Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
Calling me a friend, Surjit Singh encouraged me and advised me not to lose heart.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Surjit Singh said, “Cheer up, friend. Do not lose heart.”
The original sentence is in indirect speech:
'Calling me a friend, Surjit Singh encouraged me and advised me not to lose heart.'
To change this to direct speech, we look at:
Encouragement and advice — best introduced by 'said' when the tone is friendly.
The phrases “Cheer up, friend” (encouragement) and “Do not lose heart” (advice) are natural expressions in direct speech.
So, the sentence in direct speech becomes:
'Surjit Singh said, ‘Cheer up, friend. Do not lose heart.’'
Why the other options are incorrect:
Ordered
- 'Order' implies authority or command, which doesn’t match the tone of encouragement and advice.
Demanded
- 'Demand' suggests forcefulness, which is inappropriate in a supportive context.
Asked me
- 'Ask' is used for questions, not statements of encouragement or advice.