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Make sure to add some indirect speech in your stories.

Indirect Speech

Have you ever said, “He told me she was late”? That’s indirect speech! This KS2 English quiz will help you master how to report what others say.

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Fascinating Fact:

When someone gossips by saying “He said she said,” that is indirect speech in action.

In KS2 English, pupils learn the difference between direct and indirect speech. Indirect speech repeats what someone said, but without quoting their exact words or using speech marks.

Key Terms

Indirect Speech: Telling someone what was said without using quotation marks, such as “She said she was tired.”
Direct Speech: Quoting exactly what someone said, using speech marks, like “I’m tired,” she said.
Reporting Verb: A verb used to report speech, such as “said,” “told,” or “asked.”

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between direct and indirect speech?

Direct speech uses exact words inside speech marks, while indirect speech tells what was said without quoting, often changing pronouns and verb tenses.

How do you change direct speech into indirect speech?

Remove the quotation marks, change the pronouns and verb tenses if needed, and use a reporting verb such as “said” or “told.”

Why do writers use indirect speech?

Writers use indirect speech to summarise conversations, avoid long dialogue, or show what was said without quoting every word exactly.

Try These Related Quizzes

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1 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"I hope I never have to speak to my neighbour again," Nan said, banging the door rather irritably.

I hope I don't ever have to speak to the neighbour again.

Nan said she had banged the door.

Nan said I hoped not to have to speak to the neighbour again.

Nan said she hoped never to speak to the neighbour ever again.

Can you guess what mood Nan was in?

2 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"Could I just have a look in lost property?" Leah asked the receptionist.

Leah wanted to have a look in lost property.

Leah asked the receptionist if she could look in lost property.

Leah asked could I have a look in lost property.

Leah asked me to look in lost property.

The first answer might be true, but it is not reported (indirect) speech.

3 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"Whisk the cream, then add the melted chocolate," instructed the chef on the television.

The chef said to whisk the cream before adding the melted chocolate.

Whisk the cream, then add the chocolate, the chef says.

The chef said you whisked the cream and added the chocolate.

Whisk the cream, then add the melted chocolate, the chef instructs.

The imperative 'whisk' becomes 'to whisk' - reported instructions will follow this rule: the coach said to run; the MP said to vote; the teacher said to be quiet....

4 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"Expect heavy showers on Thursday," said the weatherman.

Expect heavy showers on Thursday, said the weatherman.

The weatherman said it rained heavily on Thursday.

I think there will be heavy showers on Thursday.

The weatherman said to expect heavy showers on Thursday.

Here the imperative 'expect' becomes 'to expect'.

5 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
The mysterious voice said, "You will find the second clue under the bed."

The second clue was under the bed.

The mysterious voice told me that I would find the second clue under the bed.

The second clue will be under the bed.

The mysterious voice said you found the second clue under the bed.

To report speech, you will often need to change the tense. Here the verb changes from 'will find' to 'would find'.

6 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"Unfortunately, school will be closed tomorrow," Mr. Smith said, sadly.

Will school be closed tomorrow?

School will be closed tomorrow.

Mr. Smith said that school would be closed tomorrow.

Mr. Smith said, "Sadly, school will be closed tomorrow."

Remember indirect speech doesn't require quote marks.

7 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"Which is your favourite sweet, Chloe?" asked Emily.

I want to know what your favourite sweet is.

Emily asked Chloe what her favourite sweet was.

What is your favourite sweet?

Which sweet is Chloe's favourite?

Make sure you get the two girls the right way round!

8 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"I'm not feeling very well," moaned Adam.

Adam said he wasn't feeling very well.

I'm not feeling well.

Adam said I'm not feeling well.

Adam said you're not feeling well.

It is necessary to change from first person to third when you are reporting what someone else said. Adam says 'I', but we must use 'he'.

9 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
Peter said, "That was the best film I've ever seen!"

That was the best film I've ever seen.

It was the best film you've ever seen.

Peter said it was the best film he'd ever seen.

Peter said that was the best film I've ever seen.

Did you remember to change from first to third person?

10 .

Read the words that have been written in direct speech. Which answer correctly reports the words using indirect speech?
"Watch out!" the whole team screamed at us.