He said to me, "Help him in settling the accounts".
Which of the following sentences correctly changes the sentence above into an Indirect speech ?
(a) He told me to help him in settling the accounts.
(b) He persuaded me to help him in settling the accounts.
(c) He requested me to help him in settling the accounts.
(d) He urged me to help him to settle the accounts.
Answer options :

The correct answer is Option B ((c) only).

Key Points:
• Core Language Concept Tested: The question primarily tests the candidate's understanding of converting Direct Speech into Indirect Speech, specifically for Imperative sentences. In English grammar, selecting the correct reporting verb based on the underlying tone of the command or request is crucial.
• Why the Correct Option is Right: The official answer key marks option 2 as correct, which corresponds to statement (c). While imperative sentences can some × take "told" or "asked", the context of asking for assistance ("Help him...") generally carries a polite undertone in formal contexts. Therefore, "requested" is deemed the most appropriate reporting verb by the examiners, rendering "He requested me to help him in settling the accounts" as the accepted correct transformation.
• Common Exam Traps and Pitfalls: A common mistake candidates make is defaulting to "told" (option a) because it feels safer when "please" is not explicitly present. However, MPSC often tests contextual appropriateness. Assuming "help" implies a request rather than a strict military command is a nuanced trap.
• Elimination of Incorrect Options: "Persuaded" implies changing someone's mind, which isn't present in the original quote. "Urged" changes the structural preposition in option (d) to "to settle" instead of maintaining "in settling". Therefore, by process of elimination, (c) is structurally and contextually the best fit.
• Preparation Strategy: Practice identifying the implied tone (order, request, advice) in imperative sentences to choose the right reporting verb.
• Key Takeaway: Remember: In imperative indirect speech, choose a reporting verb (requested, ordered, advised) that best matches the implicit tone of the quoted action.