Error spotting — reported speech and tense backshift: Choose the erroneous part (A/B/C) — mark D if correct — 'When he was asked what is wrong with him. / he said that he was not well. / and asked for leave of absence for one day. / No error.'

Given data

• Main reporting time is past: 'was asked'.

Concept/Approach: Backshift in indirect questionsWith a past reporting verb ('was asked'), the embedded clause typically backshifts: 'what was wrong with him' rather than 'what is wrong with him'. Also, avoid a period breaking the subordinate clause.

Step-by-step correction1) Backshift verb: 'is' → 'was'.2) Punctuation: replace the intrusive period with a comma for continuity.3) Corrected: 'When he was asked what was wrong with him, he said that he was not well and asked for leave of absence for one day.'

Common pitfallsForgetting backshift after past reporting; sentence fragmentation.

Final AnswerPart A is the error; use 'what was wrong with him,' not 'what is…'