Passage Narration
Passage narration means a short passage of conversation between two persons in the form of direct speeches. There are some different rules of changing passage narration from direct speeches to indirect speeches.
1. After reading the passage attentively, at first you have to identify the speaker, the listener and mode of every sentence.
2. Always put reporting verb at first place of the sentence and follow the five changes.
Direct: “I am well now,” he said to me.
Indirect: He told me that he was well then.
a. ‘You look a little bit like my mother,’ Jerry said to the authoress, ‘Especially in the dark by the fire.’ b. ‘Follow my example,’ she said to me, ‘and never eat more than one thing for luncheon.’ c. ‘I have made a terrible mistake,’ said the man, ‘I have forgotten to pay my exam fee.’ d. ‘You will come to college regularly,’ the teacher said to the students, ‘Otherwise, you will not understand it.’ e. ‘You have to read English more and more,’ the teacher said to the students, ‘Otherwise, you will not cut a good figure in English’. f. ‘Nazrul is not only the national poet of Bangladesh,’ father said to his son, ‘But also a rebel poet’. g. ‘Most of the students of our college are weak in English,’ she said, ‘They are not sincere enough in English amination.’
3. In case of frequent speech of a speaker
Assertive : told, added, also added, further added
Interrogative : asked, also asked, again asked, further asked
Imperative : and Requested /and ordered to
Optative : and prayed/and wished that
Exclamatory : and exclaimed in joy that/ in grief that
Direct: He said to me, “I am going to school. I will return soon.”
Indirect: He told me that he was going to school and added that he would return soon.
Direct: He said to me, “How are you? Have you brought the book with you?”
Indirect: He asked me how I was and also asked if I had brought the book with me.
a. Jerry said to me, ‘I can chop some wood today. I shall come again tomorrow.’ b. She said to me, ‘What is your name? Where do you live?’ c. He said to us, ‘I came here yesterday. I will go to Satkhira tomorrow.’ d. Rahim said to me, ‘I shall go to your house tomorrow. We will go to my teacher’s house then.’ e. The man said to me, ‘I will come here tomorrow. I will finish this work as soon as possible.’ f. The man said to me, ‘Please, lend me some money. I shall return it to you tomorrow.’ g. I said to the little girl, ‘What is your name? What class do you read in?’ h. She said to me, ‘I sent the parcel to my mother yesterday. She will get it most probably tomorrow.’ i. Jamal said to Mitu, ‘Are you going to Dhaka tomorrow? How long will you stay there?’ j. The poor man said, ‘I have completed the work. I need 2 days leave.’
4. Yes=Speaker+replied in the affirmative that/agreed
No=Speaker+replied in the negative that/disagreed/denied
Direct: I said, “Yes, I will help.”
Indirect: I replied in the affirmative that I would help.
Direct: I said, “No, I can do this.”
Indirect: I replied in the negative and said that I could do that.
a. ‘Yes, I have finished reading the book,’ I said to Sarmin. b. She said, ‘No, I have not seen him today.’ c. No, I have changed my decision,’ said Mitu to Sadia. d. ‘No, I am not ill,’ said the son. e. Yes, we will learn our lessons tomorrow,’ the students said to the teacher. f. Rahim said to me, ‘Yes, I shall go to your house tomorrow. g. Father said to the villagers, ‘Yes, I shall establish a college in this village next year.’ h. The man said to his son, ‘Are you ill?’ ‘No, I am not ill,’ replied the son. i. The rich man said to the villagers, ‘Yes, I shall establish a college in this village next year.’ j. The man said, ‘Yes, I have completed the work.’ k. ‘No, I did not come here yesterday,’ the beggar said to the police. l. Rahim said to me, ‘Yes, I shall go to your house tomorrow. Then I shall go my teacher’s house.’ m. ‘Yes, we will learn our lessons tomorrow,’ the students said to the teacher.
5. Sir/Madam=with respect/respectfully/politely
or, Addressing as Sir/Madam
Direct: I said, “Sir, I should follow.”
Indirect: I respectfully said that I should follow.
a. ‘Yes, sir,’ she replied, ‘I have done my duty.’ b. The beggar said to me, ‘Madam, please give me your cardigan.’ c. The student said to me, ‘I have not learnt my lessons today, Sir.’ d. The man said, ‘Sir, I have completed the work.’ e. ‘Sir, I came here yesterday,’ the labour said to his master. f. ‘Sir, I made a mistake today,’ the student said to the teacher. g. Satabdi said to the teacher, ‘Sir, I was ill yesterday.’ h. ‘Madam, I will go to market tomorrow,’ the maid said to the mistress of the house.
6. By Allah/ by God/ by Jove……sentence will start with…..Swearing by Allah/God/Jove
Direct: “By Allah, he replied, “I have left it.”
Indirect: Swearing by Allah, he replied that he had left it.
a. ‘By Allah,’ he said to Shifa, ‘I will not leave this house.’ b. “By Allah, I went outside for drinking a glass of water,” said the servant. c. ‘By God,’ she said to Shezan, ‘I will not go to London.’ d. The boys said, ‘By Allah, we will play in this field,’ e. She said, ‘By Allah, I will come here tomorrow.’ f. She said, ‘By Allah, I will inform you in detail about this matter.’
7. Sorry …………………apologized
Direct : I said to him, “Sorry, I cannot agree.”
Indirect: I apologized him that I could not agree.
Direct : I said to him, “Sorry, I can’t agree.”
Indirect: I told him that I was sorry and I couldn’t agree.
Direct : He said to me, “Sorry, I can’t help you.”
Indirect: He said to me that he was sorry and added that he couldn’t help me.
Indirect: He apologized that he couldn’t help me.
8. Hello ……… sentence will start with………….. Drawing attention
Direct: I said, “Hello Rahim, how are you?”
Indirect: Drawing attention, I asked Rahim how he was.
Direct: He said to me, “Hello, can I help you?”
Indirect: Drawing attention, he asked me if he could help me.
Indirect: He drew attention and asked me if he could help me.
9. Excuse me=Speaker+begged pardon
Direct: I said to Ram, “Excuse me, how are you?”
Indirect: I begged pardon and asked Ram how he was.
Indirect: Begging pardon, I asked Ram how he was.
Direct: He said to me, “Excuse me, can I help you?”
Indirect: Begging pardon, he asked me if he could help me.
Indirect: He begged pardon and asked me if he could help me.
10. But=with disappointment/expressed with dissatisfaction
Direct: I said, “But I try to avoid.”
Indirect: I expressed with dissatisfaction that I tried to avoid.
Indirect: With disappointment, I said that I tried to avoid.
Indirect: With dissatisfaction, I said that I tried to avoid.
Direct: I said, “But I try to avoid.”
Indirect: But I said that I tried to avoid.
Direct:He said to me, “But I am fine.”
Indirect: But he said to me that he was fine.
Indirect: With dissatisfaction, he said to me that he was fine.
Indirect: He expressed with dissatisfaction that he was fine.
Direct:He said to me, “I am fine. But I will not go to school.”
Indirect: He said to me that he was fine but added that he would not go to school.
Direct: The boy said, “I have come to chop your wood. “But you are too small to chop wood,” said the woman.
Indirect: The boy said that he had come to chop her wood. With dissatisfaction, the woman told him that he was too small to chop the wood.
11. Well=Speaker+ appreciated it/with appreciation
Direct: I said to him, “Well, I agree.”
Indirect: I appreciated it that I agreed.
Indirect: With appreciation, I told him that I agreed.
Direct: He said to me, “Well, I can help you.”
Indirect: With appreciation, he said to me that he could help me.
Indirect: He appreciated it that he could help me.
12. So=that is why
Direct: He said to me, “I am unwell. So I shall not go to school.”
Indirect: He told me that he was unwell and that is why he would not go to school.
13. The phrase except speaker and listener in a reporting verb will be completely unchanged and takes place before reporting verb.
Direct: Turning towards me, he said to me, “Don’t shout.”
Indirect: Turning towards me, he forbade me to shout.
a. ‘Are you brothers?’ asked the mistress of the house, turning to the dervishes. b. Looking at my hands the beggar said, ‘Madam, please give me your cardigan.’ c. ‘Why have you not learnt your lessons?’ the teacher asked the students coming to the class. d. ‘Why have you come here?’ said Mr. Kamal turning to the stranger. e. ‘I will go to market tomorrow,’ with an air of confidence the maid said to the mistress of the house. f. ‘I have changed my decision,’ said Mitu to Sadia finding no other alternative way. g. ‘Why did you phone me?’ said Kamal to me looking at me in anger. h. ‘Follow my example,’ she said when we shook hands. i. Overhearing their whispers, the Caliph said to the dervishes, ‘Are you not of this house?’ j. ‘Perhaps that man there knows the answer,’ said the rich man, pointing to the porter. k. Inside the tent Lima said, ‘How strange it is!’ l. Returning home my father said to me, ‘Your progress is very slow.’ m. ‘You are a humorist!’ she said to me gaily, jumping into a cab. n. “You were driving too fast,” said the traffic sergeant, giving him a glare. o. Hearing those words, the fisherman became very brave and said, “Tell me why you were locked up in the vase?” p. The giant angrily looked at the fisherman and said, “Speak to me politely or I shall kill you.”
14. If there is reference of address in reported speech, indirect speech will start with addressing him/her/them as…..’’.
Direct: He said to them, “Friends, let us enjoy.”
Indirect: Addressing them as friends, he proposed that they should enjoy.
Direct: He said, ‘Suma, do not quarrel.’
Indirect: He forbade Suma to quarrel.
a. ‘Are you hungry, brothers?’ said the wise king. b. The captain said, ‘My friends, be always ready to face our enemy.’ c. ‘Dear friends,’ the patriot said, ‘Listen to me.’ d. The teacher said to the students, ‘Dear students, you should be attentive in the class.’ e. The teacher said to the students, ‘Poor boy, you will not be able to cut a good figure in the final examination.’ f. The man said to me, ‘Sister, will you help me to perform the work tomorrow?’ g. “Are you happy, students?” said Torikul. h. Suddenly he said, ‘Good morning, gentlemen.’ i. Father said, “You’re welcome, my son.” j. ‘Why are your children crying, my daughter?” said the Caliph. k. She said, “Dear husband, don’t look me that way.”
15. Reporting verb will be unchanged except said to. (replied, informed, added, stated, remarked, asserted, assured, pleaded, remarked, reported, reminded, complained, muttered, uttered)
Direct: He replied/muttered/uttered, “He had done the job.”
Indirect: He replied/muttered/uttered that he had done the job.
16. In spite of being assertive sentence, if the symbol is question mark, then sentence will be started with being surprised and follow the rules of interrogative sentences.
Direct: I said to him, “You forgot who I am?”
Indirect: Being surprised, I asked him if he had forgotten who I was.
Direct: He said to me “You are angry with me?”
Indirect: Being surprised he asked me if I was angry with him.
Direct:He said to me, “You did it?”
Indirect: Being surprised, he asked me if I had done it.
17. Direct : I said to him, “Ok, I will do it.”
Indirect: I told him that it was ok and added that I would do it.
Direct : He said to me, “Ok, I can help you.”
Indirect: He said to me that it was ok and added that he could help me.
18. If there is a tag question after reported speech……
Direct: He said to me, “You are going to the playground, aren’t you?”
Indirect: He asked me if it was true that I was going to the playground.
Direct: He said to me, “You look smart, don’t you?”
Indirect: He asked me if it was true that I looked smart.
Direct: He said to me, “I will attend the party, won’t I?”
Indirect: He asked me if it was true that he would attend the party.
19. Sometimes there is found an incomplete sentence in Reported Speech
Direct: I can buy your drama book. How much will I pay you? “Hundred taka only?” I said to him. “Everything is ok.”
Indirect: I told him that I could buy his drama book. I also asked him how much I would pay him. I further asked him if hundred take only would do. He replied that everything was ok.
Direct: Suddenly he said to me, ‘Where are you going and what are you doing here?’ ‘Oh, nowhere and nothing.’
Indirect: Suddenly he asked me where I was going and what I was doing there. I replied that I was going nowhere and I was doing nothing.
20. If there is no speaker and listener in Reported Speech
Direct: “Where are you going now?” “I am going to market.”
Indirect: The speaker asked the listener where he was going then. The listener replied that he was going to market.
21. Direct : He said to me, “Good bye.”
Indirect: He bade me good bye.
22. Direct: He said to me, “Good morning/evening/afternoon/night.”
Indirect: He wished me good morning/evening/afternoon/night.
23. Direct: He said to me,” Thank you very much.”
Indirect: He thanked me very much.
24. Direct: He said to me, “Congratulation.”
Indirect: He congratulated me.
25. Direct: He said to me, “Happy birthday.”
Indirect: He wished me happy birthday.
26. Direct: He said to me, “Welcome.”
Indirect: He welcomed me.
Exercises on Passage Narration
1. The teacher said to Rita, ‘Why are you talking in the class? You should behave yourself.’ Rita said, ‘Sir, I am sorry.’ The teacher said, ‘Ok, be attentive and listen to my lecture. May Allah bless you.’
Answer : The teacher asked Rita why she was talking in the class. He warned her that she should behave herself. With due respect Rita said that she was sorry. The teacher advised her to be attentive and listen to his lecture. He wished that Allah might bless her.
2. 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 Hasan to lend me his pen. My pen has run out.’ The teacher said, ‘Be attentive and listen to my lecture.’
Answer : The teacher asked Kamal why he (K) was talking in the class. He told him (K) that he should behave himself. With due respect, Kamal said that he was sorry. He added that he was asking Hasan to lend him (k) his (h) pen because his pen had run out. The teacher advised him to be attentive and listen to his lecture.
3. “Mr. Fox’s very clever,” the other foxes said, “What’s he going to tell us?” Mr. Fox said, “Listen to me my friends. I’ve made an important discovery. Do you want to know about it?”
Answer : The other foxes said that Mr. Fox was very clever. They asked what he was going to tell them. Addressing them as his friends, he requested them to listen to him. He told them that he had made an important discovery. He asked them if they wanted to know about it.
4. ‘What do you want?’ asked she. Alfred answered. ‘I only want to come in. I am very tired. Please, let me come inside. Afterwards I will go away.’
Answer : She asked Alfred what he wanted. Alfred answered that he only wanted to go in. He added he was very tired. He requested that he might be allowed to go inside and afterwards he would go away.
5. “Why didn’t you obey my orders?” said the officer to the peon. “Leave my service at once and do not come here again.”
Answer: The Officer asked the peon why he had not obeyed his orders. He ordered him to leave his service at once and forbade him to come there again.
6. She said to her friend,” How pleasant weather it is! I like going out for a walk very much. Let us go out for a long drive. Please take your sister too along with and we all shall enjoy ourselves there very much.”
She exclaimed that it was a very pleasant weather and told her friend that she liked going out for a walk very much. She proposed to her friend that they should go out for a long drive. She further requested her friend to take her sister too along with and told that they all would enjoy themselves there very much.
7. The host said to the guest,” Please come in and have a seat. What brings you here? What can I do for you? Will you like to have a cup of coffee? ”
The host requested the guest to come in and have a seat. He asked him what brought him there and what he could do for him. He further asked him if he would like to have a cup of coffee.
8. The girl said to her father,” Why are you in such a pensive mood today? Please let me know its reason. It will be my pleasure if I can do anything for you. Have you not gone to your office today?
The father said to her daughter,” No, I am fine. I have not gone to my office because I want to see you. Are you free today?”
9. The girl asked her father why he was in such a pensive mood that day. She requested him to let her know its reason and told him that it would be her pleasure if she could do anything for him. She asked him if he had not gone to his office that day.
The father replied in negative and told her that he was fine and he had not gone to his office because he wanted to see her. He asked her if she was free that day.
10. The officer said to the employee, “Why are you late today? Do you not know that I do not allow any body to come in the office late? What is the reason of your late arrival? I allow you to attend the office today as an exceptional case. Do not repeat this instance in future.” The employee said, “I am late today because my son fell ill suddenly and I had to take him to the doctor. I am sorry for this and I assure you that I shall not repeat it in future.”
The officer asked the employee why he was late that day and if he did not know that he did not allow any body to come in the office late. He asked him what the reason of his late arrival was. He informed him that he allowed him to attend the office that day as an exceptional case and advised him not to repeat that instance in future. The employee replied that he was late that day because his son had fallen ill suddenly and he had to take him to the doctor and he was sorry for that and he assured him that he would not repeat that in future.
11. The old man said to a child in the street,” Why are you roaming here? Who accompanies you? Have you come here to make some purchases? You look perplexed. What is the matter? Can I do anything for you?”
The old man asked a child in the street why he was roaming there and who accompanied him. He asked him further if he had come there to make some purchases. He told him that he looked perplexed and asked him what the matter was and if he could do anything for him.
12. The child said to the old man, ” Sir, I came here to see my brother but I lost my way. Can you help me? Will you guide me in locating way to my house?
The child told the old man respectfully that he had come there to see his brother but he had lost his way. He asked him if he could help him and if he would guide him in locating way to his house.
13. The old man said to the child,” I shall be glad to help you. Where is your house located? Will you like me to escort you to your house? Do not be afraid. Trust on me. Come along with me as I know where your house is. I shall lead you to your house safely.
The old man told the child that he would be glad to help him. He asked him where his house was located and if he would like him to escort him to his house. He advised him not to be afraid and to trust on him. He told him to come along with him as he knew where his house was and he would lead him to his house safely.
14. On reaching his house the child said, ” Hurrah! Finally, I am at my house.” He said to the old man.” Thank you for your kind help! May God bless you with good health and long life!” The old man said,” Good bye! Child.” and went away.
On reaching his house the child cried with joy and told that finally he was at his house. He thanked the old man for his kind help and prayed that God might bless him with good health and long life. The old man bade the child good bye and went away.
15. All the students stood up when their teacher entered the classroom and said,” Good morning, sir !” The teacher said,” Sit down. Have you done your homework today? Is there any student in the class who has not done homework?” All the students spoke in one voice, ” Thank you, sir! “
All the students stood up when their teacher entered the classroom and respectfully bade him good morning. The teacher ordered them to sit down. He asked them if they had done their homework that day and if there was any student in the class who had not done homework. All the students respectfully thanked him in one voice.
16. The teacher said to the students, ” Do you know that your examinations will be starting next week? You will have to work hard if you want to get through with good marks. Cheer up! Do not waste your time and start doing your revision work immediately. May God reward your hard work with a great success!
The teacher asked the students if they knew that their examinations would be starting next week and told that they would have to work hard if they wanted to get through with good marks. He cheered them up and further advised them not to waste their time and start doing their revision work immediately. He prayed that God might reward their hard work with a great success.
Now try yourself
1. “Don’t mix with bad boys,” my father said to me. “You should read attentively as your examination is knocking at the door,” he said. “No, I don’t keep any bad company. I have just asked him if he knows the date of the examination,” I replied.
2.“Zaman, can you tell me what I am teaching?” the teacher asked. “I am sorry. I can’t follow,” replied Zaman. You can’t because you are not attentive,” the teacher said.
3. My father looked at me with anger and said to me, “Where have you been so long and why are you wasting your time?” After a moment I said, “I went to my friend’s house to borrow an essential book. I had to wait for that.”
4. “Why are you putting up the food in your pocket, sir? Why don’t you eat?” said the nobleman. “I am doing the right thing. My dress deserves these rich dishes,” replied Sheikh Saadi. “I don’t understand what you mean to say,” said the noble man.
5. “Have you ever been to Cox’s Bazar?” asked Mobarak. “No, I have never gone there,” replied Linkon. “But I long for visiting the place.” “I had an opportunity to visit the sea beach last year,” said Mobarak. “How charming the scenery is!”
6. He said to me, ‘‘You will stay here till I do not come back.’’ I replied, ‘‘Yes, I am waiting for you here.’’ ‘‘Please come back soon,’’ I said.
7. ‘Where are you from?’ said the teacher. ‘I am from Nepal,’ said the student. ‘How did you find Dhaka when you first arrived?’ said the teacher. ‘Well, I like it. I think the city is very beautiful,’ said the student.
8. ‘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.’
9. Once I asked a little girl, ‘What’s your mother’s name?’ She replied cleverly, ‘I know my mother’s name but I won’t tell you that.’ I said, ‘What a clever girl you are! May you prosper in life.’
10. ‘Where did you go yesterday?’ said Lipi. ‘I went to Chittagong to see my mother,’ said Mina. ‘She has been suffering from high blood pressure.’ ‘Is she sound now?’ said Lipi.’ ‘No,’ said Mina.
11. ‘I’ll pay for it,’ he said. ‘I broke it. I brought the exe down careless.’ ‘But no one hits accurately every time, Jerry. Moreover, the fault was in the wood of the handle. I’ll see the man whom I have bought it from,’ I told him.
12. I asked Nisha, ‘What’s your mother’s name?’ I know my mother’s name but I won’t tell you that. I don’t tell my mother’s name to anybody whom I don’t know’, said she. ‘What a clever girl you are!’
13. “Why are you talking in the class?” said the teacher. “I was talking with Ali about the schedule of S.S.C examination,” replied Karim. “Don’t gossip in the class. Be attentive to your lesson,” said the teacher. “Sorry, Sir. Please forgive me for this time,” said he.
14. “Nalita, have you done your English lesson today?” asked the teacher. “Yes, Sir,” she replied. “But I haven’t understood one grammatical point.” The teacher assured her saying, “Come to my room. I’ll help you understand the point.” “Thank you, sir,” she smilingly said.
15. My friend said to me, “Why are you sitting alone here? I have been looking for you. Let us go for a walk in the open field.” “Leave me alone,” said I.
16. Teacher said to me, “Why did you not perform your homework?” I said to him, “Sorry, I was busy with my mother’s treatment.” Then he said, “From now on I expect you to be punctual.” I said, “Ok, Sir.”
17. The Teacher became very angry with the student and said, “Why have you disturbed the class in this way? I have told you before that when I am speaking you should be silent. Leave the class and do not come today.”
18. Rashed said Tapas, “I went to the station. I had to receive my uncle there. Where did you go?” “I went to your house to collect a book from you.” “I am sorry. Let’s go. I shall lend you the book.”
19. “Have you offered your prayer today?” I said to my brother. “No, I have forgotten,” he said. “That’s bad,” I said. “We must pray every day,” he said, “I am sorry. I shall always say in time,” I said to him, “May Allah bless you.”
20. ‘Mother said to Rina, “Are you going to school now?” “Yes,” Rina replied. “You have to return soon because we will go for Eid shopping,” said mother. “What a nice idea! Mum. You are great,” Rina said.
21. 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. Do you have any magazine?” He said, “Yes, I have the latest copy of The Daily Star.”
22. “I’ve lost my tooth,” said Samira. “I’ll look ugly and horrible.” “Don’t worry,” said Mina. “Just put your tooth into a rat’s hole and a rat will give you one of its fine teeth.”
23. “I’ve got GPA-5 in the SSC examination,” said Rafiq. “Congratulation!” I said. “What do you intend to do now?” “I want to study physics, Chemistry and higher Mathematics of H.S.C at home.” “I’ll to try to get admission in BUET after my H.S.C exam,” Rafiq replied.
24. ‘Good morning, Asha,’ said Abir. How much preparation have you taken for the Test Examination?’ ‘A great preparation,’ said Asha. ‘I can get GPA-5’ ‘You are a very lucky girl,’ said Abir, ‘But my preparation is not very nice.’
25. ‘But how’s my grandmother?’ Kashem asked his mother. ‘Did you take her to the hospital?’ ‘Yes, she’s at the hospital now. She hurt herself quite badly. You should visit her on your way home from school,’ his mother said.
26. ‘What’s puppet show?’ Lima asked her father. Father said, ‘Let’s go inside and you can see for yourself.’ Inside the tent Lima said, ‘How strange! A doll is dancing and talking!’ Father said, ‘A man behind the screen is moving the doll. Do you understand who is talking?’
27. ‘Will you come to my house tomorrow?’ I asked the boy. ‘We can discuss terms and conditions then,’ I said. ‘I shall be very happy to meet with you at your house.
28. Returning home my father said to me, ‘Your progress is very slow. You are idling away time with them. Can’t you be more serious? Remember, if you fail in the coming examination, I will stop paying your tuition fees.’
29. ‘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.’
30. Shila said to Shejan, ‘Why are you late for school every day?’ ‘I can’t get up early in the morning. So I don’t have enough time to be ready for school,’ he replied. ‘How lazy you have grown!’ she said. ‘If you don’t change your habit, you’ll be a cause of sorrow to your parents.’
31. ‘Do you know why you are sent to school?’ ‘For playing with friends, father.’ ‘No, you are sent to learn to read and write.’ ‘But I won’t read and write,’ replied Jack sulkily. ‘Yes, you will.’
32. The stranger said to me, ‘Please give me a glass of cold water. My throat has been completely dry.’ I said to him, ‘Take some rest and then you can take water.’ ‘Thanks for your wise advice,’ he said.
33. “Will you buy my hair?” asked Della. “I buy hair,” said Madam. “Take your hat off and let us have a sight at the looks of it. Twenty dollars,” said Madam. “Give it to me quick,” said Della.
34. Suddenly a voice called out, ‘Good morning, gentlemen. Where are you going and what are you doing here?’ ‘Oh, nowhere and nothing.’ ‘But you look so pensive, why?’ ‘Yes, you are right. We are looking for something,’ replied the six blind men. ‘Who are you, sir?’
35. ‘Follow my example,’ she said when 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 cried gaily, jumping into a cab.
36. ‘Have you heard the name of Aesop?’ said the teacher. ‘No, sir, who was he?’ said the students. ‘Read the lesson attentively and then you will be able to know about him. How instructive and interesting his fables are!’ the teacher said.
37. ‘Oh, my Lord, please do not kill the child.’ said the woman. ‘Let her have him.’ The king said, ‘Now everything is clear to me.’ Pointing the woman, he said to the servant, ‘Give her the child. She is the mother of the baby.’
38. ‘Have you heard the name of Aesop?’ asked the teacher. ‘No, Sir, who was he?’ ‘Read the lesson attentively and then you will be able to know about him.’ ‘How interesting and instructive his fables are!’ said the teacher.
39. ‘You have cut off your hair?’ asked Jim. ‘Cut it off and sold it,’ said Della. ‘Don’t you like me just as well anyhow? I’m me, without my hair, ain’t I?’
40. The traveler said to the peasant, ‘Can you tell me the way to the nearest Inn?’ The peasant said, ‘Yes, I can. Do you want one in which you can spend the night?’ The Traveller said, ‘I don’t wish to stay there, but I only want a meal.’
41. ‘Why are putting up the food in your pocket, Sir? Why don’t you eat?’ asked the noble man. ‘I am doing the right thing. My dress deserves these rich dishes,’ replied Sheikh Saddi. ‘I don’t understand what you mean to say,’ said the noble man. ‘And I’m sorry.’
42. ‘Will you buy my hair,’ asked Della. ‘I buy hair,’ said Madame. ‘Take your hat off and let’s have a sight at the looks of it.’ ‘Twenty dollars,’ said Madame. ‘Give it me quick,’ said Della.’
43. ‘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 a long time. I hope she is quite well.’
44. Once I asked a little girl, “What is your mother’s name?” “I know my mother’s name but I won’t tell you that. I don’t tell my mother’s name to anybody whom I don’t know,” She said. “What a clever girl you are!”
45. “Could I help you, sir?” said the receptionist. The man replied, “Sure, I want to meet the Managing Director of the company.” The receptionist said, “Do you have an appointment?” “Yes, I have,” he said.
46. “Will you come to my house tomorrow?” I said to the boy, ‘We can discuss terms and conditions then.” “I shall be very happy to meet you at your house. Thank you so much,” he replied.
47. The stranger said to the boy, “Will you tell me the way to the nearest hotel?” “Yes, I will. Do you want a residential one in which can spend the night?” the boy said. “I don’t want to say there, but only want a meal,” the stranger replied. The boy said, “Follow me.”
48. “Where are you going?” said the merchant. “I was coming to see you.” “What do you want?” “To earn my bread by the labor of my hands.” “Do you really work?” said the merchant. “Yes, if you have any.” Then follow me and carry a box from a shop to my house.” “I do not see how I can do that,” said the youth.
49. A hawker said, “Will you buy any paper? I have all types of newspaper and magazines. Please take one from me.” “I buy books but now I need a weekly. Don’t you have any weekly magazine?” said Susmita.
50. “May I come in sir?” A boy standing at the door said to him. Then without waiting for his reply the boy entered the room and said, “Sir, I have come from Palashpur with a letter from Mr. Ajit Bose?” “How is he?” He said smiling. “He is not well. He has been suffering from a serious illness for two years,” The boy said. “How sad it is! May God cure him,” He said.
51. “I came to Dhaka this morning. I sent you a telegram before starting from home,” he said. “Did you receive it in time?” he asked. “No, I did not receive it,” I replied.
52. Sakib said to his English teacher, “Sir, I want to improve my English. How can I do that? Can you help me?” “Don’t worry. I will help you,” said the teacher. “Thank you, sir,” said Sakib. “Give emphasis on all the four skills of language namely listening, speaking, reading and writing,” said the teacher.
53. “I have missed my plane,” Nahiyan said to a woman. “What shall I do now?” “Go to the desk marked Enquires,” the woman said. “Flight TW 226 has left,” the man in the Enquires said. “But your ticket is for flight BA 179.”
54. “How are you today?” I said to Sumon. “I am very nervous for the coming exam,” Sumon replied. “Haven’t you taken enough preparation for this?” I said to him again. “Yes, I have but I am in a fix. Let me read now,” said Sumon.
55. “Don’t mix with bad boys,” my father said to me. “You should read attentively as your examination is knocking at the door,” he said. “No, I don’t keep with any bad company. I have just asked him if he knows the date of examination,” I replied.
56. “Will you come to my house tomorrow?” I asked the boy. “We can discuss terms and conditions then,” I said. “I shall be happy to meet you at your house. Thank you so much,” he replied. “I shall try my best to meet you.”
57. “Good Morning, Rupa,” said Sohel. “How much preparation have you taken for HSC Examination?” “A great preparation,” she replied. “I must get GPA-5.” “Wow, what a lucky girl!” said Sohel. “But my preparation is not so good.”
58. “Where did you go yesterday?” said Lipi. “I went to Chittagong to see my mother,” said Mina. “She has been suffering from high blood pressure.” Is she sound now?” said Rajon. “No,” said Mina.
59. “Ratan, have you done your English lesson today?” asked the teacher. “Yes, Sir, I did it. But I haven’t understood some grammatical points,” replied Ratan. “Where is the problem?” said the teacher. “Let us try again.”
60. “I’ve got GPA-5 in the SSC examination,” said Rafiq. “Congratulation!” I said. “What do you intend to do now?” “I want to study physics, Chemistry and higher Mathematics of HSC at home.” “I’ll to try to get admission in BUET after my HSC exam,” Rafiq replied.
61. “Shima, can you tell me what I am teaching?” the teacher asked. “I’m sorry, Sir. I can’t follow,” replied Shima. “You can’t because you are attentive,” the teacher said.
62. The teacher said to Rita, “Why are you talking in the class? You should behave yourself.” Rita said, “Sir, I am sorry.” The teacher said, “Be attentive and listen to my lecture. May Allah bless you.”
63. “Have you offered your prayer today?” I asked to my brother. “No, I have forgotten,” he said. “That’s bad,” I said. “We must pray every day.” He said, “I am sorry. I shall always say in time.” I said to him, “May Allah bless you.”
64. “Do you know why you are sent to school?” “For playing with friends, father.” “No, you are sent to learn and write.” “But I won’t read and write,” replied Jack sulky. “Yes, you will.”
65. “Good morning, students,” said the teacher. “How are you?” “Fine, sir. What about you?” “I am fine too. Please sit down.” “Have you prepared your lesson?” the teacher asked. “Sorry, sir. We were a little bit busy with our practical classes,” they replied.
66. “Who’s there?” he asked. “Dick Arkwrite,” said an unknown voice. “Are you a spinner?” inquired Henry. “No, a barber,” came the reply. “Then I’ll be needing you for cutting my hair,” Henry said.
67. “Excuse me. I want to know about reference books of the library,” said the student. “In one part of the library, you can go to read books but you can’t take them out of the building,” said the librarian.
68. “What do you call that section of the library?” said the student. “Closed Reserve. However, you’ll find some useful books there and you’ll need them for the exam,” said the librarian.
69. “Why are you absent?” said the teacher. “The Principal is very angry with you. Go to him at once.” “I was seriously ill,” said Salim. The teacher said, “You have to show the medical certificate in this case.” “Let me show my medical certificate, sir.”
70. “How are you?” George asked. “I’m not in a hilarious spirit,” Simon answered. “Is it Tom again?” said George. “Yes, it is Tom again,” Simon sighed. “Why don’t you chuck him? You have done everything possible for him. You must know by this time that he is quite hopeless.”
71. The traveller said to the peasant, “Can you tell me the way to the nearest inn?” The peasant said, “Yes, I can. Do you want one in which you can spend the night?” The traveller said,” I don’t wish to stay there. I only want a meal.” “Follow me and I will take you to a nice one.”
72. Neelima said to Akash, “Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the library? Is it too far?” Akash said, “The library is just behind the building over there. I am also going there. So, let’s go together.”
73. “What would you like, Annie?” said Nafisa, “Pizza, sandwich, hot dog or fried rice?” “I like something easy. Fried rice sounds good,” said Annie. “Okay, I’ll have a cheese and tomato sandwich. Anything to drink?” said Nafisa. “Get me a coffee,” said Annie.
74. “Why were you absent?” said the teacher. “The Principal is very angry with you. Go to him at once.” “I was seriously ill,” said Mahjabin. “Let me show my medical certificate, sir”.
75. “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?” I asked. “Yes, I knew her,” said Granny, “but she was a very wicked girl and I should not tell you about her.”
76. “I suppose we are in the danger”, said Miss Mebbin. “Nonsense,” said Mrs. Packletide. “It is a very old tiger. It could not spring up here even if it wanted to.” “If it’s an old tiger, I think you ought to get it cheaper. A thousand taka is a lot of money.”
77. 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 the town. I am hungry but there is no food in my house. Will you give me something to eat?” Hazrat Omar (R) said, “Go back home. I am coming with food and money for you.” The woman looked at him with gratitude and said, “Thank you.”
78. “Hello Marium! You look very hot and tired,” said Nafisa. “I was stuck in the traffic jam forone hour,” said Marium. “Sit down. What would you like to drink?” said Nafisa. “I’d love really chilled mineral water or something like that,” said Marium.
79. The stranger said to the boy, “Will you tell me the way to the nearest hotel?” “Yes, I will. Do you want a residential one in which you can spend the night? “the boy said. “I do not want to stay here. But I only want a meal,” the stranger replied. The boy said,”Follow me.”
80. “O King!” she cried. “Please do not kill me. I did not know that you were the king. I am very sorry.” The king said, “Do not be sad. You are a good woman. I won’t kill you.”
81. “Have you done your homework?” The mother said to the daughter. “No, I have forgotten,” said the daughter. “That is very bad. You must be more careful about your homework. By doing so, you can’t expect to do well in your studies,” said the mother.
82. “Oh, my Lord, please do not kill the child,” said the woman. “Let her have him.” The king said, “Now everything is clear to me.” Pointing to the woman, he said to the servant, “Give her the child. She is the mother of the child.”
83. The teacher said to the boy, “Why did you make a noise in the class? You are not attentive to your lessons.” “Sorry, Sir,” said the boy. “I was asking for a pen to my friend.” The teacher said,” Be attentive and listen to me carefully.”
84. The beggar said, “Will you give me some food? I have been without food for two days.” The housewife said, “Why don’t you work? You can earn your own food.” “Oh my God,” said the beggar. “I am disabled. I can’t work.”
85. She said, “What is your name?” “Roger,” answered the boy. “Then, Roger, you go to that sink and wash your face,” said the woman. “Are you going to take me to jail?” asked the boy, bending over the sink. “All I wanted a pair of blue shoes.” “You didn’t have to snatch my purse to get some shoes,” said Mrs. Washington Jones. “You could have asked me.”
86. The young man said, “I can’t stay any longer. The king had sent me to do a very important work.” “Friend, tell me what your important work is. I can also help you,” the man requested.
87. “What is your opt occupation?” asked the king. “I do not work at all”, said the stranger, “I wander about God’s kingdom and wherever. He places me, there I remain for the day”. Seeing the stranger’s trust in God, the king felt kindly towards him and said, “Will you come and live in my palace?” The stranger asked, “What I shall do there!” “You’ll water my trees and flower and in exchange you will get food and clothing”, said the king.
88. The preacher said to his followers, ” Have faith in God and do the right. May God shower his blessings on you! Do you know that I can manage the pampered and spoilt children well?”
89. The interviewer said to the candidate, “I offer you two options for giving your reply. You can choose either three easy questions or one very difficult question. Will you like to avail the offer? If yes, which option do you want to use?”
90. ‘You look a little bit like my mother,’ he said ‘especially in the dark by the fire.’ ‘But you were only four Jerry, when you came here. You have remembered how she looked all these years?’ ‘My mother lives in Mannville,’ he said.
Answer: Jerry told the listener that she looked a little bit like his mother especially in the dark by the fire. With disappointment, she told that he had been only four when he had gone there. Being surprised, she asked if he had remembered how she had looked all those years. He said that his mother lived in Mannville.
91. “Great king of the genies,” called the monster. “I will never disobey you.” Hearing those words, the fisherman became very brave and said, “Tell me why you were locked up in the vase?” The giant angrily looked at the fisherman and said, “Speak to me politely or I shall kill you.” “Why should you kill me?” asked the fisherman.
Answer: The monster called the great king of the genies and said that he would never again disobey him (G). Hearing those words, the fishermen became brave and told the monster to tell him (f) why he (M) had been locked up in the vase. Then the giant angrily looked at him and told the fishermen to speak to him (M) more politely, otherwise he (M) would kill him (F). The fisherman asked why he would kill him.
92. “My sons, listen to me. A great treasure lies hidden in the land. I am going to leave it to you.” “How’ll we find it?” said the sons. “You must dig the land for it,” said the old man.
Answer: The old man told his sons to listen to him that a great treasure lied hidden in the land. He added that he was going to leave that to them. The sons wanted to know how they would find it. The old man replied that they must dig the land for it.
93. “Have you killed the rates?” said the Mayor. “Yes, I have,” said the piper. “Give me the promised money.” “How funny!” said the Mayor. “We cannot give you so much money. Take only fifty.”
Answer: The Mayor asked the piper if he (p) had killed the rates. The Piper replied in the affirmative that he had. Then he (P) told the Mayor to give him (P) the promised money. The Mayor exclaimed in wonder that it was very funny. He added that they could not give him (P) so much money and told him to take only fifty.
94. “How are you today?” I said to Sumon. “I am very nervous for the coming exam,” Sumon replied. “Haven’t you taken enough preparation for this?” I said to him again. “Yes, I have but I am in a fix. Let me read now,” said Sumon.
Answer: I asked Sumon how he (S) was that day. Sumon replied that he(S) was very nervous for the coming examination. I again asked him if he (S) had not taken enough preparation for that. Sumon again replied in the affirmative that he had but he was in a fix and requested that he might read then.
95. ‘Have you seen your mother, Jerry?’ ‘I see her every summer. She sends for me.’ I wanted to cry out. ‘Why are you not with her? How can she let you go away again?’ He said, ‘She comes up here from Mannville whenever she can. She does not have a job now.’
Answer: I asked Jerry if he had seen his mother. Jerry replied that he saw her every summer and added that she sent for him. I had wanted to cry out and asked why he was you not with her and also asked how she could let him go away again. He said that she went up there from Manville whenever she could and added that she did not have a job then.