Samacheer Kalvi Class 8 English Solutions Chapter 6 Friendship

Warm Up (Text Book Page No. 151)

Question 1. Do you have any childhood friendship that is still strong today?
Answer: Yes, I have a childhood friendship that is still strong today. These long-lasting bonds are precious and often grow deeper over time.
In simple words: Yes, I still have a strong friendship from when I was a child.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering personal experience questions, keep your answer concise and relatable, showing the value of enduring relationships.

Question 2. Do you make friendship with others easily?
Answer: No, I do not make friends easily. I prefer to understand someone well before forming a friendship with them, as trust is important. Building trust takes time and effort.
In simple words: No, I make friends carefully, only after I know them well.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing personal habits, clearly state your position and provide a brief reason for it to give context.

Question 3. Share an incident that you remember proudly about your friends.
Answer: Once, I had an interview, and my friend Arun came with me. When we got off the bus, my shirt tore on an iron rod. I felt nervous about going to the interview with a torn shirt. Without thinking, Arun immediately took off his own shirt and offered to exchange. I had no other choice and accepted. Even today, I feel very proud of Arun's kindness and quick thinking. True friends help each other in unexpected moments.
In simple words: My friend Arun helped me proudly when my shirt tore before an interview. He gave me his shirt without thinking. I still remember his help.

🎯 Exam Tip: When narrating an incident, describe the situation, the problem, your friend's action, and your feelings clearly and chronologically.

Section - I

Textual Exercise (Text Book Page No. 152)

Fill In The Blanks:

Question 1. .................... constructions was once a leading company
Answer: Vetri
In simple words: Vetri Constructions was a big company before.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, recall key facts from the text. Always double-check spellings of proper nouns.

Question 2. He took a .................... to run his company.
Answer: loan
In simple words: He took a loan to keep his business going.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the context of the sentence helps identify the missing word, especially in narrative texts. 'Loan' is a financial tool often used by businesses.

Question 3. Vetri's friend is ....................
Answer: Asif
In simple words: Asif is Vetri's friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the names of key characters and their relationships as they are fundamental to understanding the story.

Section - II

Say True Or False.

Question 1. Keelakudi was the native of Vetri.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Vetri came from Keelakudi.

🎯 Exam Tip: Verify facts mentioned about characters' backgrounds and origins by cross-referencing with the story details.

Question 2. The school was a middle school.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, it was a middle school.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive details about settings, such as the type of school, as they provide context to the narrative.

Question 3. Vetri and Asif were good in studies.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Vetri and Asif studied well.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character traits, like being good in studies, are important details to remember as they build the character's background.

Question 4. Vetri never visited Chennai.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Vetri had not visited Chennai.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note character experiences and lack thereof, such as never visiting a place, as these can be significant plot points.

Question 5. Asif was a businessman.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Asif was a businessman.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the professions of characters as they often influence their actions and relationships in a story.

Section - III

Textual Exercise (Text Book Page No. 153)

Read And Understand (Text Book Page No. 153)

A. Choose The Correct Answer.

Question 1. Vetri went to Asif's
(b) office
(c) room
Answer: (b) Office
In simple words: Vetri went to Asif's office.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read the context of the story to determine the exact location or reason for a character's visit. Ensure all options are considered before choosing.

Question 2. Vetri came to Chennai to visit his.
(a) father
(b) friend
(c) brother
Answer: (b) friend
In simple words: Vetri came to Chennai to see his friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the relationship between characters is crucial for understanding motivations and plot developments. The story explicitly highlights their friendship.

Question 3. Asif saw his friend through the
(a) camera
(b) window
(c) glas
Answer: (a) camera
In simple words: Asif saw his friend using a camera.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific details, like how Asif saw Vetri, are important for comprehension. Look for keywords in the text that describe actions or observations.

B. Choose Correct Synonyms For The Italic Word.

Question 1. Vetri constructed a bungalow.
(a) designed
(b) built
(c) demolished
(d) destroyed
Answer: (b) built
In simple words: 'Constructed' means 'built'. Vetri built a bungalow.

🎯 Exam Tip: To find a synonym, think of words with a very similar meaning. 'Constructed' means to make or build something, so 'built' is the closest match.

Question 2. The brothers started a business separately.
(a) apart
(b) alone
(c) united
(d) combined
Answer: (b) alone
In simple words: 'Separately' means 'alone'. The brothers started their own businesses by themselves.

🎯 Exam Tip: When choosing synonyms, consider the context of the sentence. 'Separately' implies individual actions, making 'alone' a fitting synonym in this business context.

Question 3. I am living in the outskirts of the village.
(a) border
(b) outpost
(c) center
(d) region.
Answer: (a) border
In simple words: 'Outskirts' means 'border'. I live at the edge of the village.

🎯 Exam Tip: Visualize the word. 'Outskirts' describes the outer edge, which directly correlates to a 'border' or periphery of an area.

Question 4. Asif quarreled with his friend.
(a) fought
(b) differ
(d) fun
Answer: (a) fought
In simple words: 'Quarreled' means 'fought'. Asif argued with his friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: Synonyms often carry similar emotional tones. 'Quarreled' and 'fought' both imply a conflict or disagreement.

Question 5. He stood astounded.
(a) happy
(b) surprised
(c) shocked
(d) exicted
Answer: (b) surprised
In simple words: 'Astounded' means 'surprised'. He was very surprised.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Astounded' conveys a strong sense of surprise or amazement. 'Shocked' is also close, but 'surprised' captures the general meaning effectively.

C. Choose Correct Antonyms For The Italic Word.

Question 1. Vetri's wife replied angrily..
(a) calm
(b) annoyed
(c) irritate
Answer: (a) calm
In simple words: The opposite of 'angrily' is 'calm'. Vetri's wife replied calmly.

🎯 Exam Tip: When finding antonyms, consider the opposing emotion or state. 'Angrily' indicates strong emotion, while 'calm' indicates a lack of it.

Question 2. The vegetables look fresh.
(a) rotten
(b) dull
(c) new
Answer: (a) rotten
In simple words: The opposite of 'fresh' is 'rotten'. The vegetables look rotten.

🎯 Exam Tip: Antonyms usually represent a direct contrast. 'Fresh' implies good condition, while 'rotten' implies decay or bad condition.

Question 3. Vetri had a strong will to start a new business.
(a) desire
(b) thin
(c) weak
Answer: (c) weak
In simple words: The opposite of 'strong' is 'weak'. Vetri had a weak will to start a business.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Strong' in this context means determined. Its opposite would be lacking determination, hence 'weak'.

Question 4. Vetri was surprised by his friend.
(a) unsurprised
(b) expected
(c) shocked
Answer: (a) unsurprised
In simple words: The opposite of 'surprised' is 'unsurprised'. Vetri was not surprised by his friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: Antonyms can sometimes be formed by adding prefixes like 'un-' or 'dis-'. 'Unsurprised' directly negates the feeling of being surprised.

Question 5. He spoke nervously.
(a) scared
(b) confident
(c) anxious
Answer: (b) confident
In simple words: The opposite of 'nervously' is 'confident'. He spoke confidently.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Nervously' describes a state of anxiety. Its antonym should reflect a state of calm assurance, which is 'confident'.

D. Answer The Following Questions In One Or Two Words. (Text Book Page No. 156)

Question 1. What was the name of Vetri's company?
Answer: Vetri's company was named 'Vetri Constructions'. Company names often reflect the founder or their purpose.
In simple words: Vetri's company was called 'Vetri Constructions'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For short answer questions, provide the specific detail requested clearly and directly from the text.

Question 2. Why did he sell his properties?
Answer: He sold his properties because he had taken loans to run his company and could not repay them. Selling assets is a difficult decision often made to clear debts.
In simple words: He sold his properties to pay back the loans he took for his company.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for a 'why' question, always state the reason explicitly. In this case, it was the inability to repay loans.

Question 3. Which town of Vetri and Asif?
Answer: Vetri and Asif both came from Keelakudi village. Sharing a hometown can create a strong bond between friends.
In simple words: Keelakudi village was the hometown of both Vetri and Asif.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify commonalities between characters, such as their hometown, as these details often tie them together in the narrative.

Question 4. When did Vetri receive a call from Asifs office?
Answer: Vetri received a call from Asif's office two days after he arrived back home. Such calls often bring important news or opportunities.
In simple words: Vetri got a call from Asif's office two days after he got home.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific timeframes, like 'two days later', are important details that help sequence events in a story. Note them carefully.

E. Answer The Following Questions In 100 Words.

Question 1. How did Vetri lose his properties?
Answer: Vetri lost his properties because his construction company faced financial difficulties. After his father's death, his brothers wanted to divide the family wealth to start their own businesses, making it hard for Vetri to manage his company alone. He took loans to keep the business going, but he could not pay them back. To repay these loans, he had to sell all his properties. This was a tough situation for him, as managing a business alone can be challenging without proper financial planning.
In simple words: Vetri lost his properties because his construction company faced problems after his father died and his brothers wanted their share. He took loans but could not pay them back, so he had to sell his properties.

🎯 Exam Tip: For longer answers, clearly explain the sequence of events and the reasons behind them. Connect the various plot points to form a comprehensive answer.

Question 2. What happened when Vetri met Asif?
Answer: When Vetri arrived in Chennai, he went straight to Asif's office. As he was asking about Asif, he felt a pat on his back. It was Asif himself, who had seen Vetri through the CCTV camera and came to greet him. Vetri was very emotional and apologized for not visiting Chennai earlier. They talked about their old school days, shared fun memories, and discussed business. Asif then invited Vetri to his home for lunch. Vetri was surprised to find that many people knew Asif well. Later that evening, Asif dropped Vetri back at the station. This meeting showed the deep bond of their friendship.
In simple words: Vetri went to Asif's office in Chennai. Asif met him, having seen him on camera. Vetri apologized for not visiting. They talked about old times and business. Asif took Vetri home for lunch and then dropped him at the station.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on key interactions and emotional moments when describing a meeting. Include details that highlight character relationships and plot progression.

Question 3. How did Asif show his friendship?
Answer: Asif showed his friendship by understanding Vetri's difficult situation and deciding to help him professionally. He assigned a project to Vetri. Two days later, Vetri received a call from Asif's office, informing him that their Managing Director, Mr. Asif, had given him a project and wished to meet him in Chennai. This act of offering a business opportunity without being asked directly demonstrated Asif's true and supportive friendship.
In simple words: Asif helped Vetri by giving him a business project. He called Vetri to Chennai to offer the work. This act showed his true friendship.

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing how a character showed a trait, provide specific actions or events from the story that clearly illustrate that trait, like Asif's offer of a project.

Vocabulary (Text Book Page No. 156)

Commonly Confused Words:

Complete The Following Sentences Using Appropriate Confusable Words.

Question 1. The sugar had a negative on the science experiment, (effect/affect)
Answer: effect
In simple words: The sugar had a negative 'effect' (result) on the experiment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'effect' is typically a noun (the result), and 'affect' is usually a verb (to influence). Choose based on the word's role in the sentence.

Question 2. I am going to down for an hour, (lie/lay)
Answer: lie
In simple words: I am going to 'lie' down (rest) for an hour.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Lie' means to recline or rest yourself, while 'lay' means to place something else down. Focus on whether the subject is acting on itself or an object.

Question 3. The gas prices continue to (raise/rise)
Answer: rise
In simple words: Gas prices continue to 'rise' (go up).

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Rise' means to go up on its own, whereas 'raise' means to lift something or cause something to go up. Think about whether an external force is involved.

Question 4. She always gives me good (advice/advise)
Answer: advice
In simple words: She always gives me good 'advice' (suggestions).

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Advice' (with 'c') is a noun, meaning recommendations. 'Advise' (with 's') is a verb, meaning to give recommendations. Check the part of speech needed in the sentence.

Question 5. The war had no on oil prices, (affect/effect)
Answer: effect
In simple words: The war had no 'effect' (impact) on oil prices.

🎯 Exam Tip: This is similar to Question 1. 'Effect' refers to the result or outcome, fitting the context of how the war influenced prices.

Anagram (Text Book Page No. 158)

Exercise

Question. Find the anagram for each of the following words:
bowl
march
study
snail
plum
chin
flow
eat
Answer:
bowl - blow
march - charm
study - dusty
snail - nails
flow - wolf
eat - tea
In simple words: Anagrams are words made by mixing up the letters of another word. You just rearrange the letters to make a new word.

🎯 Exam Tip: Anagrams require careful observation of letters and creative thinking to form new words. Practice by scrambling letters to find different combinations.

Antigram (Text Book Page No. 158)

Exercise

Question. Find the 'antigram' for each of the following words:
earliest
festival
funeral
violence
Answer:
Earliest - Arise late
Festival - Evil fast
Funeral - Real fun
Violence - Nice love
In simple words: An 'antigram' here seems to be about finding a new phrase or word by rearranging the letters of the original word. It's like a word puzzle.

🎯 Exam Tip: For 'antigrams' or similar word puzzles, carefully examine the letters of the original word and try to form meaningful new words or short phrases from them.

Listening (Text Book Page No. 158)

Listen Carefully To The Passage And Answer The Following Questions.

Note: The listening passage is given at page no. 230

Question 1. Whose speech is it?
Answer: The speech belongs to Rahim. Identifying the speaker is often the first step in understanding a message.
In simple words: Rahim gave the speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: In listening comprehension, always try to identify the main speaker early on as it helps contextualize the information presented.

Question 2. What did Rahul engrave?
Answer: Rahul etched the memory of Rahim's help deeply into his heart, meaning he cherished it. This shows how much he valued Rahim's support.
In simple words: Rahul remembered Rahim's help very deeply in his heart.

🎯 Exam Tip: Metaphorical phrases like 'engraved in heart' mean to remember something very deeply. Interpret such phrases correctly to convey the full meaning.

Question 3. Who is lucky?
Answer: Someone is lucky if they find a person who can make their day better, listen to them, and motivate them. Such people are like treasures in our lives.
In simple words: A person is lucky if they find someone who makes them happy, listens to them, and inspires them.

🎯 Exam Tip: When an answer describes qualities, list all the attributes mentioned in the passage. This shows comprehensive understanding.

Question 4. Who bagged the 'all-rounder' award?
Answer: Rahul was the one who won the 'all-rounder' award, meaning he was good at many different things. Being an all-rounder shows diverse skills.
In simple words: Rahul won the 'all-rounder' award.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify key achievements and the individuals associated with them. This helps in retaining important plot details and character developments.

Question 5. Whose birthday party is it?
Answer: The text does not state whose birthday party it is. Sometimes, questions are asked where the information is not provided in the given passage.
In simple words: The passage does not say whose birthday it is.

🎯 Exam Tip: If the information for a question is not available in the provided text, clearly state that it is not mentioned rather than guessing or making up an answer.

Speaking (Text Book Page No. 158)

Picture Description:

Describe The Things In The Picture Using The Descriptive Words Given Below.

Descriptive Words

Descriptive Words

Description:

1. An applicant should not write anything in the space meant for office use.

2. Name of the saving scheme has to be mentioned.

3. Name and gender residential address have to be written in capital letters.

4. The applicant must specify whether it is self or joint account.

5. Two documents with photos and addresses must be submitted.

6. The amount deposited must be written in numerals and in number name.

7. Nomination facility must be utilized.

Writing (Text Book Page No. 160)

Post Office Savings Bank Account Opening/Purchase Of Certificate Application Form For

Individuals

For Applicant(s)

1. I/We request you to open:- Savings/Basic Savings/RD/TD Year//MIS/SCSS/PPF/SSA or issue NSC(8th/9,h issue) or KVP in my/our name.

2. Full Name of applicant/Guardian (in case of minor/Lunatic A/C), in CAPITAL Letters (leave space between words) Mr./Mrs./Ms./Other First Name Middle Name Last name Gender (M/F)

1.

2.

3.

2.

3.

4. Residential Address

5. Applicant's Date of Birth (dd/mm/yy) PAN Number or Form 60/61) CIF ID (if already exists)

1

2

3

6. Oper Instruction (Please Tick ✓ the Empty Box)

7. Detail of Know Your Customer (KYC) Documents Submitted:

8. Detail of First Deposit: Amount Rs.(Figures) ________ (Word) ________

Mode of Deposit _______

Detail of First Deposit:- Amount Rs.(figures) 2,00,000 (word) two lakhs

Mode of Deposit _______

9. Nomination:- I/We Nom Into the Person(S) Named Below Under Section of the Government Saving Bank Act, 1873 (5 or 1873) to be the Sole Recipient(S) of the Amount Standing at the Credit of the Account in the Event of My/Our Death.

I. Fill In The Form Given Below.

(The source displays a blank Railway Reservation/Cancellation Requisition Form on page 16, which is then filled as an example on page 17.)

Filled Railway Reservation/Cancellation Requisition Form Example (Based on Page 17)

Direct And Indirect Speech:

A) Change The Following Into Indirect Speech: (Text Book Page No. 167)

Question 1. "What do you want?" he said to her.
Answer: He asked her what she wanted. This shows how direct questions become statements when reported.
In simple words: He asked the girl what she wanted.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting questions to indirect speech, remember to change the question format to a statement format and adjust pronouns and tenses as needed.

Question 2. He said, "How's your father?”
Answer: He asked how my father was. The question word "how" links the reported speech, and the verb changes from "is" to "was".
In simple words: He asked about my father's health.

🎯 Exam Tip: If the direct speech is a 'wh-question' (who, what, when, where, why, how), the same question word is used as a connector in indirect speech.

Question 3. "Are you coming home with me?” he asked.
Answer: He asked whether I was coming home with him. "Whether" or "if" is used to connect yes/no questions in indirect speech. The tense also shifts from present continuous to past continuous.
In simple words: He wanted to know if I would go home with him.

🎯 Exam Tip: For yes/no questions, use 'if' or 'whether' as the reporting clause, and remove the question mark.

Question 4. The poor man exclaimed, “Will none of you help me?”
Answer: The poor man sadly exclaimed that none of us would help him. An exclamation in direct speech often becomes a statement with a suitable adverb like "sadly" or "joyfully" in indirect speech. The future tense "will" changes to "would".
In simple words: The poor man cried out that no one would help him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Words like 'exclaimed', 'cried out', or 'shouted' are good reporting verbs for exclamatory sentences, showing the speaker's emotion.

Question 5. "Don't you know the way home?" asked I.
Answer: I asked if he knew the way home. This is a negative question converted to a positive statement in indirect speech using "if" and adjusting the verb tense. The question asks about knowing the path.
In simple words: I asked him if he knew where his home was.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to negative questions; ensure the indirect speech maintains the same negative meaning, often by transforming it into a positive statement with a negative implication.

B) Change The Following Into Indirect Speech: (Text Book Page No. 168)

Question 1. "Bring me a glass of milk," said the swami to the villagers.
Answer: Swami said to the villagers to bring him a glass of milk. Commands and requests in direct speech are usually reported using 'to' + infinitive. The pronoun "me" changes to "him".
In simple words: The swami told the villagers that they should give him some milk.

🎯 Exam Tip: For commands, use reporting verbs like 'ordered', 'told', or 'requested', followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive clause.

Question 2. "Sit down, boys,” said the teacher.
Answer: The teacher told the boys to sit down. This is a command, so "to sit down" is used. The teacher's instruction is directly conveyed without changing the core action.
In simple words: The teacher asked the boys to take a seat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the tone of the direct speech (command, request, advice) to choose the most appropriate reporting verb.

Question 3. "Halt!" shouted the officer to his men.
Answer: The officer shouted his men to halt. A single word command like "Halt!" is often converted using a reporting verb like "shouted" and "to" + infinitive. This clearly shows the officer's authority.
In simple words: The officer yelled at his men to stop moving.

🎯 Exam Tip: Short, abrupt commands or exclamations in direct speech can be expressed using a strong reporting verb followed by 'to' and the base verb.

Question 4. "Take off your hat," the king said to the Hatter.
Answer: The king ordered the Hatter to take off his hat. The word "ordered" is appropriate for a king giving a command. The pronoun "your" changes to "his".
In simple words: The king told the Hatter to remove his headwear.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to change possessive pronouns like 'your' to 'his' or 'her' based on the context of the reported speech.

Question 5. The teacher said to him, "Do not read so fast.”
Answer: The teacher ordered him not to read so fast. For negative commands, "not to" + infinitive is used. This shows the teacher's instruction against an action.
In simple words: The teacher told him to slow down his reading.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting negative commands, use 'not to' before the infinitive form of the verb in the indirect speech.

Question 6. He said to me, “Wait until I come.”
Answer: He told me to wait until he came. The phrase "until I come" changes to "until he came" in reported speech, shifting tense and pronoun. This conveys the instruction to stay put.
In simple words: He asked me to stay there until he returned.

🎯 Exam Tip: Time clauses often involve tense changes in indirect speech; "I come" in the present tense often becomes "he came" in the past tense.

Question 7. “Hurry up,” he said to his servant, “do not waste time.”
Answer: He ordered his servant to hurry up and not to waste time. Two commands are combined using "and" with "to" and "not to" infinitives. This clearly states both instructions.
In simple words: He told his servant to be quick and not to spend time carelessly.

🎯 Exam Tip: When multiple commands are given in direct speech, connect them logically in indirect speech, often using 'and' or 'but'.

Question 8. "Runaway, children,” said their mother.
Answer: The mother told her children to run away. The command is given with "told" and "to" + infinitive, changing "children" to "her children". This shows the mother's urgent instruction.
In simple words: Their mother asked the children to leave quickly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the audience of the direct speech to correctly assign pronouns in the indirect speech (e.g., 'children' becomes 'her children').

Question 9. He said, "Daughter, take my golden jug, and fetch me some water from the Well."
Answer: He told his daughter to take his golden jug and fetch him some water from the well. This is a complex command with two parts, linked by "and," converting pronouns and using "to" + infinitive. The request is clearly passed on.
In simple words: He asked his daughter to get water for him using his special jug.

🎯 Exam Tip: For longer commands, break them into logical parts if necessary, ensuring all actions and objects are correctly attributed in indirect speech.

Question 10. "Go down to the bazaar. Bring me some oil and a lump of ice.” ordered his master.
Answer: The master ordered to go down to the bazaar and bring him some oil and a lump of ice. The commands are linked by "and" with appropriate pronoun changes from "me" to "him". The master's instructions are precisely conveyed.
In simple words: The master told someone to visit the market to buy oil and ice for him.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using reporting verbs like 'ordered', the subject of the direct speech (if implied) becomes an infinitive clause in the indirect speech.

D) What Were The Actual Words Used In Each Instance Below? The Sentences Containing The Actual Words Are Jumpled In The Box. Write Them Out In The Same Order As The Actual Words. (Text Book Page No. 168)

Question 1. Punitha asked Pushpa what she was reading.
Answer: "What are you reading, Pushpa”? asked Punitha. The indirect question is converted back to its direct question form, including the question mark. This shows the original dialogue.
In simple words: Punitha asked Pushpa, "What are you reading?"

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting from indirect to direct speech, remember to add quotation marks and the exact words spoken, including punctuation and address terms.

Question 2. Pushpa told her that he was reading Robinson Crusoe.
Answer: “I am reading Robinson Crusoe”, Pushpa told her. The reported statement becomes a direct statement, with tense and pronoun changes reversed. This puts the student back into the story.
In simple words: Pushpa said, "I am reading Robinson Crusoe."

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful with pronoun changes; 'he' in indirect speech might become 'I' in direct speech, depending on the speaker.

Question 3. Punitha asked her what it was all about.
Answer: "What is it all about"? Punitha asked. The indirect question is returned to its direct form, with the question word "what" and proper punctuation. This clarifies the exact question.
In simple words: Punitha asked, "What is this story about?"

🎯 Exam Tip: Reintroducing the question mark and the exact interrogative structure is key when converting indirect questions back to direct speech.

Question 4. Pushpa said it was about a man wrecked on an island.
Answer: "It is about a man wrecked on an island,” said Pushpa. The indirect statement is transformed into a direct quote, ensuring the tense and specific wording are accurate. This provides the story's subject.
In simple words: Pushpa explained, "It's a story about a man who got stuck on an island."

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that the original direct speech sentence maintains its correct subject-verb agreement when it is restored from indirect speech.

Question 5. Punitha then asked her friend who gave her the book.
Answer: "Who gave you the book, Pushpa?” Punitha then asked. The indirect question reverts to a direct question, with the correct pronoun "you" for Pushpa and a question mark. This captures the original query.
In simple words: Punitha asked Pushpa, "Who gave you this book?"

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use the vocative case for names (e.g., "Pushpa") when they are directly addressed in direct speech.

Question 6. Pushpa answered that her uncle gave it to her at Christmas.
Answer: "Uncle gave it to me at Christmas,” answered Pushpa. The indirect statement returns to a direct quote, with the pronoun "me" and the specific occasion. This is the direct answer given by Pushpa.
In simple words: Pushpa replied, "My uncle gave it to me for Christmas."

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to context-specific details like "at Christmas" and ensure they are accurately carried over to the direct speech.

Question 7. Finally Punitha inquired if she could borrow it.
Answer: "May I borrow it?” inquired Punitha. The indirect question using "if" changes back to a direct polite request with "May I". This shows her desire to read the book.
In simple words: Punitha asked, "Can I borrow your book?"

🎯 Exam Tip: Auxiliary verbs like 'could' in indirect requests often revert to 'can' or 'may' in direct speech, indicating possibility or permission.

Question 8. Pushpa replied that she would certainly lend it to her.
Answer: “Of course I will lend it to you,” replied Pushpa. The indirect response changes to a direct and affirmative statement, with a clear indication of willingness. This confirms Pushpa's agreement.
In simple words: Pushpa said, "Yes, I will definitely let you borrow it."

🎯 Exam Tip: Phrases like 'of course' or 'certainly' in direct speech convey assurance, which should be reflected in the indirect reporting verb choice, such as 'replied affirmatively'.

E) Change The Following Into Direct Speech:

Question 1. Nevin asked his father when the next letter would come.
Answer: Nevin said to his father, "When will the next letter come?” The indirect question is converted back to a direct question, changing "would" to "will" and adding quotation marks. This restores the original query.
In simple words: Nevin asked his dad, "When is the next letter arriving?"

🎯 Exam Tip: When shifting from indirect to direct speech, the tense of the verb typically reverts to its original form, and the question mark must be included.

Question 2. I wrote that I would visit him next day.
Answer: I write, "I will visit you tomorrow.” The indirect statement changes to a direct one, with "would visit" becoming "will visit" and "next day" becoming "tomorrow". This expresses the original plan.
In simple words: I wrote, "I'm going to see you tomorrow."

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to revert time expressions like 'next day' to 'tomorrow' or 'the following day' depending on context.

Question 3. I told them to be quiet.
Answer: I said to them, "Be quiet.” The indirect command is converted to a direct command, using the imperative form of the verb. This is a simple and direct instruction.
In simple words: I told them, "Please be silent."

🎯 Exam Tip: For commands, direct speech uses the base form of the verb, often at the start of the sentence, in an imperative structure.

Question 4. Lakshan asked me if I had anything to say.
Answer: Lakshan said to me, “Do you have anything to say?" The indirect yes/no question using "if" changes back to a direct question starting with an auxiliary verb. This makes the original question clear.
In simple words: Lakshan asked me, "Is there anything you want to tell me?"

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting indirect 'if/whether' questions to direct speech, start the direct question with an auxiliary verb (do, did, are, were, etc.).

Question 5. An old mouse asked who would bell the cat.
Answer: An old mouse said, "Who will bell the cat?" The indirect question becomes a direct question, changing "would" to "will" and retaining the question word "who". This is a famous idiom, asking who will take on a difficult task.
In simple words: An old mouse asked, "Who will put a bell on the cat?"

🎯 Exam Tip: Restore the correct modal verb (e.g., 'will' from 'would') when changing indirect speech back to direct speech.

Question 6. Mervin said that he wanted to be a soldier.
Answer: Mervin said, "I want to be a soldier." The indirect statement is converted to a direct one, changing "he wanted" to "I want" and using quotation marks. This expresses Mervin's original ambition.
In simple words: Mervin said, "I wish to become a soldier."

🎯 Exam Tip: The pronoun shift from 'he' in indirect speech back to 'I' in direct speech is essential to correctly attribute the speaker's own words.

Question 7. Ebin asked me what I wanted.
Answer: Ebin said to me, "What do you want?" The indirect question changes to a direct question, with "what" as the question word and the correct auxiliary verb "do". This reveals Ebin's original query.
In simple words: Ebin asked me, "What would you like?"

🎯 Exam Tip: Re-establish the direct question form by using the appropriate question word and reversing any tense shifts.

Question 8. Bhagya said that she had seen that picture.
Answer: Bhagya said, "I have seen that picture." The indirect statement reverts to a direct one, with the past perfect "had seen" changing to the present perfect "have seen". This tells us what Bhagya originally said.
In simple words: Bhagya stated, "I already looked at that image."

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting past perfect tense in indirect speech back to direct speech, it often reverts to present perfect or simple past, depending on the original context.

Question 9. The stranger asked Nasrin where she lived.
Answer: The stranger said, “Where do you live?" The indirect question returns to a direct question, with "where" as the question word and "do you live" as the present tense form. This is the exact question posed.
In simple words: The stranger asked Nasrin, "Where is your home?"

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that the original tense and subject-verb inversion for questions are correctly restored in direct speech.

Question 10. I asked Mary if she would lend me a pencil.
Answer: I said to Mary, "Will you lend me a pencil?" The indirect question with "if" changes to a direct question starting with the auxiliary "will". This shows the original request to Mary.
In simple words: I asked Mary, "Can you please let me borrow a pencil?"

🎯 Exam Tip: For requests or questions involving future actions, 'would' in indirect speech usually converts back to 'will' in direct speech.

F) Sherlyn Receives A Postcard From Her Friend Pushpa Who Is Holidaying In Sri Lanka. She Calls Her Friend Galen And Tells Him What Pushpa Has Written. Help Her By Filling In The Blanks, Using Reported Speech. (Text Book Page No. 169)

(The source provides a postcard image and then a narrative that is meant to be the reported speech for filling blanks. Since there are no explicit blanks or questions in the provided text, the full narrative is presented here as the reported content.)

Answer: Hello, Galen. Today I received a postcard from Pushpa. Remember I had told you about Pushpa's holiday? Well, she has written from Colombo that she had visited Elephant Orphanage. It had 84 elephants. She said that it is the biggest herd of elephants in the world that is living under human supervision. She also added that she was glad that they had come there because she was learning a lot. The Elephant Orphanage was truly worth visiting. She said that the next day, they were going to the national park. She would be returning next week and added that she was looking forward to meeting me then. This fully conveys Pushpa's message in reported speech, covering all details.
In simple words: Sherlyn told Galen that Pushpa sent a postcard from Sri Lanka. Pushpa wrote that she visited an elephant orphanage with many elephants, learned a lot, and would visit a national park before returning next week.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting a long passage to reported speech, take it sentence by sentence, changing tenses, pronouns, and time/place references carefully.

Friendship Summary In English

Vetri, a businessman, found himself in debt and lost his money. He needed funds to start a new company. His wife suggested he ask his school friend Asif, a successful businessman in Chennai, for help. Vetri felt hesitant, but since he had no other choice, he traveled to Chennai to meet Asif. This situation highlights the challenges of starting a new business venture.
In simple words: Vetri lost his money and needed to start a new business. His wife told him to ask his rich friend Asif for help. Vetri felt shy but went to Chennai to meet Asif.

🎯 Exam Tip: Summarizing requires identifying key characters, their main problem, the advice they receive, and their core action. Use simple conjunctions for flow.

Friendship Summary In Tamil

வெற்றி, வியாபாரம் செய்ய கடனாளி ஆனார். தன் பணத்தை இழந்தார். புதிய தொழில் தொடங்க பணம் தேவைப்பட்டது. அவரது மனைவி, அவரது பள்ளி நண்பர் ஆசிப்பிடம் உதவி கேட்க அறிவுரை கூறினார். அதில் வெற்றிக்கு தயக்கம் இருந்தது. இருப்பினும் வேறு வழியின்றி, தன் நண்பன் ஆசிப்பை சந்திக்க சென்னை சென்றார். This summarises Vetri's financial struggles and his decision to seek help from a friend, illustrating a common human experience.

🎯 Exam Tip: When summarizing in Tamil, use clear, concise sentences and focus on the main events and character motivations, just like in English.