Instruction: Read the following story and change the direct speech sentences into reported

speech developing a paragraph. Discuss the paragraph you have developed in a

group. When you discuss each of the group members’ paragraphs, explain how

you changed the direct speech into indirect (reported) speech to your group

members.

Merhawit had told us that it was easy to ‘acquire’ the monkeys. I reached very slowly very

gently for one particular monkey. He looked at my hand, considering it. Then I scratched the

little monkey’s back. And as I did I closed my eyes and focused my thoughts on the monkey. He

became quiet, like he was in a trance. That’s how animals usually are when they’re being

acquired.

I absorbed the monkey DNA into me.

‘This should be especially easy’, Rahel commented as she finished acquiring a different monkey.

‘These monkeys aren’t direct relatives of Homo Sapiens, but still, most of our DNA will be

identical’.

‘Or in Natanym’s case, ninety-nine point nine percent,’ Rahel interjected.

‘Yes, it’s like the fact that Rahel’s DNA is actually ninety-nine percent identical to Malibu

Barbie’ Natanym shot back.

‘Could we concentrate here?’ I said impatiently.

‘Merhawit, did you have any problems with the monkey?

‘s mind when you morphed?’ Rahel asked.

‘No. Except….. Well they are very much excitable.’

I concentrated on a mental image of the monkey. And very quickly, I began to feel the changes. I

shrank and brown fur sprouted from my arms and legs. My lips puffed out to form a big muzzle.

The largest change was the tail. It came shooting out from the base of my spine.


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