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CBSE Class 9 English — Kaveri Chapter 5 Reported Speech — 20 MCQs with Answers

Reported Speech is a foundation of English grammar tested in every CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri examination. Chapter 5 systematically teaches how to convert direct quotations into indirect narration by adjusting tense, pronouns, and time expressions. This page provides 20 exam-style MCQs—ranging from straightforward recall to tricky assertion-reason formats—complete with explanations, so you master the rules and avoid common pitfalls before your school or board assessment.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓Reported Speech converts direct quotations into indirect statements by changing pronouns, tense, and time/place expressions according to fixed rules.
  • ✓In CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5, MCQs test recognition of correct tense backshift, removal of inverted commas, and appropriate reporting verbs.
  • ✓Simple present becomes simple past; present continuous becomes past continuous; will changes to would when the reporting verb is in the past tense.
  • ✓Time and place adverbs shift predictably: 'today' → 'that day', 'here' → 'there', 'tomorrow' → 'the next day' in reported speech.
  • ✓Assertion-Reason MCQs in the grammar chapter require you to judge both statements independently before linking them logically.
  • ✓Regular practice of these 20 MCQs builds speed and accuracy, critical for scoring full marks in the objective grammar section of CBSE exams.
  • ✓CBSETUTOR.ai offers instant doubt-clearing with photo-upload solutions at ₹999/month for all classes 6–12, with a 3-day free trial.

Understanding Reported Speech: Core Rules for Class 9

Reported Speech, also called indirect speech, transforms a speaker's exact words into a clause introduced by a reporting verb such as 'said', 'told', 'asked', or 'explained'. CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 emphasises three core transformations: pronoun shifts (first-person → third-person based on subject-object relationship), tense backshift when the reporting verb is past, and systematic changes in time and place adverbs. For example, 'She said, I am happy' becomes 'She said that she was happy.' The present tense 'am' moves back to 'was' because 'said' is past. These rules apply uniformly across statements, questions, commands, and exclamations, though the structure of reported questions and commands varies slightly. Mastering these patterns is essential because the objective grammar section in CBSE papers now carries 10 marks, and Reported Speech appears reliably every year.
  • First-person pronouns in direct speech change to third-person unless the reporter is the same person: 'I am tired' → 'He said he was tired.'
  • If the reporting verb is present or future ('says', 'will say'), no tense backshift occurs in the reported clause.
  • Modal auxiliaries shift predictably: can → could, may → might, must → had to, will → would, shall → should.
  • Interrogatives require subordinate-clause word order: 'Where are you going?' → 'He asked where I was going.'

MCQs on Direct to Indirect Conversion — Statements

The most common MCQ format in CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri exams asks you to identify the correctly reported version of a direct statement. These questions test whether you correctly backshift tense, adjust pronouns, and convert time/place expressions. Pay close attention to the reporting verb's tense: if it is 'said', 'told', or 'replied' in past, you must apply the backshift. Watch out for distractors that retain present tense or fail to change 'today' to 'that day'. Below are four representative MCQs mirroring the difficulty level of recent CBSE school papers.
  • Q1. She said, 'I am learning French now.' — Convert to indirect speech. (A) She said that I was learning French then. (B) She said that she was learning French then. (C) She said she is learning French now. (D) She says that she was learning French then.
  • Answer: (B) She said that she was learning French then. | Reason: 'I' → 'she', 'am' → 'was', 'now' → 'then'.
  • Q2. He said, 'My father will arrive tomorrow.' — Identify correct reported form. (A) He said that his father would arrive the next day. (B) He said my father will arrive tomorrow. (C) He said that my father will arrive the next day. (D) He says his father would arrive the next day.
  • Answer: (A) He said that his father would arrive the next day. | Reason: 'will' → 'would', 'tomorrow' → 'the next day', 'my' → 'his'.
  • Q3. The teacher said, 'The Earth revolves around the Sun.' — Choose the correct indirect form. (A) The teacher said that the Earth revolved around the Sun. (B) The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun. (C) The teacher said the Earth had revolved around the Sun. (D) The teacher says the Earth revolves around the Sun.
  • Answer: (B) The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun. | Reason: Universal truths remain in present tense even when reporting verb is past.
  • Q4. She said, 'I cannot attend the meeting today.' — Convert to reported speech. (A) She said that she could not attend the meeting that day. (B) She said she cannot attend the meeting today. (C) She said that I could not attend the meeting that day. (D) She says that she cannot attend the meeting today.
  • Answer: (A) She said that she could not attend the meeting that day. | Reason: 'cannot' → 'could not', 'I' → 'she', 'today' → 'that day'.

MCQs on Interrogative Sentences in Reported Speech

Reported questions in CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 require two key changes: the word order reverts to subject-verb (not inverted), and 'if' or 'whether' introduces yes-no questions while wh-words remain. For instance, 'He asked, Are you ready?' becomes 'He asked if I was ready.' The auxiliary 'are' shifts to 'was' because the reporting verb 'asked' is past, and the interrogative inversion disappears. Distractors often retain question-mark punctuation or keep inverted syntax, so read carefully. These four MCQs target common errors students make when converting interrogatives.
  • Q5. She asked me, 'Where do you live?' — Convert to indirect speech. (A) She asked me where I lived. (B) She asked me where do you live. (C) She asked me where did I live. (D) She asks me where I live.
  • Answer: (A) She asked me where I lived. | Reason: Wh-word 'where' stays, 'do you live' → 'I lived' (subject-verb order, tense backshift).
  • Q6. He said to her, 'Will you help me?' — Choose the correct reported form. (A) He asked her if she would help him. (B) He asked her will you help me. (C) He asked her if you will help me. (D) He says to her if she would help him.
  • Answer: (A) He asked her if she would help him. | Reason: Yes-no question → 'if', 'will' → 'would', 'you' → 'she', 'me' → 'him'.
  • Q7. The teacher asked, 'Have you finished your homework?' — Identify the indirect form. (A) The teacher asked if we had finished our homework. (B) The teacher asked have you finished your homework. (C) The teacher asks if you have finished your homework. (D) The teacher asked if you finished your homework.
  • Answer: (A) The teacher asked if we had finished our homework. | Reason: 'Have you finished' → 'had finished', 'you' → 'we' (assuming students are 'we').
  • Q8. Mother asked, 'Why are you crying?' — Convert correctly. (A) Mother asked why I was crying. (B) Mother asked why are you crying. (C) Mother asks why you are crying. (D) Mother asked why you were crying.
  • Answer: (A) Mother asked why I was crying. | Reason: 'are you crying' → 'I was crying' (subject-verb order, tense backshift).

MCQs on Commands, Requests, and Exclamations

Imperatives in direct speech become infinitive constructions in reported form. CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 explains that polite requests use 'requested + to-infinitive', commands use 'ordered/commanded + to-infinitive', and negative imperatives insert 'not' before 'to'. For example, 'He said, Open the window' becomes 'He told me to open the window.' Exclamations convert into assertive sentences with 'exclaimed' or 'exclaimed with joy/sorrow'. Time and place adverbs still shift as in statements. These four MCQs drill command and exclamation conversion, which often trip students unfamiliar with infinitive reporting.
  • Q9. The coach said to the players, 'Run faster!' — Choose the correct indirect form. (A) The coach ordered the players to run faster. (B) The coach said to the players to run faster. (C) The coach told run faster. (D) The coach asked the players run faster.
  • Answer: (A) The coach ordered the players to run faster. | Reason: Imperative → 'ordered + object + to-infinitive'.
  • Q10. She said to him, 'Please help me.' — Convert to reported speech. (A) She requested him to help her. (B) She ordered him to help me. (C) She said to him to please help her. (D) She told him please help me.
  • Answer: (A) She requested him to help her. | Reason: 'Please' signals polite request → 'requested + to-infinitive', 'me' → 'her'.
  • Q11. Mother said, 'Don't waste time.' — Identify the indirect form. (A) Mother advised not to waste time. (B) Mother said don't waste time. (C) Mother ordered to not waste time. (D) Mother tells not to waste time.
  • Answer: (A) Mother advised not to waste time. | Reason: Negative imperative → 'advised + not + to-infinitive'.
  • Q12. He said, 'What a beautiful painting!' — Choose the correct reported form. (A) He exclaimed that it was a very beautiful painting. (B) He said what a beautiful painting. (C) He exclaimed what a beautiful painting it is. (D) He asked that it is a beautiful painting.
  • Answer: (A) He exclaimed that it was a very beautiful painting. | Reason: Exclamation → 'exclaimed + that-clause', 'what a' becomes 'very'.

Tense Backshift and Modal Verb Changes — Practice MCQs

Tense backshift is the heart of reported speech transformation. When the reporting verb is in the simple past, the tense of the reported clause steps one level back: present → past, past → past perfect, present perfect → past perfect. Modals also shift: can → could, may → might, will → would, shall → should. However, modals that already denote past or obligation (could, might, should, ought to, must in the sense of logical deduction) often remain unchanged. CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 includes drills on these subtleties. The four MCQs below focus on tense and modal transformations, including edge cases like universal truths and already-past tenses.
  • Q13. She said, 'I have completed the assignment.' — Convert to indirect speech. (A) She said that she had completed the assignment. (B) She said that she has completed the assignment. (C) She said I have completed the assignment. (D) She says that she had completed the assignment.
  • Answer: (A) She said that she had completed the assignment. | Reason: Present perfect 'have completed' → past perfect 'had completed'.
  • Q14. He said, 'I may go to Delhi next week.' — Choose the reported form. (A) He said that he might go to Delhi the following week. (B) He said he may go to Delhi next week. (C) He says that he might go to Delhi the next week. (D) He said that he may go to Delhi the next week.
  • Answer: (A) He said that he might go to Delhi the following week. | Reason: 'may' → 'might', 'next week' → 'the following week'.
  • Q15. They said, 'We went to the zoo yesterday.' — Identify the indirect form. (A) They said that they had gone to the zoo the previous day. (B) They said that they went to the zoo yesterday. (C) They said we went to the zoo the previous day. (D) They say that they had gone to the zoo yesterday.
  • Answer: (A) They said that they had gone to the zoo the previous day. | Reason: Simple past 'went' → past perfect 'had gone', 'yesterday' → 'the previous day'.
  • Q16. She said, 'The train leaves at 6 p.m. sharp.' — Convert to reported speech. (A) She said that the train left at 6 p.m. sharp. (B) She said that the train leaves at 6 p.m. sharp. (C) She says the train leaves at 6 p.m. sharp. (D) She said that the train had left at 6 p.m. sharp.
  • Answer: (B) She said that the train leaves at 6 p.m. sharp. | Reason: Timetable/scheduled future stays in simple present even with past reporting verb (exception for habitual/official schedules).

Assertion-Reason MCQs on Reported Speech Rules

CBSE introduced assertion-reason (A-R) type questions in recent Class 9 English Kaveri papers to test conceptual clarity. Each MCQ presents two statements: Assertion (A) and Reason (R). You must decide if both are true, if A is true but R is false, if both are true but R does not explain A, or if both are false. These require deeper understanding of grammar rules, not just mechanical conversion. For instance, an assertion might state that 'must' changes to 'had to' in reported speech, while the reason explains that 'must' is a present modal. Both are true and R correctly explains A. Below are four A-R MCQs modelled on the CBSE pattern.
  • Q17. Assertion (A): In reported speech, 'tomorrow' changes to 'the next day'. | Reason (R): Time adverbs shift to match the past perspective of the reporting verb. (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (C) A is true, but R is false. (D) A is false, but R is true.
  • Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. | Reason: 'tomorrow' → 'the next day' because the time reference shifts to past context.
  • Q18. Assertion (A): Universal truths retain simple present tense in reported speech. | Reason (R): Universal truths are independent of the time of reporting. (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (C) A is true, but R is false. (D) A is false, but R is true.
  • Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. | Reason: Scientific facts remain in present tense regardless of reporting verb tense.
  • Q19. Assertion (A): 'Can' always changes to 'could' in reported speech. | Reason (R): All modals shift one step back when the reporting verb is past. (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (C) A is true, but R is false. (D) Both A and R are false.
  • Answer: (C) A is true, but R is false. | Reason: 'Can' → 'could' is correct, but not all modals shift (e.g., 'ought to', 'used to' remain unchanged).
  • Q20. Assertion (A): Reported questions do not end with a question mark. | Reason (R): Reported speech converts questions into subordinate clauses, which are part of a statement. (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (C) A is true, but R is false. (D) A is false, but R is true.
  • Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. | Reason: Reported questions become declarative clauses, so no question mark is used.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Reported Speech MCQs

Students appearing for CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri examinations frequently commit predictable errors that cost easy marks in the objective grammar section. One common mistake is forgetting to change pronouns: writing 'He said that I am coming' instead of 'He said that he was coming'. Another pitfall is incomplete tense backshift—keeping 'will' instead of changing it to 'would', or leaving 'can' as 'can' instead of 'could'. Time and place adverbs are often overlooked; 'today', 'here', 'now' must shift to 'that day', 'there', 'then'. In interrogatives, students sometimes retain question word order ('where do you live') instead of converting to subject-verb ('where I lived'). Finally, universal truths are an exception many forget: 'The Sun rises in the east' stays in present tense even when the reporting verb is past. Being aware of these traps and reviewing these 20 MCQs will sharpen your accuracy.
  • Always double-check pronoun changes: first-person → third-person unless the speaker is reporting their own words.
  • Verify every modal and tense: 'will' → 'would', 'can' → 'could', present perfect → past perfect when reporting verb is past.
  • Do not overlook time/place adverbs: 'yesterday' → 'the previous day', 'tomorrow' → 'the next day', 'ago' → 'before'.
  • In reported questions, ensure subject-verb order and drop auxiliaries like 'do/does/did' that have no meaning in the subordinate clause.

How to Attempt Reported Speech MCQs in the CBSE Exam

Success in the objective grammar section of the CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri paper hinges on speed and systematic checking. First, read the direct-speech sentence carefully, underlining the reporting verb, pronouns, tense, and time/place adverbs. Next, mentally apply the three-step rule: change pronouns, backshift tense if needed, and convert adverbs. Then scan all four options, eliminating those that miss any one of these steps. If two options look similar, focus on subtle differences—often one retains 'I' instead of changing to 'he', or keeps 'today' instead of 'that day'. For assertion-reason MCQs, evaluate each statement independently before checking if R explains A. Budget roughly one minute per MCQ; if stuck, mark for review and move on. Practice these 20 questions under timed conditions to build confidence and accuracy, ensuring you claim every available mark in this high-scoring section.
  • Underline key elements in the direct speech: pronouns, main verb tense, modals, and time/place words before attempting conversion.
  • Eliminate obviously wrong options first—those with unchanged pronouns, incorrect tense, or retained inverted commas.
  • For A-R questions, decide on the truth of A and R separately, then check logical connection; do not assume R explains A just because both are true.
  • Revise NCERT examples and CBSE sample papers to familiarise yourself with question phrasing and common distractors.

Why Practice NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri MCQs Regularly

Regular MCQ practice for CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 Reported Speech builds automaticity—you internalise the conversion rules so deeply that correct answers become instinctive under exam pressure. The 2024 CBSE Class 9 English paper allocated 10 marks to the objective grammar section, and Reported Speech featured in at least three to four MCQs. Schools across India, from Kendriya Vidyalayas to DAV and DPS chains, follow this pattern in their periodic tests. Consistent practice also trains you to spot trap options—distractors crafted to lure students who apply rules partially. Moreover, working through 20 varied MCQs exposes you to edge cases like universal truths, habitual actions, and modals that do not shift, which textbook explanations sometimes gloss over. Finally, timed practice simulates real exam conditions, helping you manage the one-hour grammar section efficiently and reserve time for the literature and writing portions.
  • Daily 10-minute MCQ drills keep grammar rules fresh and reduce silly mistakes during school tests and board exams.
  • Exposure to varied question types—statements, interrogatives, commands, exclamations, and A-R pairs—ensures comprehensive coverage.
  • Self-assessment after each attempt highlights weak areas, allowing focused revision of specific rules like modal shifts or pronoun changes.
  • Timed practice builds speed, so you complete the objective section in 8–10 minutes, leaving ample time for reading comprehension and composition.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Reported Speech in CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5?+
Reported Speech, also called indirect speech, converts a speaker's exact words into a subordinate clause introduced by a reporting verb such as 'said', 'told', or 'asked'. It requires systematic changes to pronouns, tense, and time/place adverbs when the reporting verb is in the past. CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 covers statements, questions, commands, and exclamations.
How many MCQs on Reported Speech appear in the CBSE Class 9 English exam?+
The objective grammar section typically carries 10 marks, and Reported Speech usually features in three to four MCQs. Questions test direct-to-indirect conversion, tense backshift, pronoun changes, and sometimes assertion-reason logic. Schools may also include it in periodic tests and sample papers.
What are the most common mistakes students make in Reported Speech MCQs?+
Common errors include forgetting to change first-person pronouns to third-person, incomplete tense backshift (e.g., keeping 'will' instead of 'would'), not converting time adverbs like 'today' to 'that day', and retaining question word order in reported interrogatives instead of switching to subject-verb structure.
Do universal truths change tense in Reported Speech?+
No. Universal truths, scientific facts, and habitual actions remain in the simple present tense even when the reporting verb is in the past. For example, 'The teacher said, The Earth revolves around the Sun' becomes 'The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.'
How do I convert a question into Reported Speech?+
Change the word order from interrogative (inverted) to subject-verb. For yes-no questions, introduce 'if' or 'whether'. For wh-questions, retain the wh-word. Backshift tense and adjust pronouns and adverbs. Example: 'Where are you going?' → He asked where I was going.
What is an assertion-reason MCQ in Reported Speech?+
An assertion-reason MCQ presents two statements: Assertion (A) and Reason (R). You must decide if both are true, if both are true and R explains A, if one is false, or if both are false. This format tests conceptual understanding of grammar rules rather than mechanical application.
Which modals do not change in Reported Speech?+
Modals that already denote past possibility or obligation—'could', 'might', 'should', 'ought to', 'would'—usually remain unchanged. Also, 'must' in the sense of logical necessity sometimes stays 'must', though in obligation contexts it becomes 'had to'.
How should I practice Reported Speech MCQs for the CBSE exam?+
Solve at least five MCQs daily, review explanations for every wrong answer, and note down rule exceptions like universal truths. Time yourself to simulate exam pressure. Use NCERT examples, CBSE sample papers, and online resources like CBSETUTOR.ai for varied question sets.
What reporting verbs are commonly used in Class 9 Reported Speech?+
Common verbs include 'said', 'told', 'asked', 'requested', 'ordered', 'commanded', 'exclaimed', 'suggested', and 'advised'. 'Told' requires an indirect object (e.g., 'He told me…'), whereas 'said' does not. Commands use 'ordered' or 'commanded', polite requests use 'requested'.
How does CBSETUTOR.ai help with Reported Speech doubts?+
CBSETUTOR.ai offers a 24×7 AI tutor. Upload a photo of any MCQ or grammar rule you find confusing and receive instant, step-by-step explanations. The platform costs ₹999/month for all classes (6–12) and subjects, with a 3-day free trial, making expert help accessible anytime, anywhere.

Related resources

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