Introduction / Context:
This item focuses on reported (indirect) speech word order in embedded questions. In indirect questions, English uses statement order (subject before verb), not question order (auxiliary before subject). The sentence also hints at sequence-of-tense backshifting, but the primary tested error is the inversion after “what”.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Reporting verb: “asked”.
- Embedded question 1: price inquiry introduced by “what”.
- Embedded question 2: clause introduced by “whether”.
- Neutral aim: correct grammar of the first embedded clause; punctuation is secondary in such tests.
Concept / Approach:
- Rule: In indirect questions, use declarative order: “what the price was”, “where he lived”, “how it worked”.
- Therefore, “what was the price” is incorrect in reported speech.
- Backshift after a past reporting verb is common (“whether it was …”), though permanent truths may remain unshifted; exams usually expect backshift but will flag one primary error at a time.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Replace question order with statement order: “what the price was”.Optionally backshift the second clause: “and whether it was really made in Germany.”Remove the question mark in full corrections, since the overall sentence is a statement.
Verification / Alternative check:
Compare: Direct “What is the price?” → Indirect “He asked what the price was.”
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A and C: Reporting frame and connector are fine.D: Many tests allow present “is” for present-time truths; even if you prefer “was”, the principal grammatical error targeted is in B (word order).E: Not valid because an error exists in B.
Common Pitfalls:
Keeping inversion in indirect questions; retaining a question mark after an indirect-speech matrix clause.
Final Answer:
what was the price
Discussion & Comments