The correct option to complete the sentence "Jane asked James ...." is C. if she could meet him later. Let's break down why this is the best choice and analyze the other options. Explanation of the Correct Answer (Option C)

1. Structure of Indirect Questions:
2. When we report a question (turning a direct question into an indirect one), we often use "if" or "whether" to introduce the question. In this case, Jane is asking about the possibility of meeting James later, which is a yes/no question.
3. The correct structure for an indirect question is:
   • [Subject] + [Modal Verb] + [Main Verb].
4. In this case, the subject is "she," the modal verb is "could," and the main verb is "meet."
5. Correct Form:
6. The phrase "if she could meet him later" follows the correct structure for an indirect question. It is grammatically correct and clearly conveys Jane's inquiry about the possibility of meeting.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect Option A: whether could she meet him later - Incorrect Structure: This option incorrectly places the modal verb "could" before the subject "she." In indirect questions, the subject should come before the modal verb. The correct form would be "whether she could meet him later." - Use of "whether": While "whether" can be used in indirect questions, the structure must still be correct. Option B: could she meet him later - Incorrect Structure: Similar to Option A, this option also places the modal verb "could" before the subject "she." This is the structure of a direct question, not an indirect one. In indirect questions, the subject must precede the modal verb. - Lack of "if" or "whether": This option lacks the necessary introductory word ("if" or "whether") that indicates it is an indirect question. Option D: she could meet him later - Incomplete: While this option has the correct subject-verb order, it lacks the introductory phrase that indicates it is a question. It reads more like a statement rather than a reported question. - Missing Context: Without "if" or "whether," it does not convey that Jane is asking a question. Summary of Key Points

• Indirect Questions: Use "if" or "whether" to introduce indirect questions.
• Subject-Verb Order: In indirect questions, the subject comes before the modal verb.
• Correct Structure: The correct form is "if she could meet him later," which follows the proper grammatical structure.
• Avoiding Direct Question Structure: Do not place the modal verb before the subject in indirect questions.

Revision Summary

• The correct answer is C. if she could meet him later.
• Indirect questions require "if" or "whether" and follow the subject-verb order.
• Options A and B incorrectly place the modal verb before the subject.
• Option D lacks the necessary introductory phrase to indicate a question.