Direct and indirect speech are two different ways of reporting what someone has said.

Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by someone. It is usually enclosed in quotation marks and includes the use of the present tense for present or future events, and the past tense for past events.

Example: She said, “I am going to the store.”

Indirect speech, on the other hand, involves reporting what someone has said without using their exact words. It usually does not require quotation marks and often involves changes in verb tense, pronouns, and adverbs.

Example: She said that she was going to the store.

In terms of marks, it is difficult to determine the specific number of marks allocated for direct and indirect speech as it may vary depending on the context and requirements of the exam or assignment. However, understanding the concept and being able to apply it correctly in writing or speaking tasks is generally considered important and may contribute to the overall assessment of language proficiency.