Answer:
The correct answer is B: direct order.
Explanation:
To further understand why "Don't yell!" is a direct order, let's break down the options:
A: Direct request
- A direct request is a polite way of asking someone to do something without using a strong command.
- It often involves the use of phrases such as "Could you please..." or "Would you mind..."
- "Don't yell!" is a strong, direct statement that does not fit the criteria for a direct request.
B: Direct order
- A direct order is a clear and explicit command given to someone.
- It does not involve any polite or indirect language.
- "Don't yell!" fits this description because it is a straightforward command without any additional wording.
C: Reported order
- A reported order is when someone reports or narrates an order given by someone else.
- It involves the use of reporting verbs such as "said" or "told."
- There is no indication that "Don't yell!" is a reported order as it does not mention who said it or in what context it was said.
Therefore, the most appropriate answer is B: direct order.

Understanding the Options
When analyzing the phrase "Don't yell!", we can categorize it into three types of speech acts: direct request, direct order, and reported order.
Direct Request
- A direct request is typically softer and often framed as a polite way of asking someone to do something.
- Example: "Could you please lower your voice?"
- In this context, "Don't yell!" is more commanding than polite.
Direct Order
- A direct order is an authoritative command that expects compliance.
- The phrase "Don't yell!" fits this definition because it clearly instructs someone not to yell, implying a strong expectation that the listener should follow the directive.
- The use of "don't" makes it an outright command rather than a polite request.
Reported Order
- A reported order conveys what someone else has commanded someone to do, usually in indirect speech.
- For example, "He told her not to yell."
- The phrase "Don't yell!" is not reporting someone else's command; it's issuing a command directly.
Conclusion
- Given the analysis, "Don't yell!" is best classified as a direct order (option 'B').
- It is a straightforward instruction that demands immediate action, leaving little room for interpretation or negotiation.
Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how language functions in different contexts, especially in communication dynamics.