Changing narration style by using indirect speeches
Changing narration
Using indirect speeches
1 "All will need to wear masks and maintain health guidelines at educational institutes. The decision may be changed if the COVID-19 situation deteriorates," said the Education Minister. Regarding the vaccination of the under-12 she said, "The decision will be taken as per the recommendation of the technical committee as per availability of vaccines." Meanwhile, the Health Minister said, "Those between the age group 12-18 may have an opportunity to receive Moderna or Pfizer vaccines as per recommendation of the World Health Organization.
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The Education Minister said that all would need to wear masks and maintain health guidelines at educational institutes. The Minister added that the decision might be changed if the COVID-19 situation deteriorated. Regarding the vaccination of the under-12, she again said that the decision would be taken as per the recommendation of the technical committee as per availability of vaccines. Meanwhile the Health Minister said that those between the age group 12-18 might have an opportunity to receive Moderna or Pfizer vaccines as per recommendation of the World Health Organization.
2 "Where do you come from?" I asked him. "From San Carlos," he said, and smiled. "I was taking care of animals," he explained. "Oh," I said, not quite understanding. "Yes," he said, "I stayed, you see, taking care of animals. I was the last one to leave the town of San Carlos.’’ ‘’What animals were they?’’ ‘’Various animals,’’ he said, and shook his hand.
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3 "Follow my example," she said as we shook hands, "and never eat more than one thing for luncheon." "I'll do better than that," I retorted. "I'll eat nothing for dinner tonight." "Humorist!" she revenge at last. I do not believe that I am a vindictive man. But today she weighs twenty-one stone!."
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4 "How much do you want?" said the Mayor. "A thousand guilders," said the Pied Piper. "All right," said the Mayor, ‘’We’ll give you a thousand guilders. When will you set to work?" "Now," replied the Pied Piper. "But you must fulfil your promise." "Certainly we will do so if you can really drive away the rats from the town."
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5 "Where do you like to go, sir?" asked the ticket seller. "Cox's Bazar,' replied the stranger. "How many tickets do you need?" "I will buy five tickets." "Take these tickets. They will cost three thousand taka," said the ticket seller. "Here is the money." "Thank you. May your journey be pleasant," said the ticket seller.
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6 "Have you saved something for the future?" said the rich man. "No" said the cobbler. "I am happy with the present and think little about tomorrow." "No, that would not do," said the rich man. "I like to see you above want. Have this money and keep it." "What a great amount of money it is! Where will I keep so much money?" whispered the cobbler to himself.
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7 He said to me, "I am very sorry to trouble you, but I shall be much obliged if you will kindly lend me your dictionary." "I shall be very glad to be of service to you, and you are welcome to any of my books that you think of use to you," said I. "You are my true friend and I am happy that I have such a friend," said he. "I am also happy that you, as my friend, are honest, studious and pious," said I.
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8 "My sons," said he, "A great treasure lies hidden in the estate. I am about to leave you." "Where is it hidden?" said the sons. "I am about to tell you," said the old man. "But you must dig the land for it." "OK, we will do so." "In the process of getting something, we have no alternative but to work hard, said the old man.
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9 "Have you learnt your lessons?" father said to Arman. "No, I've forgotten," said he. "That's very bad. You must be more careful about your preparation for the examination. By doing so, you can make a good result," said his father. "Thank you very much for your timely advice. I'll be serious about my preparation for the examination." "May Allah bless you," said father.
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10 "Why are you crying? Do you have any problem?" asked the passer-by. "I am crying because I have none to look after me," said the street child. "Are you hungry?" "Yes, I am," said the boy. "Will you go to my home and live with us?" "I will be very happy if you kindly take me to your home to live with you."
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11 "Why did you stop me? I didn't do anything wrong, did I?" asked Riyad. "You were driving too fast,' said the traffic sergeant, giving him a glare, "Now, show me your driving license." "Here is my driving license. " "OK, but never drive so fast on the road for the sake of the safety of yourself and others."
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12 "Have you cut your nails short?" the teacher said to Maruf "No. I've forgotten, sir." said Maruf. "That's very bad. You must be more careful about neatness and cleanliness. By doing so, you can prevent diarrhoea and some other diseases too," said the teacher. "I'll try my level best to follow your advice," said Maruf. "I'm pleased that you've realized the importance of hygiene," said the teacher.
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13 "Whose picture is it?" I asked. "A little girl's of course," said Grandmother. "Can't you tell?" "Yes, but did you know the girl?" "Yes, I knew her," said Granny, "But she was a very wicked girl and I shouldn't tell you about her. But I'll tell you about the photograph. It was taken in your grandfather's house, about sixty years ago and that's the garden wall, and over the wall there was a road going to town."
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14 "Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame, "Take your hat off and let's have a sight at the locks." "Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with a practiced hand. "OK, give me the money swiftly. I am in great need of the money."
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15 A cat hearing that a hen was laid up sick in her nest, paid her a visit of condolence and said, "How are you, my dear? What can I do for you? Only tell me. Is there anything in the world that I can bring for you?" "Thank you," said the hen. "Do you be good enough to leave me, and I have no fear but I shall soon be well." "OK, I am leaving you. The news of your sickness made me anxious and so I have rushed to you.
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16 One day Hazrat Omar (R) became shocked to see the sufferings of a woman and said, "Where do you live?" The woman said, "I live in a poor hut south end to this town. I'm hungry but there is no food in my house. Will you give me something to eat?" Hazrat Omar (R) said, "Go back home. I'm coming with food and money for you." After some time, Hazrat Omar (R) coming back with some food and money said to the woman, "Take the food items and money and eat to your heart's content." The woman burst into crying out of deep gratefulness and said, "May Allah bless you. You are great."
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17 "Why are you loitering here and there now? Are you in trouble?" said the school teacher. ‘’I am loitering because I have none to take care of me," said the boy. The school teacher said, "Do you feel hungry?" "Yes, I am very hungry now," said the boy. "Take this money and go to hotel to eat to your heart's content. And after the break meet the Headmaster and me so that we can help you.
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18 "Why are your children crying, my daughter?" said the Caliph. "They have been starving," said the woman. "Have you none else in the world?" "My husband died some months ago. He left them neither money nor any property. So, they are in great distress. They have to starve sometimes." "Oh! Let me see, how I can help you," said the Caliph.
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19 "Do you know Bangladesh Open University offers an English self-learning course?" Sejan said to Shawan. "Yes, I have heard it from my father who works as a tutor of the course. It is a six-month course known as CELP," said Shawan. "How is this course conducted?" asked Sejan. "BTV broadcasts the lessons of this course every morning from 7:00 am to 8:00 am," said Shawan.
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20 "Please give me your English grammar book," said Fahim. "I cannot give it," said Arman. "I have to take it with me in the class." I shall return the book before the class starts," said Fahim. "Take it," said Arman. "Thanks," said Fahim. "After college, we shall discuss some grammatical points," said Arman. “OK, we shall do so,’’ said Fahim.
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21 Returning home, my mother said to me, "Your progress in studies is very slow. You always move about with a group of your friends. Aren't you idling away your time with them? Can't you be more serious?" "I am sorry and I will amend myself," I replied. "You should bear in mind that student life is the period for preparation for the future career. So, you must make the best use of this period."
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22 "Stop writing now. The time is over." The student said, "Sir, wait for a few more minutes. I came late owing to my being caught in traffic jam." "That can't be an excuse. The authority is not responsible for your delay," said the teacher. "Sorry, sir, please take the script," said the student. "Thank you for conforming to the rule. I am really sorry for your misfortune," said the teacher.
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23 "I came here yesterday from my village," he said. "Why did you come?" I asked. "My mother sent me to you with this letter." "How is your mother? I have not seen her for a long time. I hope she is quite well." "Yes, she is well but somewhat worried about me. She has sent me to you so that you can help me get a good job."
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24 The giant looked at the fisherman and said, "Speak to me more politely or I'll kill you." "Why will you kill me?" asked the fisherman, "I've just freed you. Have you forgotten that?" "No," answered the giant, "But that'll not stop me from killing you." "Now, tell me how you will like to be killed," said the giant. The fisherman said, "I don't believe you were inside the vase. Before killing me, please show me how you were in the vase."
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25 A hawker said to me, "Do you want any newspaper? I have all types of newspapers. Please take one." I said, "I want a weekly magazine. Do you have any magazine?" He said, "Yes, I have a magazine named "The Sugandha.’’ "What's the price of it?" I asked. "Twenty-five taka only." "OK, give me one copy," said I.
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26 The teacher said to Kamal, "Why are you talking in the class? You should behave yourself." Kamal replied, "Sir, I am sorry. I am asking Fahim to lend me his pen. My pen has run out." The teacher said, "Be attentive and listen to my lecture. You cannot expect good results unless you listen to my lecture attentively." Kamal said, "Thank you, sir."
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27 Fahim said to Hamid, "How are you? I went to your hostel yesterday, but did not find you. Where did you go?" "I went to the station," said Hamid, "I had to receive my maternal uncle there, but the train was late. So, I had to wait for him at the station."
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28 "Porter, you may go," said the mistress of the house laughing, "You have gained your freedom." "By Allah," he replied, "I will not leave this house until I have heard the stories of my companions."
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29 A fruitseller said, "What fruit do you want to buy? I have apples from Australia, oranges from Darjeeling, grapes from Kashmir." "What fruits do you have of our country?" said the customer. "I have coconut, guava, jackfruit," said the fruitseller. The customer said, "Give me one kg of guava as it will be the substitute for Australian apples." "Do you need anything else?" said the fruitseller. "Give me a medium-sized jackfruit."
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30 "Have you finished reading the book that I gave you last night?" Kamal said to me. "Yes, I have," I replied, "What an interesting book it is! I wish I would borrow the book earlier," I said. "Will you return the book to me tomorrow?" Kamal asked. "I want to keep the book for one more day because I need to take some notes from the book," I said. Kamal said, "No, I need the book tomorrow. You can take it next week."
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31 Jerry said to me, "I'll pay for it. I broke it. I brought the axe down careless." "But no one hits accurately every time," said I. "The fault was in the wood of the handle. I'll see the man who I bought it from," I added. "I'll take the money after you have talked to the seller," said Jerry. "Still you are standing back of your own carelessness," said I.
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32 My friend said to me, "Why are you sitting alone in your room at this hour? Don't you see the sky has been clear? Let us go out for a walk in the open field." I said angrily, "Leave me alone and get lost." My friend said, "You should behave yourself. You can share your problems with me. It will lessen your mental stress."
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33 Jerry said, "I can chop some wood today." "But I have a boy coming from the orphanage." "I'm the boy." "You? But you are small." "Size does not matter, chopping wood," Jerry said, "Some of the big boys don't chop good, I've been chopping wood at the orphanage a long time."
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34 "Who's she?" asked Mita. "She is my cousin. She just came from the village yesterday" said Nasrin. "How old is she?" asked Mita. "Same age as I am," said Nasrin. "Do you read in the same class?" "Yes," replied Nasrin. "There is a great friendship between you, isn't there," asked Mita, "Yes, we love each other a lot," said Nasrin.
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35 "Good morning," said Mostofa. "Good morning. How can I help you?" said the supervisor. "Can you tell me from where I can get the schedule of the examinations?" said Mostofa. "It is on the notice board. Do you know where it is?" said the supervisor. "No," said Mostofa. "It is on the wall just beside the office room," said the supervisor. "Thanks a lot," said Mostofa. "You are always welcome," said the supervisor.
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36 "Have you done your homework?" the teacher said to the student. "No, I've forgotten, sir," said the student. "That's very bad. You must be more careful about your studies. Without doing so, you can't expect a good result," said the teacher. "I also believe so. But yesterday some guests came to our house and I spent much time in their company," said the student. "You should be wiser in carrying out your responsibilities," said the teacher.
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37 "Do you know Bangladesh has won the cricket series against New Zealand?" said Hamid. "Yes I do. What a pleasure it is!" said Kabir. "We should practise more to improve our standard. Do you agree?" "Yes, nothing is possible to attain without practice," said Kabir. "The same is in the case of learning English. We have to practise English a lot to develop our communicative competence. said Hamid. Right, we are to be serious about it.
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38 It was a few years ago. I was helping out at my daughter's school when a small boy came rushing up in obvious distress. He'd badly grazed his knee but, even after cleaning it up, he continued to wail. "It'll be OK," I reassured him. "Your dad's a doctor. When you get home he'll make it better." "No, he won't," sobbed the boy. "Why not?" I asked. "Because it's his day off today," he replied. "What is your major problem, my boy, and how long" have you been suffering?" I said, "Stomach pain. I have been suffering since morning."
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39 "Master," he said, "Can I ask you a question?" "Oh sure." "I was absent from work yesterday and could not do the due task." "Never mind, do it today and never remain absent unnecessarily." "Thank you, sir." "You're welcome, John." "The work seems to me very easy. So, don't worry, I shall complete it by noon," said John. "I know, you are very efficient in your work." "I shall remain grateful for your kind help, sir."
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40 Looking at the prisoner, the boys said to him, "What do you want to do now?" The prisoner said, "I want to die.’’ Being melancholic, the boys said, ‘’Why do you like to do this? Life has a great meaning," The prisoner retorted, "Life is a meaningless tale narrated by an idiot. Life is a walking shadow." The boys said, "Life is short, art long. Beautify your life and enjoy the wine of life." "The wine of life is drawn and the mere lees is left this vault to brag of," he said.
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41 "Why haven't you fed the children yet? It's almost midnight," said the Caliph. "We have been waiting here for relief for three days but couldn't meet the Caliph," replied the women. "Alas! What will I answer hereafter?" said the Caliph in the guise of a traveller. "Sisters, will you wait here for some time? I will come back soon with some food items from the Caliph." "We must wait for you if you can confirm," replied the women.
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42 "And what am I supposed to do all day?" asked Rupa as she watched Jony get ready for college. Jony looked at her. "You can read, you can visit your friends or your family if you like." "Family? I have no family left after what I have done to them." "You have done nothing. I'll be back soon," he continued. "By lunch. And in the evening we'll go out." "I feel extremely bored sitting in the room. Will you give me your new novel book you bought yesterday?" "Oh sure, take the book from my bag and spend your time reading it," said Jony.
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43 "I never drink anything for luncheon," she said. "Neither do I," I answered promptly. "Except white wine," she proceeded as though I had not spoken. "These French white wines are so light. They are wonderful for the digestion." "What would you like?" I asked, hospitable still, but not exactly effusive. "My doctor won't let me drink anything but champagne." I fancy I turned a trifle pale. I ordered half a bottle. I mentioned casually that my doctor had absolutely forbidden me to drink champagne.
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44 "Stop! You're eating all our bread." shouted the two rats. "I'm doing my best but I've told you that it's difficult," said the monkey. "Give us that little piece," said the rats. "This is my piece. Haven't I laboured a lot for you?" replied the monkey. "How foolish we are believing you!" said the rats. "Now let us call a meeting of all the rats tomorrow. We shall discuss the tricks of the monkey." They called a meeting and informed all the rats of the monkey's trick. "Drive the monkey away from the jungle," the old experienced rat said in the meeting.
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45 "Where did you go yesterday?" said Lipi. "I went to Chattogram to see my mother," said Mina. "She has been suffering from high blood pressure." "Is she sound now?" said Lipi. "No," said Mina. "She is very careless of her health. She does not follow the instructions of the doctor." "Take your mother to Dhaka. My mother is a specialist in medicine. So, come to our house with her and consult my mother," said Lipi. "Thank you so much for your advice."
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46 "Excuse me, can you help me? I was looking for the Main Hall", said Maria. "I can. I'm looking for the Main Hall too. I think it's in the Administrative Building. Are you a new student?" said Hasan. "Yes, I am," said Maria. "Which department are you from," said Hasan. "Economic." "Where is the Administrative Building located?" "It is on the western side of this grassy lawn." "Thank you very much," said Maria. "You are welcome. I am charmed by your simplicity," said Hasan.
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47 I told the rickshaw puller that he had carried me a long way. Then I asked him how much I should pay him. I further asked him if fifty taka would do. The rickshaw puller disagreed and said that I would pay him one hundred taka. I said that it was too much and added that I could pay him sixty taka.
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48 The teacher asked the students if they had heard the name of Aesop. The students respectfully replied that they had not and asked the teacher who he had been. The teacher advised them to listen to his lecture attentively and they would be able to know about him. He also exclaimed with wonder that his fables were very interesting and instructive. One of the students asked if fables were ordinary stories. The teacher replied in the negative and said that fables are stories with a message or a moral.
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49 Once I asked a little girl what her mother's name was. She replied that she could remember her mother's name but she would not tell me that. She added that she did not tell her mother's name to anyone whom she did not know. I exclaimed with admiration that she was a very clever girl. The girl said that I was very humorous and intelligent. I asked her in what class she read.
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50 The witness told the international crimes tribunal that he had suddenly heard a gunshot and gone towards the door. He added that he had seen many Al-Badr men and the members of the Pakistani army on his house premises. The judge asked him if he had recognized some of the Al-Badr men. The witness answered that he could recognize one Hamid in his village who had brought the members of the Pakistani army to the village.
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51 The mother asked her son if he would go to college that day. Her son replied in the negative and added that their classes were suspended. She again asked him why their classes were suspended. The son replied that their classes were suspended due to COVID-19. The mother told him to go to the market then and bring some vegetables. Her son told her that he might be allowed to be ready and told her to give him money.
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52 A fruitseller asked the customer which fruits he would need. He added that he had apples from Australia, oranges from Darjeeling, grapes from Kashmir, etc. The customer asked the fruitseller what fruits of their country he had. The fruit seller readily replied that he had coconut, guava, jackfruit, etc. The customer said that he wanted one kg of guava as it would be the substitute of Australian apples. The fruit seller said that he was giving him (c) the guava. He (s) added that they were very tasty. He (s) also added that they were totally formalin-free.
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53 The lady guest said that I was in the habit of eating heavy luncheon. She added that she was sure it was a mistake. She then asked me why I did not follow her example and just eat one thing. The lady guest added that she was sure I would feel ever so much better for it. As the waiter came again with the bill of fare, she said that she was going to eat only one thing. She also said she never ate anything for luncheon.
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54 The king's minister asked the fool why he was digging holes on the side of the road. He added that people passing by would put their feet in them and fall down. He also asked him if he had not thought of that. The fool wanted to know why they would fall in. He said that he had not dug in the middle of the road. He also commented that only those who left the straight road and came off the path would fall into pit. The minister said he saw the point and added that he (f) was right. Then he (m) asked the fool what his profession was. The fool replied that he was an ordinary day-labourer.
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55 The student greeted the clerk and said that she was there to register for the First Year Law Course. The clerk said that he would just have to fill out that form for their records. He asked her (s) what her name was. She replied that her name was Julia Perkins. He asked her what her address was. She (s) said that her address was Flat 5, 15 Waratals Road, Brisbane. The clerk asked her what her parents' names were. In reply, she said that her father's name was John Perkins and her mother’s name was Linda Perkins.
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56 Addressing Mamun as her dear student Mrs. Kibria said that there would be an exam the following Monday. He (M) asked her what sort of exam it was. She (K) replied that it was an open book exam. He (M) asked her (K) if that meant he (M) could have the textbook with him during the exam. She (K) replied in the affirmative and said that he (M) was right. Mamun asked her what the purpose of that kind of exam was. In reply, she said that its purpose was to assess how much he had studied and understood the textbooks.
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57 The mother asked the daughter if she (d) had done her homework. She (d) replied in the negative and said that she had forgotten. She (m) said that it was very bad and remarked that she (d) had to be more careful about her (d) homework. She (m) added that by doing so, she (d) could not expect to do well in her studies. The daughter said that she was sorry. Then the mother advised her (d) to be attentive and learn her (d) lesson regularly. The daughter said that truly speaking she (d) often faced problems in her study. Then the mother asked her (d) why she (d) didn't put up her (d) problem to her (m). She (m) also advised her (d) to go to her (m) whenever she faced any problem from then on.
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58 The teacher asked Kabir why he (K) was talking in the class, Kabir replied that he (K) had been asking Ali about the schedule of the pre-test exam. The teacher advised him (K) not to gossip in the class and to be mindful of his (K) lesson. Kabir respectfully apologized and requested him (t) to forgive him (K) for that time. The teacher said that he (K) was pardoned that time. But he (t) also warned him (K) never to break the rules of the class. Then Kabir promised that he would never deviate from the right track.
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59 The teacher asked Michael if he had done that work himself. Replying in the affirmative Michael said that he (M) had done that. The teacher commented that it seemed to have been remarkably well done by him (M). Michael replied that he had studied a lot to do those works and finally he could finish successfully. Appreciating him, the teacher replied that it was very wonderful of him (M). The teacher advised him (M) to carry on his study that way. He (t) added that then he (M) would reach the peak of success in life. Michael promised that he would try his best to follow his (t) advice.
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60 Asad exclaimed with sorrow that he (A) had made a terrible mistake. Kamal said that it was not surprising and added that he (A) was always making mistakes. He (K) further asked him (A) what he (A) had done. He (A) said that he had forgotten to pay his (A) exam fee. He (A) added that the previous day had been the last date. Kamal exclaimed in wonder that he (A) had grown very indifferent even about serious matter like exam. Then Asad told him (K) if he (K) could suggest any way to overcome this problem.