At WRITERS AT WORK, we aim to equip students with the tools to master English and excel in synthesis and transformation (S&T) questions. One challenging area in S&T is converting direct speech to reported speech. For Primary 5 and 6 students preparing for the PSLE, understanding this skill is essential to secure top marks. This blog will provide practical hacks, transition words, and sample questions to help you navigate this topic with ease.
Understanding Direct and Reported Speech
Direct Speech:
Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by a person, enclosed in quotation marks.
- Example: She said, “I am reading a book.”
Reported Speech:
Reported speech conveys the meaning of what someone said without quoting their exact words.
- Example: She said that she was reading a book.
When converting direct speech to reported speech, there are a few key rules to follow. Let’s break them down step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Direct Speech to Reported Speech
Step 1: Remove Quotation Marks
Eliminate the quotation marks and use a reporting verb like said, told, or asked to introduce the reported clause.
- Direct: He said, “I am happy.”
- Reported: He said that he was happy.
Step 2: Change the Pronouns
Adjust the pronouns in the sentence to match the perspective of the reporting speaker.
- Direct: She said, “I love this place.”
- Reported: She said that she loved that place.
Step 3: Backshift the Verb Tense
Shift the verb tense one step back in time:
- Present Simple → Past Simple
- Direct: “I eat lunch at noon,” he said.
- Reported: He said that he ate lunch at noon.
- Present Continuous → Past Continuous
- Direct: “I am watching TV,” she said.
- Reported: She said that she was watching TV.
- Present Perfect → Past Perfect
- Direct: “I have finished my homework,” he said.
- Reported: He said that he had finished his homework.
Step 4: Adjust Time and Place References
Words related to time and place may need to change:
- Today → That day
- Yesterday → The day before
- Tomorrow → The next day
- This → That
- Direct: “I will go there tomorrow,” she said.
Step 5: Adjust Question Formats
When converting questions, use appropriate reporting verbs like asked or inquired and modify the sentence structure:
- Yes/No Questions:
- Direct: “Did you finish your homework?” she asked.
- Reported: She asked if I had finished my homework.
- Wh- Questions:
- Direct: “Where are you going?” he asked.
- Reported: He asked where I was going.
Sample Questions from 2024 Top Primary School Prelim Papers
Example 1:
Direct Speech: John said, “I am preparing for my exams.”
Reported Speech: John said that he was preparing for his exams.
Example 2:
Direct Speech: The teacher said, “You must complete your homework by tomorrow.”
Reported Speech: The teacher said that we had to complete our homework by the next day.
Example 3:
Direct Speech: She asked, “Can you help me with this question?”
Reported Speech: She asked if I could help her with that question.
Example 4:
Direct Speech: He said, “I have never been to this place before.”
Reported Speech: He said that he had never been to that place before.
Example 5:
Direct Speech: The boy said, “I will finish my chores later.”
Reported Speech: The boy said that he would finish his chores later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Forgetting to Backshift Tenses:
- Incorrect: She said that she is going to the park.
- Correct: She said that she was going to the park.
2. Overlooking Pronoun Changes:
- Incorrect: He said, “I like this place.” → He said that I like this place.
- Correct: He said that he liked that place.
3. Not Adjusting Time and Place References:
- Incorrect: She said, “I will come here tomorrow.” → She said that she would come here tomorrow.
- Correct: She said that she would go there the next day.
Practice Makes Perfect
To excel in converting direct to reported speech, practice regularly with sentences of varying complexity. Familiarize yourself with past prelim papers to gain confidence.
Challenge Question:
- Direct Speech: “Why are you late?” the teacher asked.
- Reported Speech: ?
(Answer: The teacher asked why I was late.)
Conclusion
At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe that mastering synthesis and transformation is a stepping stone to PSLE success. By following these hacks, using transition words effectively, and practicing with past papers, you’ll develop a strong command of converting direct to reported speech. Remember, writing is a journey, and with consistent effort, you’ll achieve your goals!
Attain Stellar Results with WRITERS AT WORK!
English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. WRITERS AT WORK reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how WRITERS AT WORK makes a difference, feel free to explore our website, watch our YouTube videos and catch us LIVE on TikTok!
If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS AT WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS AT WORK!
1. How Long Should You Study for PSLE?
Parents should take around a year or two to prepare for PSLE as learning about subjects like English requires a long-term effort, as opposed to short cramming.
2. Is PSLE Compulsory?
PSLE is compulsory for everyone to enter secondary school in Singapore.
3. How to Study for PSLE?
Parents should make a list of everything a child should study for all their PSLE subjects. Engaging a tuition teacher or practising with workbooks and past year papers may help students tackle the exam format of PSLE and feel more confident taking the exam.
4. How Do I Motivate My Child to Do PSLE?
Children should be motivated to do PSLE by being taught that it is important for their future. Explaining to them the reasons to do the exam may work better than forcing them to study.
