Core5 mapped NDA questions
Build the idea
Build exam-ready understanding by connecting the core idea, formulas or facts, worked example and previous NDA questions. Focus on why each rule works, then test it under timed conditions.
Concept
Direct speech quotes the exact words; indirect (reported) speech reports them without quotation marks, with changes to tense, pronouns and time/place words.
Follow the standard backshift and pronoun rules.
Key Points & Formulas
- Reporting verb in past ⇒ backshift tense (is→was, will→would, can→could).
- Time/place: now→then, today→that day, here→there, tomorrow→the next day.
- Questions: use 'asked' + if/whether (yes-no) or the question word.
- Commands/requests: use 'told/requested + to + verb'.
Worked Example
Q. Report: He said, 'I am busy today.'
Backshift 'am' → 'was'; 'today' → 'that day'; pronoun 'I' → 'he'.
Indirect: He said that he was busy that day.