SarkariPYQ

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 16

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level 2022 - 7 Feb 2022 - Shift 2 • English • Q16

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Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
The stranger asked where he could spend the night.

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Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. The stranger said, “Where can I spend the night?”

Changes required:

  • Reporting verb: “Asked” changes to “said” when converting from indirect to direct speech for a general question (neutral tone, no demand or authority).

  • Question format: The sentence is changed back into a question format with a question mark at the end.

  • Pronoun: “He” changes back to “I” to reflect the stranger’s original words.

  • Modal verb: “Could” (past) changes to “can” (present) as we revert the backshifted verb to its original tense.

  • Punctuation: Inverted commas are added, and the first letter of the direct quote is capitalized. The question mark is placed inside the inverted commas.

Converted sentence: The stranger said, “Where can I spend the night?”

Hence, the chosen option is correct.