Direct question: "Why won't you marry me?" asked Donald.

Indirect question: Donald asked her why she wouldn't marry him. In telling a story or recounting events, a speaker using direct speech has all the resources of intonation to produce a lively account. Because indirect speech is always speech reported by someone else, the account is more reserved and restrained.

"What shall we do?" asked Bev.

"Don't worry, Bev," said Duncan, "I've got a plan."

Bev asked Duncan what they should do. He told her not to worry and that he had got a plan. The ability to change direct speech into indirect speech is a useful skill for those engaged in taking the minutes of a meeting or reporting on events.

Direct speech: "First of all, I would like to thank everybody who helped with the fair. The results were very good, and we will now be able to buy two more computers."

Indirect speech: The principal said that he would like to thank everybody who had helped with the fair. He announced that the results were very good and that the school would now be able to buy two more computers. 4. Discovering useful structures

Now let's go to page 5 to do the three exercises in order to consolidate our studies of the direct speech and indirect speech.

5. Closing down by taking a quiz

高考单选题中的"交际用语"

33.－I'm sorry I'm late. I got held up in the traffic on my way here. －_____ . （2006辽宁）

　A. Don't be late next time B. You should be blamed

　C. It doesn't matter, I'm also late D. Never mind. Come and sit down.

　21.- What a beautiful picture you've drawn! (2006四川) - _____

　A. Not at all. B. Thank you. C. You're great. D. I'm proud of you.

34.-I wonder if I could possibly use your car for tonight? - _____ . I'm not using it anyhow. (2006全国I)

　A. Sure, go ahead B. I don't know C. Yes, indeed D.I don't care

25.-Excuse me, can you tell me where the nearest bank is, please?

　-_____ Oh yes! It's past the post office, next to a big market. (2006全国I)

　A. Mm, let me think. B. Oh, I beg your pardon?

　C. You're welcome. D. What do you mean?

34.-Do you mind my smoking her? - _____ (2006四川)

　A. No, thanks. B. No. Good idea. C. Yes, please. D. Yes. Better not.

27．-It's been raining for a whole week. I think it'll get fine soon. (2006安徽）

-_____ . We are getting into the rainy season now．

　A．Yes, it will B．Of course not C．It's possible D．It's hard to say

23．-How are you getting on with your cleaning? Do you need my help?

　　-_____ , but I think I'm all right．(2006安徽）

A．No, thanks B．That's OK C．You are helpful D．That's very kind of you

6. -Will you be able to finish your report today? -_____ . (2006全国II）

　A. I like it B. I hope so C. I'll do so D. I'd love it

11. -I'm terribly sorry that I made your table cloth dirty. -___________. (2006陕西）

　A. Never mind B. Don't mention it C. That's right D. Sorry

Keys: D B A A D D D B A