Notice how in a comic book, there are no speech marks when characters talk. Instead what they say is put in a speech ‘bubble’.

Notice how in a comic book, there are no speech marks when characters talk. Instead what they say is put in a speech ‘bubble’. However, if we wish to repeat or ‘report’ what they say, we must put it into reported speech.

Change the following sentences in the story to reported speech. The first one has been done for you.

(i) How much did you pay for that hilsa?

The woman asked the man how much he had paid for that hilsa.

(ii) Why is your face half-shaven?

Gopal’s wife asked him ......

(iii) I accept the challenge, Your Majesty.

Gopal told the king ......

(iv) I want to see the king.

Gopal told the guards ......

(v) Bring the man to me at once.

The king ordered the guard ......