Narration

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Narration (Direct- indirect speech)

General Rules

[i]Assertive Sentence or Statement

1. If the reporting verb is in the present or future Tense, the tense in the

Reported speech is not changed.

(a)Direct: Nabil says, “I am fine.”

   Indirect: Nabil says that he is fine.

(b)Direct: The man says, “I shall do it.”

   Indirect: The man says that he will do it.

(c)Direct: He says, “I went there yesterday.”

   Indirect: He says that he went there yesterday.

(d)Direct: He will say, “I am ready to go.”

   Indirect: He says that he is ready to go.

 

2. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb in the reported

Speech is changed into the corresponding past form.

(a)Nadin said, “I am fine.’

   Nadin said that he was fine.

(b)He said, “I want to go.”

   He said that he wanted to go.

 

(c)He said, “I am reading a book.”

  He said that he was reading a book.

(d)He said, “I have learnt my1esson.”

  He said that he had learnt his lesson.

(e)He said, “I have been Learning English.”

  He said that he had been teaming English. .

(f)He said, “I had reached the school before the bell rang”

  He said that he had reached the school before the bell rang.

(g)He said, “I can do the work.

  He said that he could do the work.

(h)He said, .”I shall do it.”

  He said that he would do it.

(i)He said, “I shall have done it.”

  He said that he would have done it.

 

3. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, and the verb of the reported

Speech is in the past indefinite tense, it (the verb in the reported

Speech) is changed into the past perfect tense.

(a)Direct: Urmi said, “I went to school.

  Indirect: Urmi said that she had gone to school.

(b)Direct: He said, “I wrote the book.”

  Indirect: He said that he had written the book.

 

(c)Direct: Kabir-2/”>Kabir said to me, “I was sick.”

  Indirect: Kabir told me (said to me) that he had been sick.

 

 

4. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, and the verb in the reported

Speech is in the past continuous, it (the verb in the reported speech) is

Changed into the past perfect continuous tense.

(a)Direct:  He said, “I was reading a book.”

  Indirect: He said that he had been reading a book.

(b)Direct: Shimu said to me, “I was making a research to solve the

Problem.”

   Indirect: Shimu told me (said to-me) that she had been making a research to

Solve the problem.

 

-Note: The use of the Conjunction that between the reporting speech and the

reported speech is not a must in the indirect speech.

 

5. If the Direct Speech describes a universal truth, constant fact, habitual

Fact, geographical fact and quotations, the verb in the reported speech

Remains unchanged:

 

(a)Direct: The teacher said, “The earth moves round the sun.”

  Indirect: The teacher said that the earth moves round the sun.

(b)Direct: He said, “My father reads the Holy Quran every morning.”

  Indirect: He said that his father reads the Holy Quran every morning.

(c)Direct: Keats said, “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.”

  Indirect: Keats I said that a thing of beauty is a joy for ever.

 

6.The First Person of the direct speech is changed into the person the man spoken to and the third person does not have any change: ‘

(a)Direct: Rahman said to Mamun, “Your father will go to my office”

  Indirect: Rahman told Mamun that his father would go to his office.

(b)Direct: Salam says to you, “You did not help me.”

  Indirect: Salarn tells you that you did not help him.

(c)Direct: They said to us, “He will meet you.”

  Indirect: They told us that he would meet us.

 

Note: If the Reporting Verb has an object, it is not good English to write, said

to him before that, It is better to write told us/him etc.

 

7. If the Reported speech has two or more verbs occurring at the same

time, the past tense of the verbs is not changed :

 

(a)Direct: The teacher said, “Mr. Ant worked hard while Mr. Grasshopper slept.”

  Indirect: The teacher said that Mr. Ant worked hard while Mr. Grasshopper slept

(b)Direct: He said, “The children sang, danced and played.”

 Indirect: He said that the children sang, danced and played.

 

8. Words that express nearness are often changed into the words

Expressing remoteness:

 

Words in direct speech              Words in indirect speech

Here                                                           there

This                                                             that

Ago                                                            before

These                                                         those

Hence                                                       thence

Come                                                             go

Hither                                                         thither

Today                                             that day, the same day

Tomorrow                                  the next day, the following day

Yesterday                                the previous day, the day before

Last night                                 the previous night, the night befor

Questions:

Level-I

Change the following sentences into indirect speech :

1. The boy says, “My father is working abroad.”

 2. Karim says, “I was right”.

3. He said to me, “I shall help you“.

 4. Anwar said to them, “You were absent from the class yesterday”.

5. The man said to Kalam, “You have not sent me the letter”.

 6. Ahmed said to his father, “I am preparing my lesson”.

7. He said to me, “I did not see the boy going“.

 8. They said to me, “You have done well”.

9. The man said to the children, “Allah is kind”.

10. They said, “We came, worked and returned

 

Level-II

 


11. He said to me, “I am ready”.

  1. He told to me that he is ready.
  2. He told me that he was ready.
  3. He told me that I am ready.
  4. He told me that I will ready.


12. Sonia said, “You help my sister”.

  1. Sonia said that I helps her sister.
  2. Sonia said to me that I helped her sister.
  3. Sonia said that I helped her sister.
  4. Sonia says that I helped her sister

 


13. They said, “We cannot live without Oxygen“.

  1. They said that we can not live without oxygen.
  2. They said that they can not live without oxygen.
  3. They said that they would not live without oxygen.
  4. They says that they can not live without oxygen.

 


14. Rahul said to me, “We are mortal”.

  1. Rahul said to me that we are mortal.
  2. Rahul says to me that we are mortal.
  3. Rahul said to me that we all are mortal.
  4. Rahul said to me that he and I are mortal.

 


15. The Indian express says, “We shall issue a astrology section in our Thursday’s paper”.

  1. The Indian express says that it will issue a astrology section in their Thursday’s paper.
  2. The Indian express says that they will issue a astrology section in their Thursday’s paper.
  3. The Indian express said that it will issue a astrology section in its Thursday’s paper.
  4. The Indian express says that it will issue a astrology section in its Thursday’s paper.

 


16. John says, “I shall go there”.

  1. John said that he went there.
  2. John says that he will go there.
  3. John says that he went there.
  4. John said that I will go there.

 


17. Robert will say to me, “I am your classmate”.

  1. Robert will tell me that he is my classmate.
  2. Robert will tell me that he was my classmate.
  3. Robert will tell me that he will be my classmate.
  4. Robert said me that he is my classmate.

 


18. Sushant said to him, “I have been helping your son for years”.

  1. Sushant told him that he has helped his son for years.
  2. Sushant told him that he have been helping his son for years.
  3. Sushant told him that he had been helping his son for years.
  4. Sushant told him that he has been helping his son for years.

 


19. He said to me, “I shall write an essay”.

  1. He said to me that he will be writing an essay.
  2. He told me that he would write an essay.
  3. He said to me that he will write an essay.
  4. He told me that he would write an essay

 


20. He said to me, “I shall be writing an essay”.

  1. He told me that he would have been writing an essay.
  2. He told me that he would be writing an essay.
  3. He told me that he will be writing an essay.
  4. He told me that he shall be writing an essay.

 

Answers:

Level-I

 

1. The boy says that his father is working abroad .

2. Karim says that he was right.

3. He said to me that he would help me.

4. Anwar said to them that they had been absent from the class the previous day.

5. The man said to Kalam that he had not sent him the letter.

 6. Ahmed said to his father that he was preparing his lesson.

7. He said to me that he had not seen that boy going“.

 8. They said to me that I had done well.

9. The man said to the children that Allah is kind.

10. They said that they had come, worked and returned.

 

Level-II

11. Option B

12. Option C

13. Option A

Explanation:

Please note : When we use “we” with the universal truth, then “we” is not changed in Indirect speech.

14. Option A

Explanation:

No change, because we are using “we” with universal truth

15. Option D

Explanation:

Please note : Whenever some newspaper or magazine use “we”, “our”, “us” in direct speech , then it should be replaced by “it” or “its” in indirect speech.

 16. Option B

Explanation:

Please note : When reporting verb is in present or future Tense, then in indirect speech we do not change the Tense of Reported speech.
So “John says”, it is in present, so we will not change the Tense of “I shall go there”. That means it will remain future Tense in indirect speech also.

17. Option A

Explanation:

“I am your classmate” will remain in present tense in indirect speech because in “Robert will say to me” reporting verb is in future.
So when reporting verb in in future or present, we do not change the tense of the reported speech.

18. Option C

19. Option D

20. Option B

 

 

 

 

 


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Narration

Narration is the act of telling a story. It is a form of Communication that uses language to create a sequence of events that are presented to the reader or listener as if they were happening in real time.

Narration can be used to entertain, inform, or persuade. It can also be used to create a sense of Empathy or understanding for the characters in the story.

There are many different Elements that go into creating a successful narration. Some of the most important elements include:

  • Narrative structure: The narrative structure is the way in which the story is told. It includes the order of events, the pacing, and the use of flashbacks and foreshadowing.
  • Point of view: The point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. It can be told from the first person (the narrator is a character in the story), the third person limited (the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character), or the third person omniscient (the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters).
  • Character development: Character development is the process of creating believable and relatable characters. It includes the characters’ motivations, their goals, and their flaws.
  • Setting: The setting is the time and place in which the story takes place. It can be a real place or an imaginary place.
  • Theme: The theme is the central idea or message of the story. It can be about love, loss, friendship, or any other topic.
  • Plot: The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It includes the conflict, the rising action, the climax, and the falling action.
  • Conflict: The conflict is the central problem or challenge that the characters face. It can be internal (a character’s struggle with their own emotions or beliefs) or external (a character’s struggle with another person or force).
  • Resolution: The resolution is the way in which the conflict is resolved. It can be a happy ending, a sad ending, or an ambiguous ending.
  • Dialogue: Dialogue is the conversation between the characters in the story. It can be used to reveal character, advance the plot, or create humor.
  • Description: Description is the use of language to create a vivid picture of the setting, the characters, and the events in the story.
  • Pace: The pace is the speed at which the story unfolds. It can be slow, fast, or somewhere in between.
  • Tone: The tone is the Attitude that the narrator takes towards the story. It can be serious, humorous, or anything in between.
  • Style: The style is the way in which the story is written. It includes the use of language, the structure of the sentences, and the overall rhythm of the story.
  • Diction: Diction is the choice of words. The words that the narrator chooses can create a certain tone or Atmosphere in the story.
  • Figurative language: Figurative language is the use of language in a non-literal way. It can include metaphors, similes, personification, and other figures of speech.
  • Imagery: Imagery is the use of language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s or listener’s mind. It can include descriptions of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.
  • Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of objects or actions to represent something else. Symbols can be used to add depth and meaning to a story.
  • Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is the use of hints or clues to suggest what is going to happen later in the story. Foreshadowing can create suspense and anticipation in the reader or listener.
  • Suspense: Suspense is the feeling of excitement or anxiety that is created when the reader or listener is not sure what is going to happen next.
  • Irony: Irony is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. There are many different types of irony, including verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.
  • Humor: Humor is the use of language or actions to create laughter or amusement. Humor can be used to lighten the mood in a story or to make a point.
  • Pathos: Pathos is the use of language or actions to evoke pity or sympathy in the reader or listener. Pathos can be used to make the reader or listener feel connected to the characters in the story.
  • Catharsis: Catharsis is the release of strong emotions, such as anger, sadness, or fear. Catharsis can be achieved through the experience of art, literature, or music.

Narration is a powerful tool that can be used to entertain, inform, and persuade. By understanding the elements of narration, you can create stories that are both engaging and meaningful.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about narration:

  1. What is narration?
    Narration is the act of telling a story. It can be done in a variety of ways, including through writing, speaking, or acting.

  2. What are the different types of narration?
    There are three main types of narration: first-person narration, third-person narration, and omniscient narration.

  3. First-person narration is when the story is told from the perspective of one of the characters.

  4. Third-person narration is when the story is told from the perspective of an outside observer.
  5. Omniscient narration is when the narrator knows everything about all of the characters and events in the story.

  6. What are the benefits of narration?
    Narration can be a powerful tool for storytelling. It can help to create a vivid picture of the story world, engage the reader or listener, and evoke emotions.

  7. What are the challenges of narration?
    Narration can be a difficult task. It requires the writer or speaker to have a clear understanding of the story they want to tell, as well as the ability to communicate that story in a way that is engaging and interesting.

  8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when narrating a story?
    Some common mistakes to avoid when narrating a story include:

  9. Telling the story in a boring or monotone voice.

  10. Not providing enough detail about the characters and events in the story.
  11. Jumping around in time or place without warning.
  12. Not giving the reader or listener enough time to process what is happening in the story.

  13. What are some tips for improving your narration skills?
    Some tips for improving your narration skills include:

  14. Practice telling stories to friends or family members.

  15. Read books and watch movies that feature good narration.
  16. Pay attention to the way that other people tell stories.
  17. Experiment with different techniques, such as using different voices or Sound effects.

  18. What are some Resources for learning more about narration?
    Some resources for learning more about narration include:

  19. Books on writing and storytelling

  20. Online courses on narration
  21. Workshops and classes on narration
  22. The work of other storytellers

Here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Narration:

  1. Which of the following is not a type of narration?
    (A) First-person narration
    (B) Third-person narration
    (C) Omniscient narration
    (D) Second-person narration

  2. In first-person narration, the story is told from the point of view of:
    (A) The author
    (B) A character in the story
    (C) An omniscient narrator
    (D) A non-existent narrator

  3. In third-person narration, the story is told from the point of view of:
    (A) The author
    (B) A character in the story
    (C) An omniscient narrator
    (D) A non-existent narrator

  4. In omniscient narration, the narrator knows everything about all the characters and events in the story.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  5. In second-person narration, the story is told directly to the reader as if they were a character in the story.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  6. Which of the following is an example of first-person narration?
    (A) “I woke up in a cold sweat.”
    (B) “She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.”
    (C) “The sun was shining brightly as they walked down the street.”
    (D) “You could tell that something was wrong.”

  7. Which of the following is an example of third-person narration?
    (A) “I woke up in a cold sweat.”
    (B) “She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.”
    (C) “The sun was shining brightly as they walked down the street.”
    (D) “You could tell that something was wrong.”

  8. Which of the following is an example of omniscient narration?
    (A) “I woke up in a cold sweat. I had the strangest dream.”
    (B) “She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.”
    (C) “The sun was shining brightly as they walked down the street. It was a beautiful day.”
    (D) “You could tell that something was wrong. She looked like she had been crying.”

  9. Which of the following is an example of second-person narration?
    (A) “I woke up in a cold sweat. What was that?”
    (B) “She was the most beautiful woman you had ever seen. You couldn’t take your eyes off of her.”
    (C) “The sun was shining brightly as you walked down the street. It was a beautiful day.”
    (D) “You could tell that something was wrong. She looked like she had been crying.”

  10. Which type of narration is most commonly used in novels?
    (A) First-person narration
    (B) Third-person narration
    (C) Omniscient narration
    (D) Second-person narration

Index