Select the option that is the direct form of the given sentence.

Nidhi exclaimed that it was a beautiful painting.

Nidhi exclaimed, “What a beautiful painting!”

The correct option is: Nidhi exclaimed, "What a beautiful painting!"

This is the only option that directly expresses Nidhi's exclamation of surprise and admiration for the painting. The other options are either indirect speech, or they do not convey the same level of enthusiasm.

• Nidhi said to the artist, "That looks like a beautiful painting!" This is indirect speech, because it uses the reporting verb "said" and the conjunction "that".
• Nidhi said to the artist in surprise, "How beautiful you made that painting!" This option is also indirect speech, because it uses the reporting verb "said" and the conjunction "that". Additionally, it adds the adverb "in surprise", which suggests that Nidhi was not expressing her own admiration for the painting, but rather complimenting the artist's skill.
• Nidhi told him in wonder, "How beautiful!" This option is not as direct as the first option, because it uses the verb "told" instead of "exclaimed". Additionally, it does not use any punctuation to indicate that Nidhi is exclaiming.