Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.6-7.1

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Direct speech is basically a quote or the literal words that were spoken by a subject. When you use this in your writing it must be surrounded by quotation marks (" "). Using direct quotes helps your audience understand the frame of mind of the subject. Indirect speech is reporting what was said by a subject. Since all indirect speech has already happened it is reported in the past tense. To display indirect speech we surround it with inverted commas (' '). These worksheets will have students using this technique in the own writing and help them with syntax and mechanics of their work.

Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheets To Print:

What's Your Approach - Determine whether each sentence below contains this form of expression. Write direct or indirect on the line.

Sentence Smasher - Rewrite each sentence using indirect speech.

Peter and Dan - Read the passage. Underline the speaker's words. Then, rewrite the passage, incorporating this in there.

Too Much? - If the sentence is uses the direct form, write a D on the line. If it uses the indirect form, write an I on the line.

Be The Director - The comic strip below uses speech bubbles to show the direct form. Rewrite the comic strip on the lines below, using the indirect form.

Revising the Direct Form - Read the script. On the lines, rewrite the script as a paragraph, using indirect speech.

Speaker's Words - Indirect speech is when a speaker's words are reported by someone else, and the words are not quoted.

A Walk in the Park - Read the script. Rewrite it in paragraph form using both formats. Follow the directions in parentheses.

Play Re-writes - John said his train would arrive at noon and maybe it did.

Using Roundabouts - Read the cartoon. Then describe what is happening. Use the indirect technique in your paragraph to tell the reader what Abe and Lauren say.

Who Said That? - Underline what the speaker says in each sentence. Then rewrite each sentence using the proper form.

About the Car... - You want to know if Dad will let you take the car.

What Did They Say? - Rewrite the sentences using all the techniques that you have learned so far. Make sure the syntax is spot on.

Tell Me About the Party - Will told us all about the party. He said there were about ten people there. I asked him about Robert, and confirmed that Robert was in attendance.

Writing The Other Way - Most students find this harder to do then its counterpart.

What Is the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Speech


Here are the basic differences between direct and indirect speech.


Difference In Meaning


There are two ways to describe the speech. These two ways are known as indirectly and directly. These two methods are widely used in the English language to imply what others have said. Both have different rules when writing.


The direct form occurs when the exact same words of the speech are repeated without any interruptions or additions. Direct speech implies exactly what has been said in the same tone. The actual words that were used by the speaker are written in indirect speech. Nothing new is added. Expressions are also mentioned in the exact same way by maintaining the tone of the actual speaker. The direct form is used when you do want to keep things simple and accurate.


The indirect form occurs when the actual words of the speaker are not quoted. Indirect speech changes certain elements from the actual words. It occurs when someone else tries to speak the original words.


Difference In Alternative Name


Both direct and indirect speech have their own alternative names. Direct format is commonly known as quoted speech. Whereas, indirect form is commonly known as reported speech.


Difference In Point Of View


The indirect and direct speech also differ in point of views. The point of view of the direct speech is that of the speaker. Whereas, the point of view of indirect form is that of the listener.


Difference In Usage


The use of this technique in written has a difference in purpose and usage as well. The direct form is used when we want the reader to know what exactly was said by the speaker. No change in the message really ever occurs. Whereas, the indirect technique is used when we use our own words to report the words of someone else.


Difference In Quotation Marks


Direct technique uses quotation marks whereas, the indirect form does not use quotation marks.


Examples


Direct: She said, "I am going to the market".

Indirect: She said that she was going to the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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