The correct option for completing the sentence is
D. not to study. Let's break down why this is the right choice and why the other options are less suitable.
Step-by-Step Explanation
- Understanding the Sentence Structure:
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The sentence begins with "He told me ... on the examination day." This indicates that we need to complete the sentence with what "he" advised or instructed. The phrase "told me" typically requires a structure that conveys a command or suggestion.
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Analyzing the Options:
- A. no studying: This option is a noun phrase. While it conveys the idea of not studying, it does not fit grammatically in the context of what someone "told" you. It lacks the necessary verb structure to complete the sentence correctly.
- B. don't study: This is an imperative form, which is a command. However, when reporting speech (as in "He told me..."), we typically do not use the imperative directly. Instead, we need to convert it into a form that fits the reporting structure.
- C. not study: This option is a fragment that lacks the necessary structure to convey a complete thought. It does not include a verb that indicates the action of telling or advising.
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D. not to study: This option is the correct choice. It uses the infinitive form "to study," which is appropriate after the verb "told." The structure "told me not to [verb]" is a common way to report advice or commands in English.
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Why Option D is Correct:
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The phrase "told me not to study" correctly conveys that someone advised you against studying on the examination day. The use of "not to" indicates a suggestion or instruction that is being reported, which aligns perfectly with the context of the sentence.
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Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
- A. no studying: Lacks the verb structure needed for a complete sentence.
- B. don't study: Uses an imperative form that does not fit the reporting structure.
- C. not study: Is incomplete and does not convey the action of telling properly.
Revision Summary
- The correct answer is D. not to study because it fits the grammatical structure of reported speech.
- "Told me not to [verb]" is the correct way to report advice or commands.
- Options A, B, and C do not provide the necessary structure to complete the sentence meaningfully.
- Understanding the context of reported speech is crucial for selecting the correct option in such questions.