Tarun why he waited there.2). The man asked Tarun why he was waiting there.3). The man asked Tarun why he had been waiting there.4). The man asked Tarun why he was waiting here.

My friend said that it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.1).2).3).4).

1). The Judge said to the accused," Were you being caught red handed?"2). The Judge said to the accused,"What have you caught red handed?"3). The Judge asked the accused," If have you been caught red handed?"4). The Judge said to the accused," Have you caught red handed?"

1). The lady told the child that she would never left her alone.2). The lady told the child that she would never leave her alone.3). The lady told the child that she will never leave her alone.4). The lady told to the child that she would never left her alone.

1). The sage told the villagers to awaken their minds2). The sage told the villagers to awaken your minds3). The sage asked the villagers to awaken their minds4). The sage wanted the villagers to awaken their minds

1). The mother told to the boy to switch the light off then.2). The mother commanded the boy to switch the light off then.3). The mother requested the boy to switch the light off then.4). The mother commanded the boy that to switch the light off then.

1). Tarun said that he would leave the place next month.2). ​Tarun said that he could leave the place next month3). Tarun said that he would be leaving the place next month4). ​Tarun said that he will leave the place next month.

1). Grey said that he/she needs totake care of my diet.2). Grey said that I had needed totake care of my diet.3). Grey said to the person that he/she needed to take care of his/her diet.4). Grey said that I need totake care of my diet.

1). The coach applauded and said that he has made him proud.2). The coach applauds and says well done that he had made him proud.3). The coach applauded, says well done and that he has made him proud.4). The coach applauded him saying that he had made him proud.

1). She said that would want to buy the book.2). She said that she wanted to buy the book.3). She said that she wanted to buy that book.4). She said that she wants to buy the book.

1). He says, "You have completed your graduation".2). He says, "You had completed your graduation".3). He said, "You have completed your graduation".4). None of the above.

“Ride carefully, the road is very slippery”, Sonali said to his husband.1).2).3).4).

1). Bina said to Palak she wants to eat after an hour.2). Bina said Palak she wants to eat after an hour.3). Bina said Palak that she wants to eat after an hour.4). Bina told Palak that she wanted to eat after an hour.

1). Tarun said that he did get the job.2). Tarun said that he will get the job.3). Tarun said that he had got the job.4). Tarun said that he has got the job.

1). You said to me, "When did you read the article?"2). You said to me, “Have you read the article?”3). You said to me, "Are you going to read the article?"4). You said to me, "Will you read the article?"

1). Zeenat requested Aman to find his purse2). Zeenat requested Aman to find her purse3). Zeenat said to Aman to find her purse4). Zeenat told Aman to find her purse

Rajesh ordered his driver to do as he was told.1). Rajesh ordered his driver “Do as you are told”.2). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as I told you”.3). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as you are told”.4). Rajesh says to his driver “Do as you were told”.

1). Reema said that she wanted to buy the dress.2). Reema said that she wants to buy that dress.3). Reema said that she had wanted to buy that dress.4). Reema said that she wanted to buy that dress.

1). She said, "I was a nurse, not a doctor".2). She said, "I were a nurse, not a doctor".3). She said, "I am a nurse, not a doctor".4). None of the above.

1). She said, "I have cooked a special dish".2). She said, "I had cooked a special dish".3). She says, "I have cooked a special dish".4). None of the above.

James said, ‘Amanda, I will return the book after I have read it.’1).2). James said to Amanda that he would return the book after he has read it.3).4).

A sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect Speech. Out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct Speech. 1).2).3).4).

1).The man had been saying that it is time for them to work really hard.2). The man said that it was time for them to work really hard.3). The man said that it had been time for them to work really hard.4). The man said that it is time for them to work really hard.

1). Reema said that she wants to sleep then.2). Reema said that she wanted to sleep then.3). Reema said that she wanted to sleep now.4). Reema said that she wanted to sleep.

1). Tarun said that he would leave the place next month.2). Tarun said that he could leave the place next month3). Tarun said that he would be leaving the place next month4). Tarun said that he will leave the place next month.