Direct and Indirect Speech

                     *  Narration *

        Direct and Indirect Speech

Narration:- 'Narration' literally means statement. Everything you and I say is called a statement. We often use two ways to express a sentence in conversation.

                        Narration

کے لفظی معنی بیان کے ہیں۔ ہم اور آپ جو کچھ بھی کہتے ہیں انہیں بیان کہتے ہیں۔ ہملوگ اکثر گفتگو کرتے وقت دو طریقے سے جملے کو بیان کرتے ہیں۔

Direct Narration:- Presenting what someone has said in his own language is called direct narration.

Direct: He says," I am well".

واسطہ بیان :- کسی کی کہی ہوئی بات کو اسی کی زبان میں پیش کرنے کو واسطہ بیان کہتے ہیں۔ 

 Indirect Narration :-  Presenting what someone has said in one's own language is called indirect narration.

Indirect: He says that he is well.

بالواسطہ بیان:- کسی کی کہی ہوئی بات کو اپنی زبان میں پیش کرنےکو بالواسطہ بیان کہتے ہیں

                      Direct Narration

 میں جملے دو حصوں میں منقسم ہوتے ہیں

                         Reporting verb

سے پہلے والا جملہ ہوتا ہے۔ commaیہ

He says,

 Inverted comma   یہ  Reported Speech

کے اندروالا جملا ہوتا ہے

" I am well".

 انگریزی میں جملے پانچ قسم کے ہوتے ہیں۔

Kinds of Sentences :

(1)Assertive (2) Interrogative (3) Imperative

 (4) Exclamatory (5) Optative

ان پانچوں جملوں کو واسطہ بیان سے بالواسطہ بیان کرنے کے مختلف طریقے ہیں ۔ لیکن چند طریقے ایسے ہیں جو سبھی جملوں میں کام آتے ہیں

*Change of Person:-*

(1) First person in Reported Speech is changed according to the Subject of the Reporting Verb.

(i) He said," I have nothing to say".

Indirect: =>He said that he had nothing to say.

(ii) They said, " We should love our country".

Indirect: =>They said that they should love their country.

(2) 2nd Person in Reported Speech is changed according to the Object of the Reporting Verb.

(i) She said to me, "You are really very punctual".

Indirect:  => She told me that I was really very punctual.

1 2 3

S o n

( I -> He , You -> He/I , We -> They)

(A)* Reporting verb -> Present/ Future

(1) 'says to'   turns into 'tells'

(2) Linker ->  that

(3) Change of person, Number and Case

(B) * Reporting Verb -> Past Tens

(1) said to -> told

(2) Linker -> that

(3) Change of person

(4) Change of tense

(5) Change of Time and Place

Change of Tense:-

Present indefinite -> Past Indefinite

Present continuous -> Past Continuous

Present Perfect -> Past Perfect

Present perfect continuous -> Past Perfect Continuous

Past Indefinite ->  Past Perfect

It -> that

This -> that

These ->  those

Thus -> so

Here -> there

Just -> then

Hence -> thence

Today -> that day

Tomorrow -> yesterday/ next day

Yesterday -> previous day

Tonight -> that night

Last month -> the month before

Next week -> the following week

( In short)       

     Direct       ->       Indirect

Present :-

       V¹  -> v²

       Do/does -> did

     is/am/are - > was/ were

    Has/ have -> had

Past :-

     V² -> had

     Had + V³ -> Had + V³

    was/were. -> had + been

Future :-

     shall/ will. -> would

       Can. -> could

         May. -> might

Examples:

Direct Speech

Simple Present

1. He said, "I write a letter."

2. She said, "I like ice-cream."

3. He said, "I never eat meat."

4. He said, "She goes to school daily."

5. He said, "I do not use a computer."

6. She said, "I live in Kolkata."

7. "You have an interesting face," I remarked.

8. "You are a very gallant young man", she said to me.

Present Continuous

9. He said, "I am waiting for Mrinal."

10. The girl said, "I 'm getting off at Saharanpur."

11. "I am listening to the music," she said.

12. He said, "I am reading a story book."

13. She said, "I am going to school."

14. He said, "My father is writing a letter."

Present Perfect

15. She said, "I have finished the work."

16. He said, "Bimal has started a job."

17. I said, "I have washed my clothes."

18. She said, "I have made a mistake."

19. They said, "We have not gone to Kolkata."

20. She said, "I have eaten my meal."

Present Perfect Continuous

21. She said, "I've been waiting for ages."

22. He said, "It has been raining for five days."

23. I said, "I've been working since 2002."

24. They said, "We have living here since 1990."

Indirect Speech

Simple Past

He said that he wrote a letter.

She said that she liked ice-cream.

He said that he never ate meat.

He said that she went to school daily.

She said that he did not use a computer.

She said that she lived in Kolkata.

I remarked that she had an interesting face.

■She told me that I was a very gallant young man.

Past Continuous

He said that he was waiting for Mrinal.

The girl said that she was getting off at Saharanpur.

She said that she was listening to the music.

He said that he was reading a story book.

She said that she was going to school.

He said that his father was writing a letter.

Past Perfect

She said that she had finished the work.

He said that Bimal had started a job.

I said that I had washed my clothes.

She said that she had made a mistake.

They said that they had not gone to Kolkata.

She said that she had eaten her meal.

Past Perfect Continuous

She said that she had been waiting for ages.

He said that it had been raining for five days.

I said that I had been working since 2002.

They said that they had been living there since 1990.

(C) Special rule for Universal Truth:(آفاقی سچائی)

وہ حقیقت جس سے انکار نہیں کر سکتا ہے اسے (Universal Truthآفاقی سچائی)

کہتے ہیں مثلاً ۔ خدا ایک ہے۔ زمین گول ہے۔ وغیرہ اسے جملے  کےکوما اورالٹا کوما کو ہٹانے کیلئے دیٹ  کا استعمال کرتے ہیں۔ بقیہ جملے جوں کا توں برقرار رہتا ہے۔

(1) Direct: The teacher said, " God is One".

Indirect: The teacher said that God is One.

(2) Direct: We said, " The earth moves around the Sun".

Indirect: We said that the earth moves around the Sun.

(3) Direct: He said," Two and two make four".

Indirect: He said that two and two make four.

(D) Interrogative sentences:

Yes-no Question:-

(1) said to -> asked/ wanted to know/ enquired of

(2) Linker -> if/ whether ( wh- word for  Wh- Question)

(3) Change of person

(4) Change of Tense

(5) Change of time & place

Examples: -

Yes/No type questions:

1. He said to me, 'Do you like music?'

2. She said to me, "Have you taken your meal?"

3. Mother said to me "Are you feeling well?"

4. The boy said to Rina, "Do you like to read novels?"

5. Our headmaster said to me, "Will you participate in the essay competition?"

6. She said to me, "Can you hear a noise?"

7. My father said to me, "Have you answered all the questions?"

8. He said to me, "Do you want any kind of help?"

9. She said to me, "Do you work in a bank?"

10. He said to me, "Will you come to the park tomorrow?"

11. I said to him, "Did you come to school yesterday?"

12. Ratan said to Rina, "Will you try to come tomorrow?"

13. He said to me, "Do you know how to climb a tree?"

14. He said to me, "Are you a hawker?"

15. "Do you want to go by bus or train?" he asked.

Wh-questions: 

16. He said to me, "What is your name?"

17. The teacher said to the boy, "Where do you come from?"

18. My mother said to me, "What have you been studying?"

19. She said to him, "Where do you live?"

20. He said to me, "Why are you talking so fast?"

(1) Direct: He said to me, " Do you like music?"

Indirect: He asked me if I liked music.

(2) Direct: I said to him," Did you come to school yesterday?"

Indirect: I asked him if he had come to school the previous day.

(3) Lata said to Rina, " will you try to come tomorrow?"

Indirect: Lata asked Rina if she would try to go the next day.

(4) He said to me," Are you a hawker?"

Indirect: He asked me if I was a hawker.

(5) Mother said to me," Are you feeling well?"

Indirect: Mother asked me if I was feeling well.

(6) She said to me," Have you taken your meal?"

Indirect: She asked me if I had taken my meal.

(7) She said to me," Can you hear a music?"

Indirect: She asked me if I could hear a music.

Wh- Question

(1) Direct: He said to me," What is your name?"

Indirect: He asked me what my name was.

(2) He said to the boy," Where do you come from?"

Indirect: He asked the boy where he came from.

(3) She said to me," Where do you live?"

Indirect: She asked me where I lived.

(4) She said to me," How are you?" 

Indirect: She asked me how I was.

(5) She said to me," How did you enjoy the music show?"

Indirect: She asked me how I had enjoyed the music show.

(6) He said to me," How will you solve the problem?"

Indirect: He asked me how I would solve the problem.

(E) Imperative sentences:

(1) said to -> Ordered/ requested/ advised/ forbade

(2) Linker  -> to

(3) change of person

(4) change of Tense

(5) change of time & place

Examples:-

(i) The teacher said to me, "Write down your address".

Indirect: The teacher ordered me to write down my address.

(ii) He said to the troop," Leave the room at once". 

Indirect: He ordered the troop to leave the room then and there.

(3) She said to me," Please help me".

Indirect: She requested me to help her.

(F)* Let us  : Proposal *

(1) said to -> proposed/ suggested

(2) Linker -> that

(3) Let us -> they should

Examples:

(G) * Let : order*

(1) said to -> ordered

(2) Linker -> that

(3) Let -> subject + Should

Examples:

1. Dir:- The teacher said, " Let no one come late".

Ind: The teacher ordered that no one should come late.

Exclamatory Sentences :-

1) Said/ said to => exclaimed with joy/ sorrow/ contempt

2) Linker => that

3) Change of tense

4) Change of person

5) Change of time and place

Examples

(1) The players said."Hurrah!We have won the match."

Ind.=> The players exclaimed with joy or exclaimed joyfully that they had won the match.

(2) Master said to the slave,"Pooh!You have spoiled the decoration of my house ." 

Ind.=> Master exclaimed with contempt to the slave that he had spoiled the decoration of his house.

(3) He said,"Hurrah!I have won the tournament." 

Ind.=> He exclaimed with joy that he had won the tournament.

(5) Optative Sentences:-

(1) said/ said to => wished/ prayed/ cursed

(2) Linker => that

(3) Change of tense

(4) Change of person

(5) Change of time and place

Examples:

(1) He said, " May God beget you a son".

Ind. => He prayed that God might beget me/ you/ him a son.

(2) 

Ind. =>

(3) 

Ind. => 

  

MCQ From "On Killing a Tree" for 2025

1. The bark of the tree bleeds because of

(a) stabbing (b) choking

(c.) uprooting (d)hacking and chopping

2. The bark that bleeds….

(a)heals itself (b) dies of shock

(c.)becomes leprous (d) becomes dry

3. Curled green twigs rise from….

(a)the chopped tree (b)close to the ground

(c.)top of the tree(d)uprooted tree

4. Miniature boughs will expand again to former size if ….

(a)unchecked (b) checked

(c.)chopped repeatedly (d)uprooted

5. In order to kill a tree successfully, it is to be…..

(a) stabbed (b) uprooted

(c.) hacked (d) chopped

6. The root of the tree is…..

(a)green and dry (b) green and wet

(c.) white and wet (d) white and dry

7. The most sensitive part of the tree is its….

(a)Leaf (b) stem

(c.) bark (d) root

8. The phrase 'anchoring earth' suggests that….

(a)the roots of the tree cling to the earth

(b)the roots of the tree are drawing sap

(c ) the earth holds the tree

(d) the tree is the anchor of the earth

9. The strength of the tree gets exposed when it is……

(a) pulled out (b) planted

© stabbed (d) chopped and hacked

10. After uprooting, the tree is exposed….

(a)for sprouting leaves (b)for scorching and choking

(c.) preparation of food (d) for revival

11. "And then it is done."-Here 'it' refers to

(a)killing of a tree (b) planting of a tree

(c.) healing touch (d) green twigs

12. The statement, "It takes much time to kill a tree" indicates that….

(a)a sense of joy, that killing a tree is not an easy task

(b) a sense of impatience, that killing a tree takes much time and effort

(c ) a sense of irony, that a tree cannot be easily killed

(d) a sense of defeat that killing a tree takes much time

13. "A simple jab of the knife" can't do because

(a)It cannot kill a tree(b) It cannot hamper the growth

(c ) It cannot hurt the tree (d) It cannot stab a tree

14 . The phrase, 'a simple jab of the knife', means….

(a). a simple step for the growth of a tree

(b) cutting the tree completely

(c.) shaping the tree with a knife

(d) stabbing the tree with a knife

15. The poet's observation about the growth of the tree is that….

(a)the tree grows steadily(b) the tree grows slowly

(c.) the tree does not grow at all (d)the tree grows rapidly

16. The phrase, 'leprous hide', refers to…..

(a)the discoloured bark of the tree

(b) the skin of a leper © the bleeding bark

(d) the skin of the man cutting down the tree

17. 'Leprous hide' bears….

(a) Fruit (b) flower (c.)leaves(d)birds

18. "But this alone won't do it"-'It' refers to

(a)killing of a tree (b) growth of a tree

© browning of a tree(d) sprouting of leaves

19. That the tree is personified is suggested by the line…..

(a)So hack and chop(b) But this alone won't do it

(c ) The bleeding bark will heal

(d)Will rise curled green twigs

20. Hacking and chopping inflicts….

(a)not so much pain (b) little pain

(c.) a little pain(d)acute pain

21. A chopped tree expands again to former size…..

(a)by healing the bleeding bark

(b)by sprouting green twigs

(c )by developing small boughs unchecked

(d)all of these

22. What will rise from close to the ground…

(a)new yellow shoots(b)curled green twigs

(c.) new roots (d)small branches

23. What is formed in the earth when a tree is uprooted?

(a)the earth-cave (b) an anchor

(c.)a pond (d) a hollow space for a new tree

24. A tree grows by absorbing…

(a). Sunlight (b) air 

(c.) Water(d) all the three

25. To kill a tree takes….

(a). Little time (b) much time

(c.) an hour (d) a day.

Active and Passive (Voice)

 

Active and Passive Voice:

Active Voice:

In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. 

The focus is on the subject doing something.

Passive Voice:

In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action. The focus is on the action or the object of the action rather than on who is performing it.

(1) Present Indefinite Tense

Active: S + V. + O

Passive: O/S + is/am/are + V3 + by + S/O

Active: I love you.

Passive: You are loved by me.

Active: Boys do not watch the T.V.

Passive: The T. V. is not watched by boys.

(2) Present continuous:

Active: S + is/am/are + V + ing + O

Passive: O/S + is/am/are + being + V3 + by + S/O.

Active: I am beating the dogs

Passive: The dogs are being beaten by me.

Active: You are not calling me.

Passive: I am not being called by you.

(3) Present Perfect

Active: S + has/have + V3 + O

Passive: O/S + has/have + been + V3 + by + S/O

Active: I have invited you.

Passive: You have been invited by me..

Active: She has not eaten food.

Passive: Food has not been eaten by her.

(4) Past Indefinite :

Active: S + V2 + O.

Passive: O/S + was/were + V3 + by + S/O.

Active: You did not accept my proposal.

Passive: My proposal was not accepted by you.

(5) Past continuous :

Active: S + was/were + Ving + O.

Passive: O/s + was/were + being + V3 + by + S/O

Active. She was not telling a lie.

Passive: A lie was not being told by her.

(6) Past perfect :

Active: S + had + V3 + 0:

Passive: O/S + had been + V3 + by + S/O.

Active: I had written a letter.

Passive A letter had been written by me.

(7) Future Indefinite :

Active: S + Shall/will+V+0.

Passive: O/S + shall/will + be + V3 + by + S/O

Active: We shall solve the problem.

Passive: The problem will be solved by us.

Active: You will not write a book.

Passive: A book will not be written by you.

(8) Future Perfect :

Active: S + Shall/will + have + V3 +0.

Passive: O/S + shall/will + have been + V3 + by + S/O.

Active: I shall have finished my lesson.

Passive: My lesson will have been finished by me

Active: They will not have punished the children

Passive: The children will not have been punished by them.

If subject = They/someone/Somebody/People

Passive Voice =Object+ Verb to be + V3

Active 1. People will helpe me.

Passive: I will be helped.

Active: Someone will invite me.

Passive : I shall be invited.

(B) Active: S+is/am/are/was/were/has/have/had + to +V +O.

Passive:O/S+am/is/are/was/were/has/have/had+to+be+ V3 +by + S/O.

Active: I am to write a letter.

Passive: A letter is to be written (by me).

Active: You are to beat me.

Passive: I am to be beaten (by you).

Active: You were to help him

Passive: He was to be helped (by you.)

Active: I was to solve the problem.

Passive: The problem was to be solved (by me).

Active: Hehas to call him.

Passive: He has to be called (by him)

Active: We had to help you.

Passive: you had to be helped (by us).

(C)Active:S+may/can/should/must +V+O.

Passive:O/S+may/can/should/must+be+V3+by+S/O.

Active: He can do this work.

Passive: This work can be done (by him).

Active: You should obey the elders.

Passive: The elders should be obeyed (by you).

Active: We must follow you.

Passive: You must be followed (byus).

(D) Active: S + should have + V3 + 0.

Passive: O/S + should have been + V3 + by + S/O.

Active: He should have helped me.

Passive: I should have been helped (by him).

* Interrogative sentences* :

(A)

Active: Do/Does + S + V +O?

Passive: Am/ls/Are + O/S + V3 + by + S/O ?

Active: Did +S+V+O?

Passive: Was/Were/ + OS + V3 + by + S/O?

- Examples:

Active: Does he beat me?

Passive: Am I beaten by him?

Active:Do you not beat him ?

Passive:Is he not beaten by you?

Active.Does he not invite you?

Passive:Are you not invited by him ?

Active:Did he Write a letter?

Passive:Was a letter written by him?

 Active:

Did you not obey them"

Passive:Were they not obeyed by you?

(B)Active: Can/May/Will/Shall + S + V + O2

Passive: Can/May/Will/Shall + O/S + be + V3 + by + S/O?

Examples:

Active:Can a man eat soil"

Passive:Can Soil be eaten by a man?

Active:May I take this book?

Passive:May this book be taken by me?

Active:Will you solve this problem?

Passive:Will this problem be solved by you?

C)

Active: Who + Verb + O?

Passive: By whom + Verb 'be' + Subject + V3? Or,

Who + Verb 'be' + Subject + V3 by?

Examples:

Active: Who wrote this grammar? 

Passive: By whom was this grammar written?

or, Who was this grammar written by ?

Active: Who will serve the nation? 

Passive: By whom will the nation be served? Or,

Who will the nation be served by?

*Interrogative*

Indirect questions

Active: S + ask + O + if/whether + clause

ог

S+ask + O + Question word + clause

Passive: O/S + Verb 'be' + V3 + If/whether + clause.

Examples:

Active:He asked me if I was tired.

Passive:  I was aksed if I was tired. 

Active:Shyam asked me when I would return?

Passive: I was asked by Shyam when I would return

(A)Imperative Sentences

Order/Command

Active: V+O.

Passive: Let+O+ be + V3.

Active:Bring a cup of tea.

 Passive : Let a cup of tea be brought.

Active: Do not tell a lie.

Passive: Let a lie not be told.

(B)Advice / Request:

Active: V + O.

Passive: O + Should be + V3.

(In short) / Recap:

S + HV + V¹²³⁴⁵ +O -> Active Voice ( Tense)

O/S + HV + V³ + by + s/o. -> (passive voice.)

(1) S. Present -> is/am/are +v³

(2) s. Past -> was/ were + v³

(3) Continuous -> being +v³

(4) perfect -> been + v³

(5) Future/Models -> be + v³

        (OR)

Active voice -> Passive Voice

(1) Identify sub., Verb, Obj.

(2) Subject <-> Object.

(3) HV/ AV before MV/PV.

(4) MV-> V³

(5) by after V³

(A) Present:

(i)V¹/do/does ->is/am/are + v³.

(ii)is/am/are->is/am/are+being + v³.

(iii) has/ have -> has/ have+ been+ v³.

(B) Past:

(i) v²/ did-> was/ were+ v³.

(ii) was/were -> was/were+ being+v³.

(iii) had-> had + been+v³.

(C) Future:

(i) will/shall -> will/shall+be+ v³.

(ii) will/shall + have-> will/ shall + have been + v³.

LAQ from "Three Questions" 2025

Q.1)  " You have already been answered"--

(a) Who said this to whom?

(b) How had the person referred to been answered?******

Ans. (a) In Leo Tolstoy's short story, "Three Questions", the hermit said this to the Tsar.

(b) The Tsar had been answered by his own real-life experience in response to the hermit's belief that experience is the best teacher. The hermit does not answer directly, but instead digs the ground and then the Tsar continues to dig. At the end, the hermit says " the most important time was when you were digging the beds for me out of pity; and I was the most important man ; and to do good for me was your most important business. He further said that, if you would not have saved the wounded man, Tsar's enemy, he would not have become your friend so easily.

Q.2. "Forgive me! said the bearded man"---

(a) To Whom did the bearded man ask for forgiveness?

(b) Why did he ask for forgiveness? *******

Ans. (a) The bearded man asked for forgiveness from the Tsar in the Leo Tolstoy's short story "Three Questions".

(b) The bearded man was severely wounded by the Tsar's bodyguard. He was an avowed عہد کرنا enemy of the Tsar because the Tsar had executed his brother earlier and seized his property. The man waited to avenge بدلہ his brother's death, but as the Tsar did not return from the hermit's place, the man came out from his hidden place in search of the Tsar. While looking for the Tsar, he came across the bodyguard of the Tsar who recognized the man and wounded him fatally. The man would have died as he was bleeding profusely, but by a chance of fate, the Tsar became his saviour. He bandaged the wounds and provided him water and rest with the help of the hermit. Now the man repented his sin and craved for the forgiveness of the Tsar. He took an oath to serve the Tsar through generations.

Q.3) How was the wounded man revived and nursed? why did he ask forgiveness? What did the Tsar do when he had gained the man for a friend?

 Ans. The Tsar and the hermit unfastened the wounded man's clothes. There was a Large wound in his stomach. The Tsar Washed it, bandaged it with his handkerchief and the hermit's towel. In this way, the wounded man was revived and nursed.

The wounded man wanted to Kill the Tsar. He was in search of an opportunity to Kill. Unfortunately, he Came upon the Tsar's bodyguards and they wounded him.But the Tsar Saved his life. That's why, he asked forgiveness of the Tsar.

The Tsar forgave the wounded man. He said him that he would send his Servants and physicians to attend him. He promised him to restore his property.

Q.4) " All the answers being different, the Tsar agreed with none of them".

(a). What were the questions to which the Tsar got different answers?

(b) Whom did the Tsar decide to consult?

(c). Where did the person live whom he wanted to consult? What was he famous for?

Ans. (a) The three questions that the Tsar got different answered were what was the right time to begin everything, who were the right people to listen to and whom to avoid and the work that needed his utmost attention.

(b) The Tsar decided to consult the hermit because he knew the hermit was wise enough to give answers to his three questions

(c) The person, hermit whom the Tsar wanted to consult,  lived in a wood which he never quitted

The hermit was widely famous for his wisdom.

Q.5) "Here comes someone running" --

Who said this to whom? Who was coming? Why did he come running? Discribe his condition? How was he wounded? How he was received at the hermit cell/ cottage? ****

Ans. In the short story, ' Three Questions' the hermit said this to the Tsar.

A wounded man was coming toward the hermit's hut.

He came running out of the forest because he somehow escaped from the shackles of the Tsar’s bodyguard, who otherwise would have killed him.

The man was severely injured and bleeding profusely. His clothes were soaked in blood, and he was almost collapsing from exhaustion and the loss of blood.

The man had been lying in ambush to attack the Tsar, seeking revenge for the execution of his brother and the confiscation of his property. However, the Tsar's bodyguards discovered him and wounded him while defending the Tsar.

The wounded man was received with sympathy at the hermit’s cottage. He was nursed with great care by the Tsar who was assisted by the hermit. The Tsar did his best to stop the blood flow by washing and bandaging the wound again and again. Finally blood ceased flowing and the man’s life was saved.

(Q:6) What were the three questions the Tsar wanted to get answers? Why did he need answers? Why was he not satisfied with the answers of the learned men? Whom did he finally decide to consult?****

Ans. The three questions that the Tsar wanted to be answered were what was the right time to start every work, who were the right people to listen to and whom to avoid and the work that needed his utmost attention.

The Tsar needed correct answers to those three questions because he hoped that, if he could gain proper information then he would never fail in anything he might do.

The Tsar was not satisfied with the answers given by the scholars and the learned men because the answers were different from one another.

When the Tsar was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men, he decided to consult a hermit who lived in the woods and was well-known for his wisdom.

Three Questions :SAQ 2025(HS)

 Q.1) What was the first question of the Tsar in "Thee Questions"?

Ans. The first question of the Tsar was how to know the right time to start a work.

Q.2) What was the second question?

Ans. The second question was how to choose the right people and to avoid the wrong one.

Q.3) What was the third question of the Tsar in the story, " Three Questions"?

Ans. The third question was ' what was the most important thing to do'.

Q.4) Why did the Tsar put on simple clothes before visiting the hermit?

Ans. The Tsar put on simple clothes because he knew that the hermit received only common folk.

Q.5) Which is the most important time?

Ans. Now- i , e. present time is the most important, hermit said to the Tsar.

Q.6) Why did the Tsar reward none?

Ans. The Tsar rewards none because different people gave different answers.

Q.7) Who was called the Tsar?

Ans. The emperor of Russia was called the Tsar.

Q.8) To whom did the Tsar finally go?

Ans. The Tsar finally went to a hermit in a forest for his three questions' answers.

Q.9) Why did the hermit breath heavily?

Ans. The hermit breathed heavily because he was frail and weak and could not tolerate the soil of digging.

Q.10) Why did the Tsar want to know the answers to his questions?

Ans. The Tsar wanted to know the answers to his questions so that he would then never fail for anything.

Q.11) Whom did the hermit receive? (2016)

Ans. The hermit received none but common folk.

Q.12) Where did the hermit live in? (2017)

Ans. The hermit lived in a wood.

Q.13) What was the hermit doing when the Tsar came to visit him?

Ans. The hermit was digging the ground Infront of his hut when the Tsar came to visit him.

Q.14) How did the Tsar meet the hermit?(2018)

Ans. Putting on simple clothes and leaving his bodyguard, the Tsar went on alone to meet the hermit.

Q.15) What did the bearded man promise the Tsar?

Ans. The bearded man promised the Tsar to serve as the most faithful servant and to bid his son to do the same.

Q.16) What did the Tsar promise?

Ans. The Tsar promised to send his servants and his own physician to attend the man and affirmed that he would restore his property.

Q.17) Why did the bearded man want to take revenge? Or Why did the bearded man resolve to kill the Tsar?

Ans. The bearded man wanted to take revenge on the Tsar because he had executed his brother and seized his property.

Q.17) Where did the Tsar fall asleep?(2015)

Ans. The Tsar fell asleep on the threshold of the hermit's hut.

Q.18) From where did the wounded man come running out?

Ans. The wounded man came running out of the wood.

Q.19) Which part of the body of the bearded man was injured?

Ans. The stomach of the bearded man was injured.

Q.20) Who unfastened the man's clothing?

Ans. The Tsar and the hermit unfastened the man's clothing.

Q.21) Why was the Tsar so tired?

Ans.The Tsar was so tired with his walk and with the work he had done, dug the earth whole day.

Thank You Ma'am: LAQ for 2025(HS)

 Q.1: "Eat Some more, son" --

(a) Who says this to whom? 

(b) What is offered by the speaker to the listener? 

(c) What feature of the speaker's character is revealed in this line?

(Or)  How did Mrs Jones behave with Roger?

(Or) Discuss Mrs Jones mother-like treatment towards Roger?

(Or) How did Mrs Jones transform Roger into a good person? 

Ans.(a) Mrs.Luella Bates Washington Jones says this to Roger.

(b) She offers Roger, the young boy, a half of her ten cent cake.

(c) Mrs.Jones understood that the boy was hungry. So, she decided to give her some food. She heated some Lima beans and ham. She prepared some cocoa out of canned milk. When Roger had consumed these, Mrs.Jones offered him a half of her ten cent cake and told him the quoted sentence.The motherly feelings of Mrs.Jones is revealed in this line. She played the role of a perfect host and treats Roger with affection and hospitality.

(Q:2)"And he did not want to be mistrusted now "- (a) Who is 'he' referred to? (b) To whom didn't 'he' want to be mistrusted? (c) Why did he not want to be mistrusted? *******

Or, Why did the boy in"Thank You Ma'am" did not run away though he found the door open?

Ans.(a) Here 'he' is referred to a little boy, Roger in the short story," Thank You Ma'am ".

(b) Roger didn't want to be mistrusted to the lady named Mrs.Luella Bates Washington Jones.

(c) The boy, Roger while trying to snatch a purse from Mrs.Jones was caught and taken to her home. The boy thought he would be taken to police station but the lady took him at her home and treated very genially. The boy understood that the lady has placed an absolute faith on him by leaving him alone in the room. The boy could easily escaped from the room but he didn't want to be mistrusted now.

Q.3. " I'm sorry lady, I'm sorry"_

(a) Who said this to whom?

(b) Was the speaker really sorry?

(c) Why did he apologize?

Ans. (a) In Langston Hughes' short story, "Thank You Ma'am" Roger a fourteen or fifteen years old boy said this to Mrs. Jones

(b) The boy tried to snatch Mrs Jones purse. She firmly gripped him. The boy was afraid that she might take him to jail. So, out of fear he said that he was sorry.

(c) Roger apologises because Mrs Jones catches him trying to snatch her purse. His apology comes from a place of genuine remorse and a realization of the seriousness of his action.

Q.4."You gonna take me to jail?"

(a) who said this to whom?

(b) When did the Speaker ask this question?

 (c) What reply did speaker get?

Ans (a) In the short story," Thank you Ma'am" a  boy named Roger said/asked this to Mrs. Jones.

(b) The speaker, Roger asked this question When Mrs. Luella took him to her house and said to wash his face instead of taking him to jail for trying to Snatch her purse.

(c) The Speaker, Roger got negative reply. Mrs. Jones replied that she would take him nowhere with such an untidy face. She also mentioned to him the time when he attempted to Snatch her purse.

Q.5. "I would teach you right from wrong"_ 

(Or) "You ought to be my son, I would teach you right from wrong".

(a) Who said this to whom and when?

(b) How did the speaker transform the Person Spoken to here? (or) Did the Speaker manage to teach what he/she claimed to teach?

Ans (a) In the short story, "Thank You Ma'am", Mrs. Jones said this to Roger when she came to know that he had no one to look after him at hom.

(b) Mrs. Jones, hearing the purpose of Snatching the purse said affectionately, "you could have asked me". This unexpected generosity moved / touched Roger deeply. The trust bestowed upon him lighted up his soul and urged him to prove his trustworthiness. Mrs. Jones cooked for him and they had Supper together. while having supper she spoke to him about her workplace. This made him feel at home. Moreover, she gave him ten dollars to buy shoes and advised not to steal. This motherly-like behaviour made quite an impact in bringing about a complete transformation in Roger.

Q.6. "I were Young once and I wanted things and could not get" 

(a) Who said this to whom and when? 

(b) What did the Speaker say about her past life?

Ans. (a) In the short story, "Thank you Ma'am", Mrs. Jones Said this to a boy of fourteen or fifteen years old named Roger when she took the boy home she asked some questions  about his parentage. When Roger finished answering, Mrs Jones began to say the quoted line.

(6) Mrs. Jones said, when she was young she had desired to get many things but her desires remained unfulfilled. Even to Satisfy her desires, she involved herself in So many criminal activities that now she could not reveal them to anyone even to god as she felt ashamed of herself. So, Mrs. Luella Bater was once in the Same situation like Roger.

Q.7. "Do you need some body to go to the store" (a) Who is the speaker? To whom did the Speaker Say this?

(b)  Why did the Speaker want to go to the Store?

(c) What did they have as supper?*******

Ans.(a) In the short story, "Thank you Ma'am", Roger is the speaker.

The Speaker (Roger) said this to Mrs. Jones who wanted to teach him right from wrong.

(b) Roger understood that Mrs. Jones was a Kind Woman. He was So touched by her motherly affection that he wished to earn a place in her heart by helping. So, Roger/ he wanted to go to the store.

(c) Mrs. Jones heated some lima beans and ham she had in the icebox, made cocoa out of Canned milk and ten-cent Cake. Both, Mrs. Jones and Roger had these all in supper.

Thank You Ma'am: SAQ. 2025

 Q1. What did Mrs. Jones carry?

Ans. Mrs Jones carried a large purse with a long strap slung across her shoulder.

Q.2. Where from Mrs. Jones was returning? Ans. Mrs Washington Jones was returning home from her place of work in a beauty shop.

Q.3. Why did the boy try to snatch the pocket book?

Ans. The boy tried to snatch the pocket book of Mrs. Jones so that he could buy a pair of blue suede shoes.

Q.4. Why did the boy fail to snatch the purse?

Ans. The boy failed to snatch the purse because the combined weight of the boy and the bag caused the boy to lose his balance.

Q.5. How did the woman react as her purse was snatched?

Ans. The woman turned around, Kicked the boy then picked him up by his shirt and shook him untill his teeth rattled.

Q.6. How old was Roger in , "Thank You Ma'am"?

Ans. Roger was fourteen or fifteen years old.

Q.7. What lesson of his life did Roger get at the end of the story from Mrs Jones? Or. What advice did Mrs Jones give to Roger at the end of the story?(2018)

Ans. Mrs Jones gave two lessons of life to Roger; not to steal or take away anything by unfair means and to behave properly.

Q.8. "You a lie", Why did the lady say so?

Ans. The lady said that the boy was lying because the latter (Roger) said that he did not intend to take her purse.

Q.9. What did the woman give Roger to eat in the short story, " Thank You Ma'am" ?

Ans. The woman gave Roger to eat some Lima beans, ham, and cocoa.

Q.10. When and where did Roger and Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones meet?

Ans. Roger and Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones met at 11 O'clock at night on a street.

Q.11. What did the purse contain?

Ans. The purse contained everything in it except a hummer and nails.

Q.12. where did Roger fall on losing his balance?

Ans. Roger fell losing his balance on the sidewalk.

Q.13. What did Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones ask the boy to pick up?

Ans. Mrs Jones asked the boy to pick up her pocket book.

Q.14. Why did Mrs Jones want to take Roger home?

Ans. Mrs Jones wanted to take Roger home to wash his dirty face.

Q.15. What shoes and jeans was Roger wearing?

Ans. Roger was wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes.

Q.16. what would Mrs Jones teach the boy?

Ans. Mrs Jones would teach the the boy right from wrong.

Q.17. What was the full name of Mrs Jones? (2017)

Ans. The full name of Mrs Jones was Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones.

Q.18. What was there behind the screen in Mrs Jones' room? (2017) 

There were a glass plate and an icebox behind the screen in Mrs Jones' room.

Q.18. Why did Mrs Jones ask Roger to comb his hair?

And. Mrs Jones asked to comb his hair so that he would look presentable.

Q.20. Why did Roger take care to sit on the fat side of the room?

Ans. Roger took care to sit far side of the room so that Mrs Jones could see him.

Q.21. Where did Mrs Jones work? 

Ans. Mrs Jones worked in a hotel beauty shop.

Q.22. What did Mrs Jones give the boy before leaving?

Ans. Mrs Jones gave the boy ten dollars before leaving.

Q.23. What lesson of life did Roger learn at the end of the story from Mrs Jones?

Ans. At the end of the story, Roger learns how to lead an honest life and behave with others from Mrs Jones.

Three Questions: MCQ For 2025

Three Questions : MCQ

Name :

1. The Tsar wanted answers to three important questions so that he could  be …..

(a)  Powerful (b) Successful (c) Rich (d) More intelligent

2. The Tsar asked the hermit …….

(a) One question (b) three question (c) two questions (d) four questions.

3. When the Tsar met the hermit, he was………..

(a) Praying (b) chanting (c) hunting (d) digging

4. Tsar’s first question was regarding the….

(a) Right time to start work (b) right person to believe (c) right place to live in (d) right time to eat

5. Tsar second question was regarding the…..

(a) Right people to believe in (b) right people to make friendship (c) right thing to purchase (d) right clothes to wear

6. The third question of the Tsar was regarding the ….

(a) most important thing to do  (b) most important man to meat (c) most important place to visit

7. The hermit used to live in a

(a) Forest (b) mansion (c) palace (d) boat

8. After the man revived he asked for

(a) Food (b)drink (c) forgiveness (d) clothing

9. Before the man fainted on the ground he was ….

(a) Screaming in pain (b) moaning feebly (c) taking an oath (d) praying for forgiveness

10. The hermit was working with a ….

(a) Sickle (b) sword (c) spade (d) knife

11. The hermit was digging the ground because he was

(a) Making seed beds (b) hiding treasury (c) making a well (d) trying to teach the Tsar a lesson

12. At night, the Tsar slept …….

(a) on a coach (b) on the threshold of the hut (c) on a bed (d) on a dinar

13. The man had a severe wound in his

(a) Head (b) hand (c) stomach (d) legs

14. The answers of the scholars to the questions were…

(a) Uniform (b) alike (c) identical (d) different

15. The man was wounded by

(a) a tiger (b) the hermit (c) the bodyguard of the Tsar (d) his own brother

16. The man came out from his ambush because

(a) he had to eat something (b) the Tsar was not returning (c) he had to return home (d) the guards were searching for him

17. According to the hermit, the Tsar was saved because

(a) his enemy was wounded (b) the Tsar was busy in digging the ground (c) the guards were alert (d) his enemy failed to follow him

18. As the man looked at the Tsar, his eyes were

(a) Dim (b) flashing (c) shining (d) bright

19. The bearded man came running out of the

(a) Corner (b) room (c) alley (d) wood

20. The hermit was known for his

(a) Wit (b) humour (c) wisdom (d) anger

 

Than you ma'am: MCQ 2024-25

 Thank you Ma’am (MCQ)

Name: ……………………………………………….

Q.1. When Mrs. Jones was returning home, it was....

(a) 10 O’clock (b) 11 O’clock (c) 12 O’clock (d) 9 O’clock

Q.2. The large purse that the woman was carrying had…

(a) a thin strap (b) a thick strap (c) a long strap (d) a short strap

 

Q.3. The pocketbook of Mrs. Jones contained everything except – (a) pen and pencil (b) sickle and hammer (c)hammer and nails (d) rope and sickle

Q.4. The boy tried to snatch from the lady – (a) her ornaments (b) her ten-cent cake (c) her suede shoes (d) her purse

Q.5. The boy lost balance because of – (a) his own weight (b) the weight of the purse (c) his own weight and the weight of the purse combined (d) his weight of the woman.

Q.6. The woman simply turned around and – (a) Picked up her purse (b) picked the boy up(c) kicked him (d) shook him until his teeth rattled.

Q.7. The woman shook the boy until his teeth – (a) fell (b) ached (c) rattled (d) broke

Q.8. The boy wanted Mrs. Jones to – (a) take him home (b) turn him loose (c) take him to prison (d) give him money

Q.9. Roger wore – (a) red jeans (b) blue jeans (c) black jeans (d) white jeans

Q.10. The age of the boy who tried to snatch Mrs. Bates' purse was – (a) fourteen or fifteen (b) twelve or thirteen (c) fifteen or sixteen (d) seventeen or eighteen

11. Mrs. Jones wanted to teach Roger – (a) right from wrong (b) what was right (c) what was wrong (d) what he should be

12. The woman dragged the boy to her house to – (a)punish him (b) care for him (c) turn him over to the police (d) clean him up and cook him a meal.

13. The boy's name was – (a) Philip (b) Roger (c)Rodrick (d) Joe.

14. The full name of Mrs. Luella Bates was – (a) Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones (b) Mrs. Washington Jones (c) Mrs. Luella Bates Washington (d) Mrs. Bates.

15. The woman asked Roger to let the water run until it gets – (a) hot (b) warm (c) cold (d) chilled.

16. Roger tried to steal Mrs. Jones' purse because he – (a) was hungry (b) wanted money for a shirt (c) wanted money for shoes (d) wanted money to buy a bat.

17. The last word Roger could manage to say to the lady was – (a) thank you madam (b) thanks (c) thank you (d) none of the above.

18. Mrs. Jones gave the boy – (a) five cents (b) five dollars(c) ten cents (d) ten dollars.

19. The woman was sitting on a – (a) sofa (b) cot (c)day-bed (d) chair.

20. In another corner of the room behind the screen was – (a) a box of ice (b) a gas plate and an icebox (c) a ten-cent cake (d) lima beans and ham.

21. The cake that was offered to Roger, cost – (a) five cents (b) ten cents (c) six cents(d) seven cents.

22. The lady said she would make cocoa out of –(a) milk (b)  milk powder (c) canned milk (d) condensed milk.

23. The boy, losing his balance fell on – (a) the lady (b) the road (c) the sidewalk (d) a mire.

24. The first thing that the lady told the boy was to- (a) ask sorry (b) to go with her (c) shout loudly (d) pick up her purse.

25. The boy had in his feet- (a) tennis shoes (b) suede shoes (c) military shoes (d) slippers.

26. The lady in the story is – (a) fat (b) slim (c) tall (d) large.

27. The little kitchen of Mrs. Jones had – (a) gas plate (b) ice box (c) both gas plate and ice box (d) refrigerator.

28. The lady wanted the boy to comb his hair because he would look – (a) beautiful (b) tidy (c) appropriate (d) presentable.

29. Mrs. Jonse’ attitude towards Roger was – (a) teacher like (b) mother like (c) priest like (d) indifferent.

30. The word ‘rattled’ means – (a) knocked (b) clattered (c) cumulated (d) talked.

31. Mrs. Jones worked in a (a) restaurant (b) beauty shop (c) office (d) factory.

32. The woman did not ask the boy anything about the - (a) studies (b) school (c) folks (d) playmates.

33. The boy’s mouth opened and he – (a) frowned (b) fumbled (c) understood (d) misunderstood.

34.  The boy did not want to be ……….. now. (a) rebuked (b) loved (c) beaten (d) mistrusted.

35. By the word ‘pocket book’ the lady means her – (a) bible (b) small book (c) account book (d) purse.

36. The lady picked up the boy from the street by holding – (a) trousers (b) shirt front (c) arm (d) wrist.