Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
They said that they were practising for the next annual function.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. They said, “We are practising for the next annual function.”
Changes required:
Conjunction removal: In direct speech, “that” is removed and inverted commas (“__”) are used.
Pronoun: In indirect speech, “they” becomes “we” in direct speech because the speakers are referring to themselves.
Tense: “Were practising” (past continuous) in indirect speech changes to “are practising” (present continuous) in direct speech to reflect the original words.
Time phrase: “The next annual function” remains the same, as it refers to a future event from both perspectives.
Converted sentence: They said, “We are practising for the next annual function.”
Hence, the chosen option is correct.