Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech. (Note: The instruction context asks to identify the correct converted sentence from the direct speech form).
The gardener said, “Shall I plant roses in this flower bed?”
- AThe gardener asked that if he should plant roses in this flower bed.
- BThe gardener asked if I shall plant roses in this flower bed.
- CThe gardener asked if he should plant roses in that flower bed.
- DThe gardener asked if I should plant roses in that flower bed.
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
When changing an interrogative sentence beginning with a modal verb from direct to indirect speech:
The reporting verb "said" changes to "asked".
The conjunction "if" or "whether" is used. We do not use "that if" together (eliminating option A).
The first-person pronoun "I" changes according to the subject ("The gardener"), becoming "he".
The modal "shall" expresses a request for advice or permission, which normally changes to "should" or "would" in reporting, linked with "he".
The demonstrative "this" changes to "that".
Thus, Option C is the correct conversion: "The gardener asked if he should plant roses in that flower bed."
The reporting verb "said" changes to "asked".
The conjunction "if" or "whether" is used. We do not use "that if" together (eliminating option A).
The first-person pronoun "I" changes according to the subject ("The gardener"), becoming "he".
The modal "shall" expresses a request for advice or permission, which normally changes to "should" or "would" in reporting, linked with "he".
The demonstrative "this" changes to "that".
Thus, Option C is the correct conversion: "The gardener asked if he should plant roses in that flower bed."