Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
“What an enormous pumpkin!” said the boy.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. The boy exclaimed with surprise that it was an enormous pumpkin.
Narration Concept:
In indirect speech, exclamatory sentences are reported using verbs like exclaimed with surprise, joy, regret, etc., and the sentence is converted into a statement form. The exclamatory tone is removed, and the structure is changed accordingly.
Direct Speech:
“What an enormous pumpkin!” said the boy.
This is an exclamatory sentence expressing surprise.
Correct Indirect Structure:
[Subject] + exclaimed with surprise + that + [statement in indirect form].
Option Analysis:
The boy exclaimed with surprise what an enormous pumpkin it was – Incorrect word order (question-like structure retained).
The boy exclaimed with surprise that it was an enormous pumpkin – Correct structure and tone.
The boy exclaimed with horror what an enormous pumpkin was it – Incorrect emotion (horror) and incorrect word order.
The boy asked what an enormous pumpkin was it – Incorrect reporting verb (asked) and word order.
Final Answer in a Sentence:
The indirect speech of the sentence is: The boy exclaimed with surprise that it was an enormous pumpkin.
Conclusion:
The boy exclaimed with surprise that it was an enormous pumpkin is the correct indirect speech.