Improve the sentence by selecting the correct form of tense from the options.
She said that she ____________ the report before the deadline.

Correct option is B

The correct option to fill in the blank is (b) had completed.
Explanation: The reporting verb said is in the past, so we apply backshift in reported speech for a completed action prior to another past point. The action of finishing the report is earlier than the past moment of “said,” hence past perfect (had completed) fits best. (Hindi: उसने कहा कि उसने समय-सीमा से पहले रिपोर्ट पूरी कर ली थी.)
Example: She said that she had completed the report before the deadline.
Why other options are incorrect:
· (a) completes – Simple present clashes with past reporting; not used in standard backshift.
· (c) will complete – Future from a past viewpoint is typically would complete, not will; also doesn’t show prior completion.
· (d) has completed – Present perfect ties to the present moment; incompatible with a past reporting verb unless the fact is still true and presented as current (not indicated here).
· Information booster (Reported Speech – Backshift):
· With a past reporting verb, backshift is usual: present → past; present perfect → past perfect; past → past perfect (if earlier past).
· No backshift for universal truths or if the reporting verb is in the present (e.g., She says that…).