DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH

INTRODUCTION
There are two ways of relating what a person has said: direct and indirect. In direct speech we
repeat the original speaker’s exact words:
He said, ‚I have lost my umbrella.‛
Remarks thus repeated are placed between inverted commas, and a comma is placed
immediately before the remark. Direct speech is found in conversations in books, in plays and in
quotations. In indirect speech we give the exact meaning of a remark or a speech, without necessarily
using the speaker’s exact words:
He said (that) he had lost his umbrella.
There is no comma after say in indirect speech. ‘that’ can usually be omitted after say and tell +
object. But it should be kept after other verbs: complain, explain, object, point out, protest etc. Indirect
speech is normally used when conversation is reported verbally, though direct speech is sometimes
here to give a more dramatic effect. When we turn direct speech into indirect, some changes are
usually necessary.

TENSES / SUBJECTS / OBJECTS / POSSESIVES / EXPRESSIONS : CHANGES NESSESARY

1 2 1 2
is/ am was v2 had + v3
are were was / were had been + v5
have / has had did had
had had didn’t hadn’t
v1 / v4 v2 don’t / doesn’t didn’t
will / shall would may might

1 2 1 2
this that today that day
these those tomorrow the next day
now then yesterday the last day
here there next day the following day
before ago last day the previous day
so thus the day before yesterday two days before
hence thence the day after tomorrow in two day’s time

Subject Object Possessive

1 2 1 2 1 2
I She / He Me Her / Him My His / Her
You She / He / They You Her / Him / Them Your His / Her /Their
We They Us Them Our Their

49
STATEMENTS
When the introductory verb is in a present, present perfect or future tense we can report the direct
speech without any change of tense: Paul : I’m trying to get a taxi.
Paul says he is trying to get a taxi or Paul said that he was trying to get a taxi
Babu : I do remember you  Babu said that he (did + remember) remembered him
Babu : he does remember you  Babu said that he (did + remember) remembered him

Salim: I write letter everyday Salim said that he wrote letter everyday
Babu: I watched TV Babu said that he had watched TV
Manu: she will go Manu said that she would go
Kiran: He is singing song Kiran said that he was singing song
Anu: They were playing cricket Anu said that they had been playing cricket
Raj: She will be cooking Raj said that she would be cooking
Aman: They have bought a car Aman said that they had bought a car
Neethu: She had looked him Neethu said that she had looked him
Shan: I will have played football Shan said that he would have played football
Susan: It has been raining Susan said that It had been raining
Rafeek: She had been sticking Rafeek said that she had been sticking
Ammu: He will have been eating Ammu said that he would have been eating

QUESTIONS

QW AV S MV
Manu : what are you doing?

Manu asked what they were doing.

QW S AV MV

Babu: where is she going? Babu asked where she was going.

Manu: Where is the station? Manu asked where the station was.

Anu: what have you got in your bag? Anu asked what she had got in my bag.

Salim: when is the next train? Salim asked when the next train was.

She: What do you want? She asked what they (did + want) wanted.

Shanu: when does he go there? Shanu asked when he (did + go) went there.

Sunu: which is your bag? Sunu asked which his bag was.

Karan: Why are you looking like this? Karan asked why he was looking like that.

Ravi: Where is the post office? Ravi asked where the post office was.

50
YES / NO QUESTIONS

AV S MV O
Babu : will she write a letter

Babu asked if / whether she would write a letter

S AV MV O

Salim: is anyone there? Salim asked if anyone was there.

Manu: Have you written novel? Manu asked whether she had written novel.
Anu: Do you sing song? Anu asked me if I sang song.
Sunu: Can you swim? Sunu asked me whether I could swim.

COMMANDS / REQUESTS AND ADVICES

Indirect commands, requests, advice are usually expressed by a verb of command/request/advice +
objectv+ infinitive.
 The following verbs can be used: advise, ask, beg, command, order, remind, tell, warn etc. He
said, ‚Get your coat, Tom!‛  He told Tom to get his coat.
 Negative commands, requests etc. are usually reported by not + infinitive: ‚Don’t swim out too
far, boys‛, I said  I warned/told the boys not to swim out too far.
 He said, ‚Lie down, Tom‛  He told Tom to lie down.

EXCLAMATIONS
Exclamations usually become statements in indirect speech. The exclamation mark disappears.
Exclamations beginning What (a) ... or How ... can be reported by:-
 exclaim/say that:
He said, ‚What a dreadful idea!‛ or ‚How dreadful!‛  He exclaimed that it was a dreadful
idea/was dreadful.
 give an exclamation of delight/disgust/horror/relief/surprise etc.
 if the exclamation is followed by an action we can use the construction with an exclamation of
delight/disgust etc. + he/she etc. + verb.
Other types of exclamation such as Good! Marvelous! Splendid! Heavens! Oh! Ugh! etc. can be
reported as in above:
 ‚Good!‛ he exclaimed.  He gave an exclamation of pleasure/satisfaction.
 ‚Ugh!‛ she exclaimed, and turned the programme off.  With an exclamation of disgust she
turned the programme off.
Note also:
 He said, ‚Thank you!‛  He thanked me.
 He said, ‚Good luck!‛  He wished me luck.
 He said, ‚Happy Christmas!‛  He wished me a happy Christmas.
 He said, ‚Congratulations!‛  He congratulated me.
 He said, ‚Liar!‛  He called me a liar.

51
  He said, ‚Damn!‛ etc.  He swore.
 The notice said: WELCOME TO WALES!  The notice welcomed visitors to Wales.

OFFERS AND SUGGESTIONS

Offers:-
 ‚Shall I bring you some tea?‛ could be reported He offered to bring me some tea.
Suggestions:-
 ‚Shall we meet at the theatre? could be reported He suggested meeting at the theatre.

MIXED TYPES
Direct speech may consist of statement + question, question + command, command + statement, or all
three together. Normally each requires its own introductory verb.
 ‚I don’t know the way. Do you?‛ he asked.  He said he didn’t know the way and asked her if
she did/if she knew it.
 He said that someone was coming and
told me to get behind the screen.

REPORTED SPEECH: OTHER POINTS
Must: after a past reporting verb, must does not usually change:
 He said, ‚It must be pretty late, I really must go‛.  He said that it must be pretty late and he
really must go.
had to is also possible in reported speech, but this is really the past of have to, not must.
 He said, ‚I have to go. I have an appointment in half an hour‛  He said that he had to go
because he had an appointment in half an hour.
Past modal verbs (could, might, ought to, should, used to, etc. ) do not normally change in reported
speech.
 He said, ‚I might come‛.  He said that he might come.
 He said, ‚I would help him if I could‛.  He said that he would help him if he could.
 He said, ‚You needn’t wait‛.  He said that I needn’t wait.
Conditional sentences type two remain unchanged.
 He said, ‚If my children were older I would emigrate‛.  He said that if his children
were older he would emigrate.

52
Reported Speech
Questions from previous SSLC English examinations
Q1. Report the following piece of conversation. (March 2015)
Holmes: Do you think our visitor is a doctor?
Watson: There is a possibility to be so.
a. What did Holmes ask Watson?
b. What was Watson’s reply?

replied that there was possibility to be so.)

Q2. Report the following piece of conversation. (March 2016)
Banker: What kind of punishment is better?
Lawyer: Both the punishments are immoral.
a. What did the banker ask the lawyer?
b. What did the lawyer reply?

Q3. Report the following dialogue. (March 2017)

Son: Where did you get it, father?
Father: I picked it up.
a. The son asked his father ...............
b. The father ..............................

Q4. Report the following dialogue. (March 2018)

Adichie: Who made this basket?
Fide’s mother: Fide’s brother has made it.
a. Adichie asked Fide’s mother .......................................
b. Fide’s mother replied ...............................................

Q5. Report the following dialogue. (March 2019)

Vanka: Where are we going?
Grandfather: We are going to Alyakhin, the shoemaker.
a. Vanka asked his grandfather.......................................
b. Grandfather replied ................................................

Q6. Report the following dialogue. (March 2020)

Mr. John: Do you remember me?
Dr. Cronin: I have never seen you in my life.
a. Mr. John asked Dr. Cronin ................................
b. Dr. Cronin replied .........................................
 SURE PHRASAL VERBS
(for IX & X CLASS)

1. Bring up - Rear hf¿ØpI

2. Call at - Visit a place Hcp ÿew kµ¿in°pI
3. Call on - Visit a person Hcp hy‡nsb kµ¿in°pI
4. Call off - Cancel d±m°pI
5. Come across - meet/find by chance bmZrivNnIambn ImWpI
6. Find out - Discover Is≠ØpI
7. get away - escape c£s∏SpI
8.
9.
give away
give in
-
-
Y
present / distribute kΩm\n°pI/hnXcWw sNøpI
surrender/yield IogS°pI
10.
11.
give up
go for
-
- E M
abandon Dt]£n°pI
attack B{Ian°pI
12.
13.
go on
go through
-
- AD
continue XpScpI
U
examine ]cntim[n°pI, read hmbn°pI
14. look after -
C D
take care of ]cn]men°pI
15. look into -
’ A O
investigate At\zjn°pI
16.
17.
look over
Look up
-
- S O
examine ]cntim[n°pI
search XncbpI
18. Make out - T UM
Understand a\ nem°pI
19.
20.
make up
pass away
N
-
E AR
-
complete ]q¿Ønbm°pI, invent sI´n®abv°pI
die acn°pI
21.
22.
put across
put an end to D Y
-
-
communicate/convey Bibhn\nabw \SØpI
stop Ahkm\n∏n°pI
23. put aside
TU A
- keep away am‰nhbv°pI
24.
25.
put in
put forward S P-
-
invest/submit \nt£]n°pI/ka¿∏n°pI
suggest \n¿t±in°pI
26. put on - wear [cn°pI
27. put off - postpone am‰nhbv°pI
28. put out - extinguish AWbv°pI
29. put up - build/stay \n¿Ωn°pI/XßpI
30. put up with - tolerate kln°pI
31. run into - meet ImWpI
32. set off/set out - start a journey bm{X Xncn°pI
33. set up - establish ÿm]n°pI start a new business ]pXnb kwcw`w XpSßpI
34. town down - reject / refuse \nckn°pI
35. turn up - arrive FØpI

Prepared by
Akhil, Uchakkada
Ph: 9539085176

Note : Most of the phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. Most important one is included
 1

Phrasal Verb questions

from previous SSLC English examinations
Q1: Choose the appropriate phrasal verbs from the ones given and complete the
passage given below: (2015, March)

Mother rejected (a) the children’s plea for going out and play. Finally they were allowed
to play within the compound. They started (b) to play hide and seek. Ravi hid in a shed
and could not understand (c) what was happening outside. When he came out, other
children had abandoned (d) hide and seek and started another game.

Give up Set out Turn down Put on Make up Make out

Q2: Fill in the blanks with the suitable forms of the phrasal verbs from the box
given below: (2016, March)

The results of the annual exam have been……………(a) on the notice board of the
school. Mira reached home and ………….( b) her uniform and ………..(c) to school. She
checked the results and informed her classmate Ravi that he had………(d) the exam.

Set off Get through Put up Put on Put up with

Q3: Complete the following passage choosing appropriate phrasal verbs given in
the box: (2017, March)

Amal has never been able to ………(a) early from bed. Though his mother set the alarm
clock, he simply turned it off and went back to sleep. Every morning he
would…………(b) late to school. So he…………(c) the class late every day. Amal
knew well that his class teacher would not ……………(d) the situation.

Put up with Get up Give up Put out Set out Get into

Q4: Complete the passage using appropriate phrasal verbs given below
(2018, March)
Adolf created some problems in our home. Our mother couldn’t …………(a) it. One
day Adolf ……………..(b) the curtain-rod with a smash. We …………(c) our hope to
tame him. Finally we ……d……. to send him away to the wild woods.

Put up with Gave up Pulled down Made up our mind Take off
 2

Q5. Complete the following passage using the appropriate phrasal verbs from the
ones given below: (2019, March)

Vanka tried his level best to………….(a) the torture his master had inflicted on him. But
it was unbearable for him. He tried to……….(b) this to other apprentices. But they
made fun of him. Then he decided to write a letter to his grandfather hoping he
would………(c) the letter and ………(d) the troubles Vanka was facing.

Go through Put up with Make out Put across

Q6. Complete the following passage using appropriate phrasal verbs from the ones
give below. (2020, March)

Aunt Jane thought Jack and Jill were working hard to ….a…..very well in their life. But
she could not ……b……the idea of instalment plans. She gave them a check and asked
them to……c…..one of their bills. She reminded them that if they didn’t pay their bills,
they would………d…..in the streets.

put up with pay off end up get along taken aback

Q7. Fill in the blanks using the right phrasal verbs from the ones given in the box.
(2021, March)

A lot of people …….a….. to watch the shooting of the film. The film crew ……b……..
requesting the people to clear the field. But all the requests were …..c……by the big
crowd that assembled there. But when the tiger emerged from the cage and …..d……the
crowd, they ran for their lives.
put up with go on turn down go for turn up

Answers:
Q1: a. turned down / b. set out / c. make out / d. given up
Q2: a. put up / b. put on / c. set out / d. got through
Q3: a. get up / b. set out / c. get into / d. put up with
Q4: a. put up with / b. pulled down / c. gave up / d. made up our mind
Q5: a. put up with / b. put across / c. go through / d. make out
Q6: a. get along / b. put up with / c. pay off / d. end up
Q7: a. turned up / b. went on / c. turned down / d. went for
 3

Some Phrasal Verbs and their meanings

1 be taken aback be shocked or astonished

2 come across meet or find by chance
3 end up to be in a place or situation
4 get along make a friendly relation; manage a situation
5 get away escape
6 get over recover from, overcome
7 get through Succeed in an exam, competition etc
8 get up rise from bed after sleeping
9 give in surrender, yield
10 give up abandon; stop making an effort, yield
11 go for compete; move to attack
12. go on continue
13 go through experience a difficult situation; read or examine
14 let off release, forgive
15 look after take care of; protect
16 make out understand
17 make up one’s mind make a decision, decide
18 pay off to be successful
19 put across explain an idea; convey something
20 put off postpone
21 put on wear
22 put up display a notice etc.; construct
23 Put up with tolerate
24 set out begin a journey; start an activity
25 set up arrange something; establish or build
26 take off remove clothe, etc. (bird, aircraft) begin to fly
27 turn down decline; reject
28 turn up appear; show up; arrive

*********************************************************************
Compiled by Mahmud K Pukayoor
English Eduspot Blog & Edu-Videos YouTube Channel
(www.englisheduspot.blogspot.com)
 1

Questions for Editing

from previous SSLC English examinations
Q1. Edit the underlined errors in the following passage. (March 2015)

I have lied (a) to my father yesterday. I had to face all sorts of problems because
of that. When I reached school Samuel sir took (b) the class. He asked me why
was I (c) late. Again, I had to lie and told him that I had a headache. I was
surprising (d) when he allowed me to enter the class.

Answers: a) lied b) was taking c) why I was d) surprised

Q2. Edit the underlined errors in the following passage. (March 2016)

All students are requested to be on (a) the class by 9:30am. When the teacher
enters the class, students should stood up (b) and wish the teacher. Each student
should respond to the roll call standing up and then sit down quitely (c). If a
student is late by any emergency, she / he are (d) free to seek permission of the
teacher to enter the class.

Answers: a) in b) stand up c) quietly d) is

Q3. Edit the underlined errors in the following passage. (March 2017)

Another lovely thought struck me. I would got (a) married to a woman doctor who
have (b) good plenty of money and a good medical practice. She had to be fat; for
a valid reason. If I made some mistake silly (c) and needed to run away she should
not be able to ran (d) after me and catch me!

Answers: a) get b) had c) silly mistake d) run

Q4. Edit the underlined errors in the following passage. (March 2018)

Ali had lost the bag in which he had kept his sister’s shoes from (a) the vegetable
store. He searched the place where he has kept (b) it. He put his hands in the gap
between the boxes. But he didn’t found (c) anything. Then he put his head inside
the gap and boxes fell down. The vegetables was (d) scattered all over the ground.

Answers: a) in b) had kept c) find d) were

 2

Q5. Edit the underlined errors in the following passage. (March 2019)

Mr. Thorat had been worked (a) in the company for many years. He was very
strong and look (b) like a Nepali. Ray tells (c) him that he wanted a tiger. He was
ready to providing (d) a trained tiger for the shooting.

Answers: a) had been working b) looked c) told d) provide

Q6. Edit the underlined errors in the following passage. (March 2020)

Adichie came for (a) a conventional middle class family. Her father was a
professor and her mother was a (b) administrator. She grew up on a university
campus in Nigeria. They have (c) a boy named Fide for domestic help. The only
thing she knew about Fide was that his family were (d) very poor.

Answers: a) from b) an c) had d) was

Q7. Edit the underlined errors in the following passage. (March 2021)

In the case of very famous stars, this job is done over (a) their stand-ins. A stand-
in is usually a person who is physical (b) similar to the real star. The stars
themself (c) arrive only when the lights are ready and it is time to taking (d) a
shot.

Answers: a) by b) physically c) themselves d) take

******************************************************************

Compiled by Mahmud K Pukayoor

English Eduspot Blog & Edu-Videos YouTube Channel
(www.englisheduspot.blogspot.com)
1.Edit the following text by choosing the right options:
1. My father was a farm labourer which [who/whom] couldn’t earn enough money to feeding [fed/feed]
eight child [childrens/children]. So when I were [is/was] Six I was given to my grandparents to raise.

2. When morning comes [came/coming] and it was light, I went downstairs. Opened[opens/opening] the
scullery door, I heard a sight scuffle. Then I saw Dabbles [dabbles/dabbles] of milk all over the floor and tiny
rabbit dropping on [in/at] the saucers.

3. He opens[opening/opened] the instant the door at [with/of] a clang, Our tiger emerged with a loudly
[loud/louding] roar. Straight at the villagers gathered before [behind/above] the Camera.

4. Middle distance shot of Ali and his sister Zahra reads [read/reading]. A baby’s crying [cried/cry] is heard.
Faint [fainted/faintly] on the soundtrack.

5. Two brothers set out on a journey togather [together/tuguthor] at noon. They lays [lay/laid] down in a
forest to rest .When they woke up they saw lying a stone [a stone lying/stone a lying] next to them. There
were [was/is] something written on the stone and they tried to make out what it was.

6. As he spoke with real feeling, I got a vividly picture of the work this two people were doing. I learned how
took they derelict adolescents from the juvenile courts, but placing them in a healthy environment.

7. No sooner the younger brother had gone into the forest, than he found the river, swam across it, and
there on the other side were the she-bear fastly asleep. He took his cubs and ran up to the mountain without
looking back.

8. We mounted the camera in its tripod and placed it so that it faces the bamboo grove. The audience were
instructed to get the camera behind and to step as far back as possible.

9. I felt then the great present of the creator of this world and universe. god was there. Suppose I said
something and he does not like it. I tried my in imagination to write in bright letters outside my little heart
the words! O God!

10. I could feel my heart pounding loud in my chest. Something bitter and vile tasting were coming up in my
mouth. I was afraid I am going to be sick. I don't need any sympathy speeches.

11. Ali had lost the bag in which he had kept his sisters shoes from the vegetable shop. He searched the place
where he has kept it. He put his hands in the gap between the boxes. But he did not found anything. Then he
put his head inside the gap and the boxes fell down. The vegetables was scattered all over the ground.
(SSLC 2018)
12. Mr. Thorat had been worked in the company for many years . He was very strong and look like a Nepali.
Ray tells him that he wanted a tiger . He was ready to providing s trained tiger for shooting the scene.
(SSLC 2019)

13. Adichie came for a conventional middle class family. Her father was a professor and her mother was a
administrator. She grew upon a university campus in Nigeria. They have a boy named Fide for domestic help.
The only thing Adichie knew about Fide was that his family were very poor. (SSLC 2020)
14. On the second day out from New York while makes the round of the prominent deck I suddenly become
aware that one of the passenger was watching me close, following me at his gaze every time I passed.
(SSLC 2021)
15. Adichie talk about the danger of a single story in her speech. She tells us that it is not a single story, and
many stories make a human being. If we listen to a single story, we will have only a distorted perspective of
a person. According to her, the single story not only create stereo types , but also makes one story became
the only story.
Edit the following
1. The doctor laugh (a) . I have never see (b) it since . It were (c) a snake who (d) was taken with their own (e)
beauty.

2. The snake and the mirror are (a) a story with the lonely life of a doctor who encounter (b) an unwelcome
guest . He turned into a stone . He felt a (c) presence of God near him . He felt pain in his left arm which (d) the
snake has (e) coiled . He realized that if the snake bit him he will (f) die as he did not have any medicine in her
(g) room . He think (h) he was a poor and stupid doctor.

3. ‘Children of Heaven’ is an Iranian film write (a) and directed by Majid Majidi . The adventure of a boy after
he loses his sisters (b) pair of shoes are (c) the central theme of the film . The film had (d) a universal value .

4. Mr. Thorat fronwed (a) . I’m not sure , he replied ‘ I has (b) never let him out at his cage on his own , So
really I don’t knew ’ (c) .

5. When the doctor was sitting at (a) the chair he was coiled by a snake . He tried to stood up (b) ; but he cannot
(c) . Then the snake look (d) in to the mirror . It slither (e) near to the mirror . He ran to their (f) friend’s house .

6. Immediately I smear (a) oil all over myself and took a bath . I changed in to fresh clothes . The next morning
at about eight-thirty I took my friend and one or two other (b) to my room to moves (c) my things from there .
But we found we had little to carry . The room had been out cleaned (d) by some thief ! But not really , the thief
had leaved (e) behind one thing as a final insult !

7. Then another lovely thought struck me . I would marry . I would got (a) married to a woman doctor whose
(b) had plenty of money and an (c) good medical practice . She had to been (d) fat ; for a valid reason . If I
make (e) some silly mistakes and needed to run away she should not be able to ran (f) after me and catch i (g) .

8. Mr . Thorat’s men had fix (a) a five foot iron rod to the ground , about thirty feet from the area when (b) the
tiger was supposed to take a walk . They took a thin , long wire and fixed one end to the collar maid (c) of tiger
skin that the tiger was already wear (d) . The other end were (e) tied firmly to the visible
portion of the iron rod .

9. The doctor lived on (a) a rented room who (b) was not electrified . He did not have good medical practice but
(c) his earnings was (d) very less . He were (e) a great admirer of beauty and spent hours in front of the mirror .

10.He was asked to brought (a) his birds , and he arrived with almost a hundred trained raven (b) .
Admittedly ,their training had not went (c) very bad . That is to say they could not do nothing (d) that might be
see (e) as extraordinary .

11.Grand father had never see (a) white squirrels before , and we gazing (b) at them in wonder . We was (c)
puzzled for sometime , but when I mentioned the white rats (d) frequent visit to the tree , grandfather told my
(e) that the rat must be the father .

12.Halfway up the tree I had build (a ) a small platform on which I would spent (b) the afternoon where (c) it
wasn’t to (d) hot . I could read their (e) , propping himself (f) up against the bole of the tree with cushions take
(g) from the drawing room .

13.In the spring , which (a) the banyan tree were (b) full of small red figs , bird (c) of all kinds would flocked
(d) in to its branches , the red bottomed bulbul , cheerful and greed (e) ; gossiping rosy- pastors ; parrots and
crows , squabbling from (f) each other all the time .

14.It were (a) an April afternoon . And the warm breezes of approaching summer have (b) sent everyone ,
including grandfather , indoors . I was felt (c) drowsy myself and was wondering if I should going (d) to the
pond behind the house for a swim , when I see (e) a huge black cobra gliding of a out (f) clump of
cactus .
15.I am so excited . I could met (a) the doctor for the second time . Still I remembers (b) that night .Then I was
only 17 and the doctor whom (c) was practising in London was living me to next (d) . I fell in bad company and
almost destroyed myselves (e) with drugs and gambling . Thank god ! Now I am saved .

16.I read the story of Adichie . It was realy (a) a touching one . She were (b) talking about the danger of a single
story . What she read were mostly British and American stories . Later , she when (c) began to write stories ,
she was influenced by this (d) stories .

17.Adichie begins her speech by telling us a story what about (a) she used to write as a child . She would write
stories that was (b) similar to the foreign stories she had read who (c) had white skinned children with blue eyes
,nothing like her . Only when she find (d) African stories did she realize that people like her could be in stories .
If we read only a version of stories about the world , we would (e) feel that this is the life of the people in that
place .

18.All of these stories make me whom (a) I am . But to insist on only this (b) negative stories is to flatten their
(c) experience . The single story create (d) stereotypes , and the problem at (e) stereotypes is not that they are
untrue , but that they are incomplete .
19.AJ . Cronin was travel (a) from America to London . On the ship he met Mr . John whom (b) was a solicitor
in London . Cronin saves (c) young John’s life 25 years ago . John had stolen some money from his office .
Terrified of the prosecution , he had himself shut (d) in his room and attempted suicide .

20.In May , close to graduation , spring fever have (a) struck as usually (b) with an (c) vengeance . No one pay
(d) any attention in the class ; instead we stared of out (e) the windows and each other , wanting to sped up (f)
the last few week (g) of school .

21.I stare (a) at him in shock , and a small sound of dismay escaped my throat . I hadn’t expect (b) this . He still
avoided looked (c) in my eyes . ‘ So if you are unable to pay the 15 dollars for the jacket , it would (d) be given
to the next one in line . I hadn’t (e) need to ask whose (f) that was .

22.I looked on (a) him , forcing my eyes to staying (b) dry . ‘ I know , sir , but he said if I have (c) to pay for it ,
then it wouldn’t be a scholarship jacket ’. I stand (d) up to leave . ‘ I guess you will had (e) to give it to Joann . I
hadn’t mean (f) to say that , it had slipped just (g) out .
23.His face looks (a) as happy and innocence (b) as a babys (c) , but I knew best (d) . Without answer (e) I gave
him a quick hug and run (f) to the bus . I cried on the walk home again , but this time becuase (g) I was so
happy .
24.As he regain (a) his strength , he told us him (b) story . His parents was (c) dead . An uncle had find (d) him
a position as clerk in a London solicitors (e) office . He is (f) been in the city only six months .
25.Vanka is really afraid in (a) his master . The master always punish (b) him . Vanka wants to escaped (c) from
the place . One of his hopes are (d) to write a letter to his grandfather . So , he have (e) started to write a letter .
26.I read the story of Vanka . It was realy (a) a touching story . Vanka were (b) cruelly treated in Alyakhin’s
house . The master and the mistress brutally punished him for even very small issues . He feel (c) very bad and
he wrote a letter to his grandfather . He posting (d) the letter .
27.Our class have (a) decided to bring out a class magazine . All students is (b) invited to contribute there (c)
creative articles to this new endeavour . The articles should submit (d) to the chief editor in or before 20 the
march .
28.Raju ‘s grandparents are lives (a) in the village . He visit (b) his grandparents every month . But , last
month , Raju not go (c) to the village . Yesterday he had gone (d) to the village . When he reached the village ,
he found that his brother reached e) before .
29.The city police has decided to took (a) stern action against the drivers which (b) attempt to overtake in (c)
the left side on city road . All driver (d) who violate this rule will be punish (e) .
30.When his father die (a) in 2001 , Raju is just 15 years old . Then his family left Dubai and settled on (b)
Kerala . He studied for his higher secondary in one of the school (c) in his home town . He later take (d) a
master’s degree in English and became an (e) teacher . He want to going (f) back to Dubai which (g) he
spend his boyhood days .
31.I had met (a) Raju in 1988 . Then he works (b) in a company in Madras . He worked (c) there since 1995 .
He resigns (d) that job last month . Now he tried (e) for a job in Kerala .
 Completing Conversation
Questions from previous SSLC English examinations
Q1. Complete the following conversation between Martha and a news reporter.
(March 2017)

Reporter: You are Martha, ………a……..?

Martha: Yes, I am.
Reporter: ………..b……….?
Martha: I am in class eight.
Reporter: You won the scholarship jacket, …….c……?
Martha: Yes, I did.
Reporter: ……………….d……………..?
Martha: No, I didn’t pay anything.
Reporter: Indeed you deserve it. ………e…….!
Martha: Thank you sir.

Answers: a. aren’t you? b. Which class are you in? c. didn’t you? d. Did you pay
anything? e. Congratulations!

Q2. Complete the following conversation between the Doctor and his friend.
(March 2018)

Friend: You look frightened,……..a……..?

Doctor: Yes, I am.
Friend: ……….b…………..?
Doctor: A snake fell from the roof of my room and landed on my shoulder.
Friend: oh! ……..c………….?
Doctor: No, it didn’t do anything.
Friend: What? It didn’t bite you?
Doctor: If I had moved a little, …………d…………..
Friend: Then you had better ………..e…………
Doctor: Yea, I am thinking of finding a new house.

Answers: a. don’t you? b. What happened to you? c. Did it do anything?

d. it would have bitten me. e. shift to a new house.
Q3. Complete the following conversation between Martha and Schmidt.
(March 2019)

Schmidt: You’re getting the scholarship jacket this year, …….a………..?

Martha: Yes, sir. I am very happy to get it.
Schmidt: …….b………..?
Martha. Yes. The school board has changed the decision.
Schmidt: That’s good. If you had paid for the jacket, …….c……… .
Martha: My grandpa also said so.
Schmidt: ………….d…………….?
Martha: Yes, I have informed this news to my grandpa. He was very happy to learn
that.
Schmidt: You had better ……………….e……………….
Martha: Sure. I’ll ask grandpa to come to the award ceremony.

Answers: a. aren’t you? b. Has the school board changed the decision?
c. it wouldn’t have been a scholarship jacket. d. Have you informed this
news to your grandpa? e. invite your grandpa to the award ceremony.

Q4. Complete the following conversation between Adichie and her roommate.
(March 2020)

Roommate: You’re from Nigeria, …….a……..?

Adichie: Yes.
Roommate: ………………….b………………?
Adichie: Because English is our official language.
Roommate: Your official language! That information is new to me.
Adichie: I used to read a lot of English books when I was a child.
Roommate: ……………………c…………………..?
Adichie: No, I don’t listen to tribal music.
Roommate: But, Africa is known for its tribal music.
Adichie: Maybe. If you want to listen to Mariah Carey, ………………d…………..
Roommate: No, thank you. I have a good collection of her songs.

Answers: a. aren’t you? b. How can you speak English so well? c. Do you listen to
tribal music? d. I can play her tapes for you.
Q5. Complete the following conversation suitably. (March 2021)

Friend: You look really sad, ……a…….?

Martha: Yeah, I never thought I should pay for the scholarship jacket.
Friend: …………….b……………………….?
Martha: I won’t get the scholarship jacket this year.
Friend: ……………..c…………………….?
Martha: They can take such decisions as they please,
Friend: …………………d……………………..?
Martha: No, I can’t pay the amount they demanded.
Friend: Then You can approach Grandfather. If you ask him, …………….d…….
Martha: I don’t think so.
Friend: Then you’d better,……………e………….
Martha: Yeah, I am thinking of complaining to the higher authorities.

Answers: a. don’t you? b. What will happen if you don’t pay for it? c. How can they
take such a decision? d. Can you pay the amount they demanded?
d. he will give you the money. e. complain to the higher authorities.

*********************************************************************

Compiled by Mahmud K Pukayoor

English Eduspot Blog & Edu-Videos YouTube Channel
(www.englisheduspot.blogspot.com)
Conversations Snake and the Mirror.
4. Complete the conversation between the Doctor and
Complete the following conversations suitably his friend the next day after his escape from the snake.
Friend: Good Morning doctor,. How do you feel now?
Adentures in a Banyan Tree Doctor: I’m fine now, but yesterday I was really
1.Complete the conversation between the boy and his frightened?
grandfather. Friend: Actually--------------------------?
Boy: Grandfather-------------------? Doctor: A snake slithered along my shoulder and
Grandfather: It is as old as the town of Dehra. coiled around my left arm.
Boy: You have climbed the Banyan tree,-----------? Friend: It was a cobra,-------------?
Grandfather: Yes, I ‘ve climbed many times. Doctor: Yes a full blooded cobra.
Boy: -----------------------------------? Friend: ----------------------?
Grandfather: Your grandmother tells the story of Doctor: I remained motionless like a stone.
Countess Desmond and teases me. Friend: ------------------------?
Boy: Grandpa if you climb the tree at this Doctor: Yes I felt some pain in my left arm.
age------------. Friend: Oh God If it had stricken you-------
Grandfather: Yes, it will be difficult for me at this age. Doctor: Yes sure because I didn’t have any medicine
Boy: You had better---------------------- with me.
Friend: Any way you had better consult a doctor
2.Complete the conversation between the boy and his
friend after the fight between the mongoose and the
cobra. PROJECT TIGER
Boy : Have you ever seen a fight between mangoose 5.Complete the following conversation between
and cobra. Satyajit Ray and Mr Thorat.
Friend : No,--------------------.
Boy : Yesterday I saw one. It was really terrible. Mr. Thorat: Hello sir, How can I help you?
Friend: --------------------------------? Ray: I want a tiger for shooting my next film.
Boy : It was near the Banyan tree. Mr. Thorat: A tiger-------------------------?
Friend: The cobra killed the mangoose,-------------? Ray: I need it for a couple of hours.
Boy : No, I thought it might happen but the mangoose Mr. Thorat: Where is the shooting?
was so swift that it killed the cobra. Ray: It is in a thick bamboo give in Shiuri.
Friend: If had come with Mr. Thorat: I think it takes almost a day to reach
you-------------------------------- there,-------------------?
Boy : You had better-------------------------------- Ray: Yes, but-----------------?
Mr. Thorat: We shall take it in a lorry.
Ray: Can we set the animal free in the Bamboo Grove
3.Complete the conversation between grandfather and Mr. Thorat: No, If we tie it with a thin wire-----------.
grandmother. Ray: You had better ---------------------------
Grandma : Hey, my dear,................(a).............?
Grandpa: I was there in the garden. What’s the The best Investment I ever made.
matter? 6.Complete the conversation between sergant and the
Grandma : Our grandson has built a platform up on doctor.
the banyan tree. .........(b)............? Sergeant : Doctor please come fast.
Grandpa: No, I haven’t seen it. Why did he build it Doctor: _________________________?
there? Sergeant : A man tried to commit suicide.
Grandma : ................(c)......... If you want, you also Doctor: He is alive__________________?
can enjoy sitting there. Sergeant : I think so but he is unconscious.
Grandpa: I can’t climb trees at this age of sixty-five. Doctor: If he is
Grandma : Sixty-Five is not too old an age. You’ve unconscious______________________
lost all your courage. Do you know the Countess of Sergeant : But doctor before taking him to the
Desmond? hospital_______________?
Grandpa: ...............(d).................. Who is that? Doctor: We shall give him some first aid.
Grandma : She was an English woman who used to Sergeant : Then try Doctor.
climb tree till her death at the age of 117. Doctor: You had better____________________
Grandpa: Then, you’re my Countess! You go climbing Sergeant : Ok Doctor I shall call an ambulance.
trees; I can’t any more.
7.Complete the conversation between Mr John and Mr
Cronin.
John : You still don’t remember me,__________?
Cronin : Sorry I don’t remember you, May I know
who you are?
John : You saved a man’s life 25 years ago
Cronin: Oh! I do remember it now____________?
John : Yes sir, I am John and that is my wife.
Cronin: ____________________________?
John : I’m a social worker, I help the derelict
adolescents to come back to life.
Cronin: Good, Helping others makes ones life
meaningful.
John : If you hadn’t saved
me_____________________
Cronin: That’s my duty
John : __________________________?
Cronin: Yes, I still live in London.

8.Complete the dialogue between Mr John and the

Doctor.
Doctor: Hello Mr John_________________?
Mr John: I feel better today. You are the doctor who
saved me__________________?
Doctor: Yes, but why did you try to commit suicide
Mr John: ____________________________?
Doctor: Why not?
Mr John: Doctor I don’t have anything to live on.
Doctor: What happened to you, you had
better______________________
Mr. John: Thank you very much doctor

Project Tiger
9. Complete the conversation between Satyajit Ray
and the Circus Manager.
Ray: Good morning sir. I am Satyajit Ray.
Manager: Good morning_______________?
Ray: I want a tiger from you circus company for the
shooting of my new film.
Manager: ________________________?
Ray: Only for two hours
Manager: If you consult our ring
master_____________________________________?
Ray: Mr Thorat is your ringmaster______________?
Manager: Yes of course you had better____________.
Ray: Ok sir
Manager: See you, Have a nice day
 Question Formation
There are mainly two types of questions – Wh-questions and Yes/No answer questions.
1. Wh-questions begin with a question word. [Word order: Question Word + Auxiliary + Subject + Verb....?]
2. Yes/No answer questions begin with an Auxiliary Verb. [Word order: Auxiliary + Subject + Verb....?]

NOTE:
• Where there is no Auxiliary Verb already present in the statement, we use the auxiliary ‘do/does/did’ tp form
the question.
• When the Question Word (Wh-word) comes in the Subject position of the question sentence, no need to use
‘do/does/did’ as in: ‘What happened? Who told you? [NOT what did happen? Who did tell you?]
{
t Subject  Question Word 
 a  QW  answer, answer sentence 
Subject  
 y
m Do / does / did u
c Verb  c !
"#" .}
Statement Word Order Question Word Order
(Sub + (aux) Verb + Object/Complement) [Wh-QW + Aux + Sub + Verb ...? ]
[ Aux + Sub + Verb ... ? ]
1. No, his Grandfather can’t climb trees any longer. Can his Grandfather climb trees any longer?
2. Yes, the doctor wanted to marry a fat woman doctor. Did the doctor want to marry a fat woman doctor?
3. Mr. Schmidt supported Martha. Who supported Martha?
4. Nilkanta disliked Satish’s presence. Whose presence did Nilkanta dislike?
5. Vanka was afraid of his master and mistress. Whom was Vanka afraid of?
6. Mr. John and Mrs John had been in the field of social How long had Mr. John and Mrs John been in the
work for the last fifteen years. field of social work?
7. Aunt Jane had given Jack and Jill 200 pounds as a How much had Aunt Jane given Jack and Jill as a
wedding gift. wedding gift?
8. The boy’s grandfather was 65 years of age. How old was the boy’s grandfather?
9. No, I don’t think Martha’s grandpa is an educated man. Do you think Martha’s grandpa is an educated man?
10. The boy built a platform half way up the tree. Where did the boy build the platform?
11. No, Dr AJ Cronin could not recognize Mr. John. Could Dr AJ Cronin recognize Mr.John?
12.A junk collector took Ali’s bag of shoes from the shop. Who took Ali’s bag of shoes from the shop?
Common Question Words
Question Word Reference Examples
Who? Person/Pet animals (subject) Who supported Martha?
Whom? Person/Pet animals (object) Whom did Mr. John meet on the ship?
Whose? Person/Pet animals (possessive) Whose inkstand was missing?
Where? Place Where did Ray get a trained tiger from?
When? Time When do all kinds of birds flock into the branches?
What? Things/ ideas / actions etc. What did Ali buy from the bakery?
Which? Choice (things/animals/ideas etc.) Which birds did Hitchcock want for his film ‘Birds’?
Why? Reason Why did Satish call Nilkanta ‘thief’?
What kind? Description What kind of a jacket was the scholarship jacket?
What time? Time (specific) What time did the sergeant knock at the door?
How? Manner / way How did Alyakhin and the others treat Vanka?
How many? Number – countable) How many tigers did Mr. Thorat bring?
How much? Amount / price – uncountable) How much did Mr. John take from his office safe?
How long? Duration ; length How long had Vanka been apprenticed to Alyakhin?
How often? Frequency How often do Alyakhin and his wife punish Vanka?
How far? Distance How far was Vanka’s village from Moscow town?
How old? Age How old was Konstantin Makacrich?
How come?* Reason (equivalent to ‘why?’) How come the doctor wanted to marry a fat lady?
*Questions with ‘How come?’ take the normal word order.

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Frame questions as directed:
1. Imagine you meet the boy in the story ‘Adventures in the Banyan Tree’. You want to ask him some questions
about the fight between the cobra and the mongoose. Prepare FIVE questions.
a. Where were you when the cobra and the mongoose started fighting?
b. Did they not see you?
c. Who won the fight?
d. Had you ever seen a similar fight before?
e. Do you love the winner mongoose?

2. Now you want to know more about the white squirrel babies from the boy. Ask him SIX questions about the
squirrel babies.
a. How did you come across the squirrel babies?
b. Have you seen or heard about white squirrels before?
c. What did you feel when you saw them for the first time?
d. How often do you visit them?
e. Are they completely white in colour?
f. Can I come and see them?
3. Imagine that Kiran asks many questions to Nilkant about his past life and the boat accident. You may frame at
least SIX such questions.
a. How old were you when you joined the theatrical group?
b. Why did you join the group at a very young age?
c. What happened to your parents?
d. Don’t you have any brothers or sisters?
e. How could you survive the boat accident?
f. When did you learn swimming?
4. Imagin that you meet Martha after she won the Scholarship Jacket, and you ask many questions. Prepare SIX
questions that you want to ask her.
a. Are you happy now, Martha?
b. Who actually supported you to overcome the problems?
c. Why did Mr. Boone oppose you?
d. Whose encouragement helped you to become a class valedictorian?
e. Are you still living with your grandparents?
f. How often do you visit your parents?
5. Suppose you meet Mr.Thorat after the first shooting attempt, which hasn’t been successful. You want to ask
him some questions about their next plan. Frame SIX questions to ask Mr. Thorat.
a. When and where are you going to take the next shooting?
b. Will you change the tigers?
c. Do you think Mr. Ray should change the camera?
d. What will you do to keep the audience away from the location?
e. How far is your new shooting location?
f. How long will it take to reach the new location?
6. Imagine that you are a representative of an instalment company. Jack and Jill are your clients and you ask them
some questions. Prepare at least SIX likely questions.
a. Do you need any more household appliances?
b. Do you pay your instalment amounts regularly?
c. How often do you make your payments?
d. Are you happy with the items you purchased from us?
e. What do you like to buy next?
f. How much do you pay now as the down payment?
=================================================================================
(c) Prepared by Mahmud K Pukayoor
English Eduspot Blog (www.englisheduspot.blogspot.com)

www.apluseducare.blogspot.com
QUESTION TAGS
Question tags are short questions at the end of statements.
They are mainly used in the speech when we want to
• Confirm that something is true or not
• To encourage the reply from the person we are speaking to.
Question tags are formed with the auxiliary or modal verbs from the statement and
the appropriate subject.
A positive statement is followed by the negative question tag.
1. You are an expert, aren’t you?
2. I am a doctor, aren’t I?
3. You are Indian, aren’t you?
A negative statement is followed by positive question tag.
➢ He will never know, will he?
➢ Ann hasn’t cleaned the plates, has she?
➢ This won’t do perfectly, will it?
➢ My car is not a new model, is it?
We often use question tags when we expect the listener to agree with our statement
in this case. When the statement is positive we can use negative question tag. If
the statement is negative, we can use the positive question tag.
Formation
If there is an auxiliary verb in the statement, we use it to form the question tag.
➢ I am late, ..................
➢ The boy is from Kottayam ,
1➢ Anu and Manu will arrive tomorrow,
➢ The painters are cleaning the wall,
➢ The mechanic is repairing the car,
➢ We can’t stay here,
➢ You have been driving fast,
➢ London is not a big city,
➢ There is fish for our lunch,
➢ Computer games are not good for children,
➢ These are not easy questions,
➢ My sister has been living in London for 10 years,
➢ They have been arranging a party for us,
When the verb in the main sentence is in the simple present, we form the question
tag with do / does
➢ Dogs like meat, don’t they?
➢ They watch football, don’t they?
➢ Rifanan plays cricket, doesn’t he?
If the verb is in the simple past we form the tag with did
Mohan played cricket, didn’t he?
We liked to spend our time there, didn’t they?
Mohan played cricket, didn’t he?
Sheba wrote a letter, didn’t he?
2.When the statement contains a word with a negative meaning, the question
tag needs to be positive.

1.She hardly speaks, does she?

2.We have never gone there, have we?
3.Few students came to the class, did they?
4.No one has done the work, have they?
5.We did little work, did we?
6.I have scarcely passed the test, have I?
7.We seldom play the match, do we?
If there is an auxiliary verb in the statement, we use it to form the question
tag.

It is a big house, isn’t it?

I don’t like juice,
The students have already left school,
I have not passed my examination,
The boy will cross the road,
My friend often goes out,
I drink a cup of coffee,
His parents work aboard,
Questions for practice
1. You were absent yesterday
2. My brother can do it easily.
3. We are not going to hospital now
4. A tortoise is like a turtle
5. There is a programme
6. The doctors have attended the meeting
7. Machine hasn’t become cheap
8. They will meet me tomorrow
9. We won’t win this match
10. She went early

NEGATIVE WORDS

no, not,nor,Little, few, none,hardly, scarcely, never, rarely,

1,Nobody has practiced it, have they?

2.Someone has taken the luggage,
3.Let us go for a walk,
4.Let me avoid the mistake,
5.There was little water in the bottle,
6.Few men appreciate,
7.No one was injured,
8.Everyone is likely to make mistakes ,
9.Little progress has been made,
10.A little progress had been possible,
11.Have another cup of tea,
12.Try to swim,
13.Remember to switch off the fan,
14.Use your intelligence,
15.This is a big store,
16.India is a large country,
17.Nobody came,
18.No one of them arrived,
19.Few people knew it,
20.Poor people hardly get it,
21.Everybody wanted it,
22.There are forty students,
23.One should come here,
 Editing
Question 1 Question 7
(From SCERT Question Pool) Mr Thorat's men had fix (a) a five foot iron rod to the
There are certain errors in the passage given below. ground, about thirty feet from the area whom (b) the
They are underlined. Edit them. tiger was supposed to take a walk. They took a thin, long
wire and fixed one end to the collar maid (c) of tiger-
Ottaal (The Trap) is a Malayalam film directs(a) by skin that the tiger was already wearing. The other end
Jayaraj. It is a (b) adaptation of the were (d) tied firmly to the visible portion of the iron rod.
short story ‘Vanka’ by Anton Chekhov. It is the first
movie in India be to (c) released Question 8
online on the same day of its theatrical release. I’m so excited. I could met (a) the doctor for the second
time. Still I remembers (b) that night. Then I was only
Question 2 17 and doctor whom (c) was practising in London was
I read the story of Vanka. It was realy (a) a touching living next to me. I fell in bad company and almost
story. Vanka were (b) cruelly treated in Alyakin's house. destroyed myselves (d) with drugs and gambling. Thank
The master and the mistress brutally punished him for God! Now I’m saved.
even very small issues. He feel (c) very bad and he wrote
a letter to his grandfather. He posting (d) the letter. Question 9
(From Orukkam 2017) (Choose from the brackets)
Question 3 “The Snake and Mirror” are (is/were)1 a story with the
‘The Book that Saved the Earth’ is a play who (a) tells lonely life of a doctor who encounter
about a Martian invasion that takes place in the twentieth (encounters/encountered)2 an unwelcome guest. He
century. Twentieth century is described as the era for (b) turned into a stone. He felt a (an/the)3 presence of God
books. Think Tank and his team is (c) confident enough to near him. He felt pain in his left arm which
invade the earth. They believes (d) that the Earthlings are (where/who)4 the snake has (have/had)5 coiled. He
inferior creatures. They are try (e) their level best to realized that if the snake bit him he would die as he did
conquer the earth but fail. not have any medicine in her (his/him)6 room. He
thought that he was a poor, foolish, and stupid doctor.
Question 4
Tagore's memory regarding the Ramayana was that he sit Question 10
(a) on the window sill of his mother's door to read the Children of Heaven is an Iranian film write
Ramayana with a marbled paper cover. It belonged to his (writes/written) 1 and directed by Majid Majidi. The
mothers (b) aunt. He also remember (c) that it was a adventure of a boy after he loses his sisters
faint afternoon with a cloud (d) sky. (sister’s/sisters’) 2 pair of shoes are(were/is) 3 the
central theme of the film. The film had(has/have) 4 a
Question 5 universal valu
Then another lovely thought struck me. I would marry. I
would got (a) married to a woman doctor who had plenty
of money and an (b) good medical practice. She had to
been (c) fat; for a valid reason. If I made some silly Answers
mistake and needed to run away she shall (d) not be able Question 1
a) directed b) an c) to be
to run after me and catch me! Question 2
a) really b) was c) felt d) posted
Question 6 Question 3
a) which b) of c) are d) believe e) trying
Immediately I smear (a) oil all over myself and took a Question 4
bath. I changed into fresh clothes. The next morning at a) sat b) mother’s c) remembered d) cloudy
Question 5
about eight-thirty I took my friend and one or two others a) get b) a c) be d) should
to my room to moves (b) my things from there. But we Question 6
found we had little to carry. The room had been a) smeared b) move c) cleaned out d) left
Question 7
out cleaned (c) by some thief! But not really, the thief a) fixed b) where c) made d) was
had leaved (d) behind one thing as a final insult!' Question 8
a) meet b) remember c) who d) myself
Question 9
1) is 2) encountered 3) the 4) where 5) had 6) his
Question 10
a) written b) sister’s c) is d) has
 Cloze Type
(Questions from SCERT Question Pool 2016) Question 8:
Question 1: Last November our school arranged a tour / (a) Agra
Supply the missing words in the following passage. especially to see the Taj Mahal. All of us know /(b) it is a
world famous monument built /(c) Shahjahan in memory/
A small group / (a) men are waiting in a queue outside / (b) (d) his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. It is built/(e) the
bakery to buy nan. The outline of buildings / (c) the street is bank of river Yamuna.
seen in the distance. Ali is seen coming out / (d) the bakery (on, by, of, that, to)
into the footpath, the parcel of nan in his right hand and the
parcel of shoes in his left.
Answers
(the, into, of, in, from) (Questions from Vidyajyothi 2016-17)
Question 1: a. of b. the c. in
Question 2: d. from
Vanka sighed, dipped his pen _____(a) the ink, and went on Question 2: a. in b. a c. by
writing: 'And yesterday I had such _____(b) hiding. The d. into
mother took me _____(c) the hair and dragged me out Question 3: a. on b. an c. while
_____(d) the yard. d. on e. the
(a, into, for, in, by) Question 4: a. a b. to c. in
d. the
Question 3: Question 5: a. from b. a c. at
Malala Yousafzai was born / (a) July 12, 1997, in Mingora, d. to
Pakistan. As a child, she became / (b) advocate of girls' Question 6: a. into b. across c. the
education. On October 9, 2012, a gunman shot Malala / (c) she d. with e. on
was travelling home from school. She survived and continued / Question 7: a. into b. the c. a d. an
(d) speak out on the importance of education. She was awarded Question 8: a. to b. that c. by d. of
/ (e) Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. e. on

Question 4: Answers to:

Martha was very sad. She never expected such / (a) tragedy.
(Questions from Vidyajyothi 2016-17)
She cried a lot. The principal was adamant. He told her / (b)
bring fifteen dollars the next day. She was born / (c) a poor
family. So it was unable for her to bring / (d) money. Question 1:

Question 5: /a. against / b. to/ c. of / d. In/

Adolf always dreamt of hopping /(a) the world of
domestication into the unrestrained world of wildness. His Question 2:
wanderings cost him / (b) shock. At the yard, a cat glowered /
(c) him. The children and the mother had to run out / (d) save / a. an / b. to/ c. or / d. a /
it. Though mother complained about Adolf, she reared it like
her own child. Question 3:
(on, at, a, and, the, to, from)
/a. of / b. into/ c. by/ d. to/ e. and /f. of/ g. for/
Question 6:
Let him go straight / (a) the forest at sunrise. In the forest a
river will appear; let him swim / (b) the river to the other side.
Question 4:
There he will find a she-bear and her cubs. Let him take / (c)
cubs from her and run up the mountain / (d) them, without once / a. a/ b. which/ c. the/ d. from/ e. to/ f. as /g. and/
looking back. / (e) the top of the mountain, he will see a house
and will find happiness. Question 5:
(across, with, into, in, on, the)
/a. so / b. the / c. that / d. and / e. in / f. to / g. with/
Question 7:
The snake turned its head. It looked / (a) the mirror and saw its
reflection. I do not claim that it was / (b) first snake that had
ever looked into / (c) mirror. But it was certain that the snake
was looking into the mirror. Was it trying to make / (d)
important decision about growing a moustache or using eye
shadow?
(a, into, an, the, by, at)
(Questions from Vidyajyothi 2016-17)
 Phrasal Verbs
Question 1 (From SCERT QP) Question 7
Read the following passage and use the phrasal verbs Two brothers ____a_____ on a journey together. At noon
given in brackets to fill in the blanks. they lay down in a forest to rest. When they woke up they
____b____ a stone lying next to them. There was something
Oh! I have ______a______ hope of a peaceful life. All my written on the stone, and they tried to ____c____ what it
attempts to ______b______ Aliyakhin are in vain. He is was.
cruel and has no sympathy for me. My grandfather doesn’t (came across, set out, let off, make out, )
reply to my letter. I tried to ____c____ my anguish and
misery to him in the letter. But I don’t know why he is Question 8 (From Orukkam 2017)
reluctant to reply. I hope somehow I will ______d_______ Replace the underlined expressions with suitable forms of
the crisis. the phrasal verbs given in brackets.
(put up with, get away, get over, give up, put across) (go on, call on, put on, put across, get away, call for)

Question 2 1. I don’t think I managed to express my ideas very

The rabbit was _____a_____ well at home. But it tried to well in my interview.
____b_____to the wild. Mother _____c______ 2. He wore his new black jacket.
complaining about keeping the rabbit at home. She wanted
3. I thought we might visit my mother on our way –
everyone to _____d______ from the rabbit.
(get off, turn up, keep away, look after, go on) I’ve got some gifts for her.
4. We walked to the next beach to escape from the
Question 3 crowds.
Vanka ____a______ his cap and ran out. On the way he 5. If you continue behaving like this, you will lose all
____b_____ the man at the butcher's shop. Vanka asked your friends.
him about the way to the city. The man doubted whether 6. It’s the sort of work that needs a high level of
Vanka would _____c_____ to the city since snowfall was
concentration
heavy. The man asked Vanka to ______d______ his
journey for the next day.
Question 9
(make it, put on, come across, put off, put in)
Match the following:
Question 4 A B
The Doctor : I ______a______ a problem tonight. Go on Wear
Neighbour : What happened? Put on Visit
The Doctor : A snake coiled around my arm. It happened so Call on Express the ideas
unexpectedly that I was _____b_______. Put across Escape
Neighbour :Is the snake still there? Did you _____c_____ Get away Need a particular action
it? Call for Continue
The Doctor : I don't know, I'm afraid. I still haven't
_____d____ the shock Question 10
Neighbour : You relax for a while.
Fill in the passage using suitable phrasal verbs.
(taken aback, run into, get over, look out for, give in)
The thoughts about the scholarship jacket…(a)…………
Question 5 Replace the underlined words with suitable disturbing Martha’s mind. She…(b)…her black coat and
phrasal verbs. went outside. She was sad that she could not……(c)…her
It was the time for my P E class. I had to remove (a) my thoughts to the principal. She even thought that she
uniform and wear (b) P.E shorts to go to the playground. I should……(d)… from the whole situation. Martha wanted
started (c) towards my class room to take the shorts. I met to……(e)……her mother and tell her about all the incident.
(d) my friend and she told me that nobody was in the
She wanted to solve puzzles in order to get relaxed. But she
classroom. When I reached the class, I heard my teachers
talking about the Scholarship Jacket. They continued (e) decided to give up as it……(f)……..a high level of
arguing with each other for a long time. concentration.
(came across, went on, put down, take off, went out, set (put on, put across, went on, get away, calls for ,call on)
out, put on) Question 11
Fill in the blanks using appropriate phrasal verbs. (give up,
Question 6 Replace the underlined words with itable come across, turn down, look after, get on)
form of the phrasal verbs given. John: Why do you look very happy?
When my uncle arrived (a) in Paris, he was detained at the Kiran: I……(a)…..my old friend today.
airport as a bomb exploded (b) in the city. As he could John: Why didn’t you invite him to dinner?
speak only Malayalam and Hindi the airport officials could Kiran: I did. But he…….(b)….my offer.
understand (c) nothing. His request for an interpreter was John: Why? Did he decide to…..(c)….all his old friends.
also declined (d). He was kept under custody but Kiran: No, we still……(d)…..very well.
fortunately he was released (e) later because of the John: Then why?
intervention of the Indian embassy officials. Kiran: His mother is not well. He has to…(e)……..her.
(turn down, get to, let off, make out, went off) John: Oh I thought he could not recognise you at all.
.
 Dialogue Completion
Question 12
Meanings of certain phrasal verbs are given. Write
appropriate phrasal verbs against each.
A B
To refuse an offer or request
To have a good relationship
To take care of someone or something
To find something by chance
To stop having a friendship with
someone
To stop using something
Question 13
Fill in the blanks using suitable phrasal verbs from the
brackets below.
Mr. John decided to…….(a)….his bad habits that ruined
him. He and his wife have set up an organization
to……(b)……delinquent youth. He….(c)…the narrator
who saved his life years ago. The narrator tried
to….(d)….his request in the beginning. But finally they
started …..(e)…better with each other.
(give up, come across, turn down, look after, get on)
Phrasal Verb Answers
Question 1: a) given up b) put up with c) put across d)
get over
Question 2: a) looked after b) get off c) went on d)
keep away
Question 3: a) put on b) came across c) make it d) put
off
Question 4: a) ran into b) taken aback c) look out for
d) got over
Question 5: a) take off b) put on c) set out d) went on
Question 6: a) got to b) went off c) make out d) turned
down e) let off
Question 7: a) set out b) came across c) make out
Question 8: 1) put across 2) put on 3) call on 4) get
away 5) go on 6) calls for
Question 9:

A B
Go on Continue
Put on Wear
Call on Visit
Put across Express the ideas
Get away Escape
Call for Need a particular action
Question 10: a) went on b) put on c) put across d) get
away e) call on f) calls for
Question 11: a) came across b) turned down c) give up d)
get on e) look after.
Question 12:
A B
To refuse an offer or request Turn down
To have a good relationship Get on
To take care of someone or something Look after
To find something by chance Come across
To stop having a friendship with Break up
someone
To stop using something Give up
Question 13: a) give up b) look after c) turn down d)
getting on
Question 11
Answers to Dialogue Completion
Reported Speech
 Answers: Reported Speech
Conditional Sentences

1. Tutor: If you cry now to go to school,

..................(a)...................
Tagore: It’s okay. If my mother
agreed,.................(b)..................
2. Dr. AJ Cronin: He would be a good person
If................(a)..................
Sergeant: Yes, you’re right. If he had got timely
help and advice,...............(b).................
3. Landlady: If both of you are ready to help
him,.................(a)..................
Dr. AJ Cronin: Good! Our support and efforts
won’t be wasted if............(b)...................
4. Sergeant: Many of our youth would not have
been criminals if....................(a)..........................
Dr. AJ Cronin: Yes, our concept should change.
Unless the individuals change, our
society..........(b)..........
5. Sergeant: Yes. Let’s set an example. If we make
an initiative, others.............(a)...............
Dr. AJ Cronin: Of course. If someone had not
made an initiative, no changes..........(b)............

Answers: Conditional Sentnences

1. a) you will have to cry a lot more to let

off later on./ you will cry more later.
b) I would go to school./ I would join
school.
2. a) If he got timely support.
b) he would not have been in this state. /
he would not have committed this mistake.
Question Tags 3. a) I will also help him. / I will give him
one moth’s free boarding and lodging.
1. Alyakhin: Vanka, You’re not rocking the b) if he changes/ if he becomes a good
baby,..........(a)...........? person.
Vanka: No, sir! You can see that I’m doing it,.........(b)........? 4. a) if they had got timely help and support.
2. Friend: Doctor, you married a fat lady, ...(a)....? b) our society won’t change.
Doctor: No, It happened otherwise! You know my wife is a 5. a) others will do the same/ others will
sprinter,........(b).............? follow suit.
3. Friend: Doctor, let’s go back to your house and see things
b) no changes would have been possible in
there, .........(a)...........?
this world.
Doctor: Yes, of course! I think everything is fine there,
........(b).........?
4. Ray: Excellent Mr. Thorat! You brought two tigers,
.........(a)..........?
Compiled/Created by
Thorat: Yes, Sir. I believe that we should always be in safe Mahmud K Pukayoor
side, ............(b)............?
5. Grandpa: I think nobody will pay for a scholarship
jacket,.........(a)................?
Martha: No, you’re right grandpa! I believe that the (C) English Eduspot Blog
management wants to play discrimination,....(b)...... englisheduspot.blogspot.com
Answers rksh
1. a) are you? b) can’t you? 2. a) didn’t you? b) don’t you? 3. a) shall we?
b) isn’t it? 4. a) didn’t you? b) shouldn’t we? 5. a) will they? b) doesn’t it?
Identifying words having similar or opposite meaning

Vanka:
1.Pick out a word from the passage that means ‘a block of wood shaped like a foot’.
2.Pick out a word from the passage that is opposite in meaning to the word ‘vaguely’.
3.Identify a word from the passage that means ‘to rub something hard in order to clean it’.
Project Tiger:
4.Pick out the word which is opposite in meaning to the word ‘notorious’
5.‘The woman covered herself with a shawl.’ Pick out a word from the passage to replace the
word given in bold .
6. The traitor was driven away from the country. Pick out the word from the passage to replace the
underlined phrasal verb.
7. Pick out the word that means ‘unable to move or speak’.
My Sister’s Shoes
8. Pick out a word from the above excerpt that means ‘to arrange in an ordered pile’.
The Best Investment I Ever Made
9. Pick out a word from the passage that means ‘boredom’ .
10. Pick out a word from the passage that means ‘too small to be considered as important or
useful’.
The Danger of a Single Story
11. Pick out a word from the passage that means ‘having a moral or legal duty to do something’.
The Scholarship Jacket
12. Pick out the word from the passage that means 'to lose hope'.
13. Find out the word from the passage that means 'to listen secretly to a private conversation'.
14. Find out the word from the passage that means 'move feet or hands due to nervousness’.
15. Find out the word from the passage that means ‘a garden tool with a long handle and a
blade’.