Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
I said that I would be there before the clock struck twelve.

Correct option is D

The correct direct speech of the given sentence is "I said, 'I will be here before the clock strikes twelve.'"
Explanation:
· Indirect speech: "I would be there before the clock struck twelve."
· Direct speech rule: "Would" in indirect speech changes to "will" in direct speech.
· Correct sentence: I said, “I will be here before the clock strikes twelve.”
Incorrect Options:
· (a) Will have been here – Incorrect tense.
· (b) Have been here – Incorrect present perfect tense.
· (c) Should be here – Incorrect modal verb.
Example:
· Indirect: She said that she would arrive early.
· Direct: She said, "I will arrive early."