Question
A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding indirect speech.
Rita said, "Please close the window."
This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (25-Sep-2025) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is
Rita requested to close the window.
The task is to convert a direct speech sentence, specifically a polite request, into its indirect speech form.
Analyzing the Direct Speech
- The original sentence is: Rita said, "Please close the window."
- This is an imperative sentence because it gives a command or request.
- The word "Please" clearly indicates that it is a polite request, not just a command.
Converting Imperative Sentences to Indirect Speech
- When the direct speech is an imperative sentence, the reporting verb (like 'said') changes based on the tone (command, request, advice).
- For polite requests indicated by "Please", the reporting verb should be changed to "requested".
- The structure typically becomes: $Subject + requested + to + infinitive verb$.
Applying the Conversion Rule
- Speaker: Rita
- Reporting verb change: 'said' becomes 'requested'.
- The imperative 'close the window' becomes the infinitive phrase 'to close the window'.
- Combining these: Rita requested to close the window.
Evaluating the Options
- Option 1: Rita asked to close the window. ('Asked' is acceptable but 'requested' is more precise for 'Please').
- Option 2: Rita said to close the window. (Incorrect structure for reporting imperatives).
- Option 3: Rita requested that the window is closed. (Grammatically incorrect structure for reported requests; should be 'be closed' or use infinitive).
- Option 4: Rita requested to close the window. (Correctly uses 'requested' and the infinitive structure).
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Important Questions from Direct and Indirect Speech
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
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Direction: Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence.
He said to me, “Your father is waiting for you at the reception.”
Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence.
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Select the most appropriate indirect form of the given sentence.
Jayesh said to Diwakar, "You can top the class if you want to."
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