Transforming Commands and Requests in Reported Speech: An IELTS Guide

Introduction

For learners preparing for the IELTS exam, understanding how to transform direct commands and requests into reported speech is essential. This skill not only demonstrates proficiency in English grammar but also shows the ability to convey messages effectively in a more formal or indirect context. Here we explore various examples of how these transformations are made, both in negative and positive forms.

The Art of Transforming Direct Speech

Commands and requests in direct speech often require a shift in structure when reported. This involves using infinitive forms and selecting the appropriate reporting verbs, such as ‘asked’, ‘told’, ‘instructed’, ‘warned’, and so on. Let’s delve into specific examples to illustrate this concept.

Examples of Transformations

1. Direct: “Please close the window.”
   • Reported: She asked me to close the window.
2. Direct: “Don’t be late.”
   • Reported: He reminded me not to be late.
3. Direct: “Turn off the lights.”
   • Reported: She instructed him to turn off the lights.
4. Direct: “Do your homework.”
   • Reported: The teacher told the students to do their homework.
5. Direct: “Please pass the salt.”
   • Reported: He asked her to pass the salt.
6. Direct: “Don’t forget to lock the door.”
   • Reported: She reminded him not to forget to lock the door.
7. Direct: “Come to my office.”
   • Reported: The boss asked me to come to his office.
8. Direct: “Please be quiet.”
   • Reported: The librarian requested everyone to be quiet.
9. Direct: “Don’t touch that.”
   • Reported: She warned him not to touch that.
10. Direct: “Answer the question.”
    • Reported: The teacher urged the student to answer the question.
11. Direct: “Bring your reports tomorrow.”
    • Reported: The manager asked the team to bring their reports the next day.
12. Direct: “Please help me with this.”
    • Reported: He asked for help with that.
13. Direct: “Don’t call me after 10 pm.”
    • Reported: She asked him not to call her after 10 pm.
14. Direct: “Write your name here.”
    • Reported: The instructor told the students to write their names there.
15. Direct: “Please don’t smoke in this area.”
    • Reported: The sign indicated not to smoke in that area.
16. Direct: “Meet me at the station.”
    • Reported: He suggested meeting him at the station.
17. Direct: “Don’t leave your belongings unattended.”
    • Reported: The announcement advised not to leave belongings unattended.
18. Direct: “Submit your assignments by Friday.”
    • Reported: The teacher instructed the class to submit their assignments by Friday.
19. Direct: “Please follow the instructions.”
    • Reported: The guide requested the tourists to follow the instructions.
20. Direct: “Don’t use your phone during the meeting.”
    • Reported: The chairperson insisted on not using phones during the meeting.
21. Direct: “Leave your shoes outside.”
    • Reported: She asked everyone to leave their shoes outside.
22. Direct: “Please arrive early.”
    • Reported: The host asked the guests to arrive early.
23. Direct: “Don’t speak to strangers.”
    • Reported: The parents warned the child not to speak to strangers.
24. Direct: “Email me the report.”
    • Reported: The supervisor requested him to email the report.
25. Direct: “Please wait here until your name is called.”
    • Reported: The receptionist asked the visitors to wait there until their names were called.

The Importance of These Transformations in IELTS

Understanding how to effectively transform direct commands and requests into reported speech is crucial for IELTS candidates. It not only showcases their grasp of complex grammatical structures but also their ability to convey instructions and requests in a nuanced and culturally appropriate manner. This is particularly relevant in the Writing and Speaking sections of the IELTS, where clear and formal communication is key.

Conclusion

Mastering the transformation of commands and requests into reported speech is a valuable skill for any English language learner, especially those preparing for the IELTS exam. By practicing these examples and understanding the underlying principles, candidates can enhance their English proficiency and perform better in the exam. Remember, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that counts.