Narration is an essential topic in English grammar that focuses on converting sentences from direct speech to indirect speech and vice versa. Mastering narration helps students improve their writing comprehension and communication skills.
In this topic we will cover questions on narration for Class 8 including rules examples and exercises. These questions will help students practice and strengthen their understanding of narration.
1. What is Narration?
Narration refers to the way a story event or conversation is reported. It is classified into two types:
- Direct Speech: The exact words of the speaker are quoted.
- Example: She said “I am happy today.”
- Indirect Speech: The words of the speaker are reported without quoting them directly.
- Example: She said that she was happy that day.
2. Rules for Changing Direct to Indirect Speech
When converting direct speech into indirect speech follow these rules:
1. Change of Pronouns
- First-person pronouns (I we) change according to the subject.
- Second-person pronouns (you) change according to the object.
- Third-person pronouns (he she they) remain unchanged.
2. Change of Tenses
If the reporting verb is in the past tense change the tense of the reported speech:
Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
---|---|
She said “I am reading.” | She said that she was reading. |
He said “I will help you.” | He said that he would help me. |
They said “We have completed our work.” | They said that they had completed their work. |
3. Change of Time and Place Words
Certain words change when converting from direct to indirect speech:
Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
---|---|
Today | That day |
Tomorrow | The next day |
Yesterday | The previous day |
Now | Then |
Here | There |
4. Change of Reporting Verbs
The reporting verbs change according to the tone of the sentence:
Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
---|---|
“I am tired” she said. | She said that she was tired. |
“Do your homework” the teacher said. | The teacher ordered us to do our homework. |
“Can you help me?” he asked. | He asked if I could help him. |
3. Basic Narration Questions
Convert the following sentences into Indirect Speech:
- She said “I love reading books.”
- He said “We are going to the park.”
- The teacher said “The Earth moves around the Sun.”
- They said “We have finished our homework.”
- He said “I will call you tomorrow.”
Convert the following sentences into Direct Speech:
- She said that she was feeling happy.
- He told me that he had completed the project.
- The doctor advised me to take the medicine on time.
- They said that they were watching a movie.
- She asked if I could help her with the assignment.
4. Narration Questions for Imperative Sentences
Imperative sentences express commands requests advice or suggestions.
Convert the following into Indirect Speech:
- The teacher said “Do your work neatly.”
- He said “Please help me with this task.”
- She said “Never speak rudely to elders.”
- He said “Don’t touch the hot pan.”
- The officer said “Follow the rules strictly.”
Answers:
- The teacher told us to do our work neatly.
- He requested me to help him with that task.
- She advised me never to speak rudely to elders.
- He warned me not to touch the hot pan.
- The officer ordered us to follow the rules strictly.
5. Narration Questions for Interrogative Sentences
Interrogative sentences are questions that require conversion in narration.
Convert the following into Indirect Speech:
- He asked “Where are you going?”
- She said “Do you like ice cream?”
- The teacher asked “Who wrote this poem?”
- He asked “When will you complete your work?”
- She said “Have you ever visited Paris?”
Answers:
- He asked where I was going.
- She asked if I liked ice cream.
- The teacher asked who had written that poem.
- He asked when I would complete my work.
- She asked if I had ever visited Paris.
6. Narration Questions for Exclamatory Sentences
Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions and change into statements in indirect speech.
Convert the following into Indirect Speech:
- She said “What a beautiful dress!”
- He said “Hurrah! We won the match!”
- They said “Alas! We lost the game.”
- She said “Wow! This cake tastes amazing.”
- He said “Oh no! I forgot my keys.”
Answers:
- She exclaimed that it was a beautiful dress.
- He exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
- They exclaimed with sorrow that they had lost the game.
- She exclaimed with surprise that the cake tasted amazing.
- He exclaimed with regret that he had forgotten his keys.
7. Mixed Practice Questions on Narration
Convert the following sentences into Indirect Speech:
- He said “I can solve this problem.”
- She asked “Did you complete your work?”
- The manager said “Submit the report by tomorrow.”
- He said “I may visit my grandparents next week.”
- The boy said “I have been playing football for two hours.”
Convert the following sentences into Direct Speech:
- She asked if I was coming to the party.
- He told me that he could not attend the meeting.
- The teacher advised us to study hard.
- They exclaimed that it was an amazing experience.
- He asked me why I was late.
8. Importance of Learning Narration
Learning narration is crucial for students because:
- It improves storytelling skills in writing.
- It helps in understanding and reporting conversations correctly.
- It is useful in competitive exams and academic writing.
Mastering narration is essential for Class 8 students as it enhances their ability to convert speech correctly and improves their overall grammar and writing skills. By practicing these questions on narration students can develop a strong foundation in English grammar.