Question

A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech.

The scientist stated that water boiled at 100 degrees Celsius.

• A. "Water will boil at 100 degrees Celsius," said the scientist.
• B. "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius," the scientist stated.
• C. "Water had boiled at 100 degrees Celsius," said the scientist.
• D. "Water is boiling at 100 degrees Celsius," said the scientist.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius," the scientist stated.

Identify the Nature of the Statement: The clause "water boiled at 100 degrees Celsius" in the indirect speech represents a universal truth / scientific fact.

Apply the Exception Rule for Tense Change: Normally, when converting indirect speech to direct speech, a past tense verb like "boiled" might imply a shift from the present tense. However, for universal truths, scientific laws, or habitual facts, the tense remains unchanged in the Simple Present tense in both direct and indirect speech.