Here's why:
* Direct speech uses quotation marks and preserves the exact wording of the speaker, including punctuation:
* "Are you going to the party?" she asked.
* Indirect speech reports what someone said but doesn't use quotation marks. It rephrases the original statement, often using a different sentence structure and tense. Question marks are only used for direct questions:
* She asked if I was going to the party.
Example:
* Direct speech: "What time is the meeting?" he asked.
* Indirect speech: He asked what time the meeting was.