CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2018
REWRITE THE FOLLOWING DIALOGUE, WRITTEN IN DIRECT SPEECH, IN PARAGRAPH FORM
Jack: Hello, Swarup! Swatting away as usual. Come out, man; shut up your old books, and come and have a game of tennis.
Swarup: I am sorry I cannot do that, Jack. The examination is drawing near, and I want every hour I can get for study.
Jack: Oh! Hang all examinations! I do not worry about mine. What is the use of them, any way?
Swarup: Well, you can’t get a degree if you don’t pass the examination; and I have set my heart on being a graduate.
Jack: And pray what good will graduation do you? You may get a clerkship in a government office; but that’s all, and there are hundreds of fellows who have got their degrees, and are no nearer getting jobs of any sort.
Swarup: That may be so; but I am not studying so much to pass my examination and obtain my degree, as to store my mind with knowledge and develop my intellectual faculties.
PARAGRAPH FORM
Jack greeted Swarup, noting his typical dedication to studying. He urged his friend to abandon his books momentarily for a game of tennis. However, Swarup declined, citing the impending exams and his need for every available hour to study. Jack, indifferent to exams, questioned their usefulness, but Swarup highlighted their necessity for obtaining a degree, something he aspired to achieve. Jack questioned the value of a degree, suggesting it might only secure a government clerkship, a field with numerous degree holders struggling to find jobs. Swarup acknowledged the job market’s competitiveness but emphasized his primary goal: not just passing exams or earning a degree, but enriching his mind with knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2016
REWRITE THE FOLLOWING DIALOGUE, WRITTEN IN DIRECT SPEECH, IN PARAGRAPH FORM
Helen: Mr West, what’s happened to John?
Mr West: He’s left the company
Helen: Why has he done that?
Mr West: He asked me for a rise but I didn’t give it to him.
Helen: Why didn’t you give him a rise? Mr West: Because he was lazy. Helen: Has he found another job?
Mr West: Yes, he is working in a film company. Helen: What is his salary like?
Mr West: I think he earns quite a lot. Helen: Does he like the new job?
Mr West: I don’t know.
PARAGRAPH FORM
Helen inquired about John’s absence, and Mr. West informed her that John had departed from the company. When questioned about the reason, Mr. West revealed that John had requested a raise, which he hadn’t granted due to John’s perceived laziness. Helen delved further, asking if John had found alternative employment, to which Mr. West confirmed that John was now employed at a film company. Inquiring about his salary, Helen was told it was likely substantial. Curious about John’s satisfaction in his new role, Mr. West admitted his uncertainty regarding John’s feelings about the job switch.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2015
Rewrite One of the following passages, converting what is in direct speech into indirect, and what is in indirect speech into direct.
(i) Just as we came in sight of the valley Jamil met us,–“yes, the valley is all very fine, but do you know there is nothing to eat?”
“Nonsense; we can eat anything here.”
“Well, the brown bread’s two months old, and there’s nothing else but potatoes.” “There must be milk anyhow.”
“Yes, there was milk’’, he supposed.
As we approached the valley, Jamil intercepted us, mentioning, “The valley looks impressive, but did you know there’s nothing to eat?”
In response, someone exclaimed, “That’s ridiculous; we can manage with anything here.”
Jamil persisted, “Well, the brown bread’s been around for two months, and there are only potatoes.”
Another person insisted, “Surely, there must be some milk available.”
Jamil acknowledged, “Yes, there was milk, I suppose.”
(ii) Miss Andleeb said she thought English food was lovely, and that she was preparing a questionnaire to be circulated to the students of the university, with a view to finding out their eating preferences.
“But the students won’t fill up questionnaires,” said Miriam.
“Won’t fill up questionnaire?” cried Miss Andleeb, taken aback.
“No”, said Miriam, “they won’t. As a nation we are not, questionnaire-conscious.” “Well, that’s too bad,” said Miss Andaleeb.
Miss Andleeb expressed her admiration for English food and mentioned that she was crafting a questionnaire to discover the eating preferences of the university students.
Miriam countered, “But the students won’t fill out questionnaires.”
Surprised, Miss Andleeb asked, “They won’t fill out questionnaires?”
Miriam clarified, “No, they won’t. As a nation, we aren’t conscious about questionnaires.”
Responding to Miriam’s comment, Miss Andleeb remarked, “Well, that’s unfortunate.”
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2013
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
“If I had spoken to my father as you speak to me he’d have beaten me,” he said to me.
Here’s the conversion from direct to indirect speech:
He told me that if he had spoken to his father as I spoke to him, his father would have beaten him.
In direct speech, the speaker’s exact words are quoted within quotation marks. When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified to fit the grammatical structure of the sentence while maintaining the meaning. In this case, the pronouns and verb tenses shift according to the context.
“How far is it”? I said, “and how long will it take me to get there”?
I asked, “How far is it, and how long will it take me to get there?”
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified to fit the grammatical structure while retaining the meaning. The question structure remains intact, but the verb tenses might change, and the reporting verb (“said” in this case) is used to introduce the reported speech.
“Do you know any body in this area or could you get a reference from your landlady”? he asked me.
He inquired, “Are you acquainted with anyone in this area, or could you obtain a reference from your landlady?”
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while maintaining the meaning. The reporting verb (“asked” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and the tense and structure are modified accordingly.
She told me to look where I was going as the road was full of holes and very badly lit.
She said, “Look where you’re going. The road is full of holes and poorly lit.”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the meaning. The reporting verb (“told” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and any necessary changes in tense or pronouns are made accordingly.
He wanted to know if I was going to the concert and suggested that we should make up a party and go together.
He asked if I was planning to attend the concert and proposed that we form a group and go together.
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is altered while preserving the meaning. The reporting verb (“wanted to know” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments are made in tense and structure as needed.
He said, I must’nt mind if the first one wasn’t any good.
He said, “You mustn’t mind if the first one wasn’t any good.”
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified while keeping the meaning intact. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure might occur to maintain accuracy.
“What a nuisance! Now I’ll have to do it all over again”, he exclaimed.
He exclaimed that it was a nuisance and that now he would have to do it all over again.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while retaining the meaning. The reporting verb (“exclaimed” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and the tense and structure might be adjusted as needed.
“I must go to the dentist tomorrow”, he said. “I have an appointment”.
He mentioned that he had to go to the dentist the next day as he had an appointment.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the essential meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and changes in tense and structure are made accordingly.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2012
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
He said to us, “You cannot do this problem alone”.
He informed us that we couldn’t solve that problem alone.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments are made in tense and structure as needed.
The beggar asked the rich lady if she would not pity the sufferings of an old and miserable man and help him with a rupee or two.
The beggar pleaded with the rich lady, asking if she wouldn’t take pity on the sufferings of an old and miserable man and assist him with a rupee or two.
In transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“asked” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense and structure are made as necessary.
The Commander said to the soldiers, “March on”.
The Commander ordered the soldiers to march on.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted to convey the same meaning. In this case, the reporting verb (“said” in this case) changes to better reflect the command, and the structure is modified accordingly.
He entreated his master respectfully to pardon him as it was his first fault.
He respectfully implored his master to forgive him, explaining that it was his first mistake.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is altered while maintaining the meaning. The reporting verb (“entreated” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure are made to reflect the indirect nature of the speech.
“Do you really come from America? How do you feel in Pakistan?” Said I to the stranger.
I asked the stranger, “Do you really come from America? How do you feel in Pakistan?”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and any necessary changes in tense or pronouns are made accordingly.
The officer threatened the peon to come in time otherwise he would be turned out.
The officer warned the peon that if he didn’t come in time, he would be dismissed.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is altered while preserving the meaning. The reporting verb (“threatened” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure are made to convey the same message indirectly.
People wished that the Quaid-i-Azam had been alive those days to see their fate.
People expressed a wish that the Quaid-i-Azam had been alive during those days to witness their fate.
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“wished” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and changes in tense or structure might occur to convey the same sentiment indirectly.
They said, “ Bravo! Imran, what a shot”.
They exclaimed, “Bravo, Imran! What a shot!”
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified to convey the same message indirectly. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) is replaced with a verb that suits the exclamation (“exclaimed” in this case), and adjustments in tense or structure might occur.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2011
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
“I couldn’t get into the house because I had lost my key, so I had to break a window”, he said.
He explained that he couldn’t get into the house because he had lost his key, so he had to break a window.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and changes in tense or structure may be made as needed.
“Would you like to see over the house or are you more interested in the garden”? She asked me.
She inquired whether I would prefer to see over the house or if I was more interested in the garden.
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while retaining the essential meaning. The reporting verb (“asked” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure are made accordingly.
“Please send whatever you can spare. All contributions will be acknowledged immediately”, Said the Secretary of the disastrous fund.
The Secretary of the disaster fund requested, “Please send whatever you can spare. All contributions will be acknowledged immediately.”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure might be made as necessary.
She asked if he’d like to go to the concert and I said I was sure he would.
She inquired if he would like to go to the concert, and I expressed my confidence that he would.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“asked” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
I told her to stop making a fuss about nothing and said that she was lucky to have got a seat at all.
I instructed her to cease making a fuss about nothing and remarked that she was fortunate to have secured a seat at all.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“told” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure are made to convey the same message indirectly.
The teacher said, “You must not forget what I told you last lesson. I shall expect you to be able to repeat it next lesson by heart.”
The teacher instructed that I must not forget what was taught in the last lesson and mentioned an expectation for me to be able to repeat it by heart in the upcoming lesson.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure are made to convey the same message indirectly.
He asked me if he should leave it in the car.
He inquired whether he should leave it in the car.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“asked” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made as necessary.
He said, “May I open the window? It’s rather hot in here.”
He asked if he could open the window as it was rather hot in there.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure are made to convey the same message indirectly.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2010
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
On Monday he said, “My son is coming today.”
On Monday, he mentioned that his son was coming that day.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified while retaining the essential meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made accordingly.
They wanted to know where he was going the following week.
They inquired about where he was going the following week.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“wanted to know” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made as necessary.
He said, “Did she go yesterday?”
He inquired, “Did she go yesterday?”
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) is replaced with a verb that suits the nature of the inquiry (“inquired” in this case), and the structure might be modified accordingly.
‘By God’, he said, “I do not know her nickname.”
He exclaimed, “By God, I do not know her nickname.”
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while maintaining the essence and tone of the original message. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
He says that we are to meet him at the station.
He states that we are supposed to meet him at the station.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb (“says” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments are made in tense or structure as necessary to convey the same message indirectly.
He said, “I don’t know the way. Ask the old man sitting on the gate.”
He mentioned that he didn’t know the way and suggested asking the old man sitting on the gate.
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
My father prayed that I would recover from my illness.
My father prayed for my recovery from my illness.
This change from direct to indirect speech maintains the essence of the original statement while adjusting the structure and tense to convey the same message indirectly.
He said, “How will you manage it?”
He inquired, “How will you manage it?”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) is replaced with a verb that suits the nature of the inquiry (“inquired” in this case), and the structure might be modified accordingly.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2009
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
He said to him, “why do you waste your time?”
He questioned him, “Why do you waste your time?”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) is replaced with a verb that suits the nature of the question (“questioned” in this case), and the structure might be modified accordingly.
He ordered his servant not to stand there doing nothing.
He gave an order to his servant, instructing them not to stand there doing nothing.
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“ordered” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
He exclaimed with joy that he had won the match.
He exclaimed joyfully that he had won the match.
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“exclaimed” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
The traveler said, “What a dark night?”
The traveler remarked about how dark the night was.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made as necessary to convey the same message indirectly.
He said, “Let it rain even so hard, I will start today.”
He expressed that even if it rained heavily, he would start today.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
My mother said, “May you live happily and prosper in your life.”
My mother blessed me, wishing for my happiness and prosperity in life.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while retaining the essence of the original message. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
He said, “How foolish have I been?”
He lamented, “How foolish I have been.”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2008
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
He said to his friend, “Let me go home now”
He requested his friend, “Allow me to go home now.”
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
I will say “Mother, I will always obey you”
“I will always obey you, Mother,” I will say.
This rephrase maintains the essence of the statement while altering the structure slightly to fit indirect speech.
“Splendid”: said father as he read my report,
“Splendid,” Father remarked as he read my report.
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
He said, “Good morning, can you help me”
He greeted and asked, “Good morning, can you help me?”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
She said “Brother, why do you tease me”
She asked, “Brother, why do you tease me?”
In transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is rephrased while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure are made to convey the same message indirectly.
The King said to the Queen, “If I die, take care of my people”
The King instructed the Queen, “If I die, take care of my people.”
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
“By God”, he said” I do not know his name”
“By God,” he swore, “I do not know his name.”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2006
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
He said, “let it rain ever so hard I shall go out”.
He stated that even if it rained heavily, he would still go out.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
The mother said to the young girl, “Do you know where salim is”?
The mother asked the young girl, “Do you know where Salim is?”
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
The officer said, “Hand it all! Can you not do it more neatly”.
The officer exclaimed, “Hand it all! Can’t you do it more neatly?”
When converting from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
Invoking our help with a loud voice she asked us whether we would come to her aid.
She loudly called out to us, asking if we would come to her aid.
When transforming from indirect to direct speech, the reported speech is altered to fit the direct speech context while maintaining the original meaning. This involves using the actual words spoken by the person.
He exclaimed with an oath that no one could have expected such a turn of events.
“With an oath,” he exclaimed, “no one could have expected such a turn of events.”
When transforming indirect speech into direct speech, the reported speech is adjusted to reflect the actual words spoken while maintaining the original meaning. This involves incorporating the exact expressions used by the speaker.
The teacher said to his students, “Why did you come so late”?
The teacher asked his students, “Why did you come so late?”
When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the reported speech is altered while retaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
They applauded him saying that he had done well.
They applauded him, stating that he had done well.
When changing from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is adjusted while preserving the original meaning. The reporting verb (“saying” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
“You say,” said the judge, “the bag you lost contained one hundred and ten pounds”?
The judge asked, “You say the bag you lost contained one hundred and ten pounds?”
When transforming from direct to indirect speech, the reported speech is modified while maintaining the original meaning. The reporting verb (“said” in this case) introduces the reported speech, and adjustments in tense or structure may be made to convey the same message indirectly.
CSS – PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAPER 2005
CHANGE THE NARRATION FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT OR INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
Our sociology professor said , ‘I expect you to be in class every day. Unexcused absences may affect your grades.’
Our sociology professor conveyed, “I expect you to attend class every day. Unexcused absences might impact your grades.”
This rephrasing transforms the direct speech into indirect speech while retaining the essential meaning and intent of the original statement.
My father often told me , ‘every obstacle is a steppingstone to success. You should view problems in your life as opportunities to prove yourself.’
My father frequently advised me, “Every obstacle is a steppingstone to success. You should perceive problems in your life as opportunities to prove yourself.”
This rephrase turns the direct speech into indirect speech while maintaining the essence and guidance offered by the father in the original statement.
When tom asked Jack why he could’nt go to the game, Jack said he didn’t have
enough money for a ticket.
When Tom asked Jack why he couldn’t go to the game, Jack replied, “I don’t have enough money for a ticket.”
This transformation maintains the essence of the conversation while changing the direct speech to indirect speech.
When I asked the ticked seller if the concert was going to be rescheduled, she told me that she didn’t know and said that she just worked there.
When I inquired with the ticket seller about the rescheduling of the concert, she responded, “I don’t know; I just work here.”
This rephrase adjusts the direct speech into indirect speech while retaining the core information and the context of the conversation.
Ali said, ‘I must go to Lahore next week to visit my ailing mother.’
Ali mentioned that he must go to Lahore next week to visit his ailing mother.
This restructuring transforms the direct speech into indirect speech while maintaining the intended message of Ali’s statement.
The policeman told the pedestrian, ‘you mustn’t cross the road against the red light’
The policeman informed the pedestrian that they mustn’t cross the road against the red light.
This rephrasing converts the direct speech into indirect speech while retaining the essential information conveyed by the policeman to the pedestrian.
Ahmed asked if what I said was really true.
Ahmed inquired whether what I said was truly accurate.
This adjustment changes the direct question into indirect speech while retaining the essence of the inquiry made by Ahmed.
Sarah wanted to know where they would be tomorrow around three O’clock
Sarah inquired about their location tomorrow around three o’clock.
This transformation converts the direct question into indirect speech while preserving the original meaning of Sarah’s inquiry.