In the following question, a sentence has been given in Active Voice. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same idea in Passive Voice: "Should you ever tell a lie?"

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with passive voice transformation for a yes or no question in the modal form. The active sentence is "Should you ever tell a lie?" which is a moral question using the modal "should". You are asked to find the passive version that expresses the same idea without adding extra subjects like "one" or "everyone", and with natural word order.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Active question: "Should you ever tell a lie?"
• Modal: "should".
• Subject: "you".
• Object: "a lie".
• Adverb: "ever".
• We need to convert to passive while preserving the moral sense.

Concept / Approach:
When a modal like "should" is used, passive voice is formed using the pattern "should + be + past participle". The object "a lie" becomes the subject in passive. The adverb "ever" is usually placed between the modal and the main verb, giving "should ever be told". Therefore, the natural passive question becomes "Should a lie ever be told?" which keeps both the modal and the adverb in correct positions and maintains the moral, general sense.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the object that will become the subject: "a lie".Step 2: Recognise that "should tell" in active will become "should be told" in passive.Step 3: Place the adverb "ever" between "should" and "be told", as in standard English adverb placement.Step 4: Form the question structure: "Should a lie ever be told?"Step 5: Avoid unnecessary phrases like "by one" or "by everyone", since the original sentence is general and does not specify a particular doer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare meanings: "Should you ever tell a lie?" and "Should a lie ever be told?" both ask whether telling a lie is ever morally acceptable. The focus shifts from "you" to "a lie" but the general moral question remains the same. The passive version is more general, applying to anyone, which matches the typical use of "you" in moral questions in English, where "you" can mean "any person". Therefore, the passive transformation is accurate and natural.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A: "by one" is unnecessary and sounds unnatural; native speakers do not usually use this phrase in such moral questions.
• Option B: "by everyone" changes the meaning, suggesting that everyone together would tell the lie, which is not implied in the original sentence.
• Option C: "Should a lie be ever told?" has an awkward adverb position. The more natural word order is "ever be told".
• Option E: "Should ever a lie be told?" is also grammatically possible but sounds old fashioned; exams generally prefer the smoother modern order in option D.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often struggle with the placement of adverbs like "ever" in passive questions with modals. Remember that the most usual order is modal + adverb + be + past participle. Also, avoid overloading the sentence with unnecessary agents like "by one" unless the original sentence clearly implied such a subject. Keeping the passive version general often best matches the original general sense.

Final Answer:
The correct passive voice question is "Should a lie ever be told?"