Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct voice. The professor explained that although the theory had been considered correct for centuries, new findings now proved that it was flawed.
The professor explained, "Although the theory has been considered correct for centuries, new findings now prove that it is flawed."
To change indirect speech back to direct speech, we remove 'that', add quotation marks and reverse the back-shift of tenses by one step.
Reversing the tenses: had been considered becomes has been considered (past perfect to present perfect); proved becomes prove; was flawed becomes is flawed. 'For centuries' with 'now' also shows an action continuing up to the present, which needs the present perfect.
So the direct form is The professor explained, "Although the theory has been considered correct for centuries, new findings now prove that it is flawed." Keeping 'had been', using 'was considered', or writing 'then proved ... was' leaves the tenses un-reversed or inconsistent.
Hence, The professor explained, "Although the theory has been considered correct for centuries, new findings now prove that it is flawed.".
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