What is the correct way to punctuate the bold portion of this quotation?

“yes,” ling responded the research report is due on tuesday.”

a.
responded, “the

b.
responded “the

c.
responded”, the

d.
responded, the

Ineed ideas for this essay something easy that i can do does anyone have any ideas on what i should write on for this 100 points ! write a procedural essay with media that is 1 ½–2 pages in length. clearly state your topic, and include all steps necessary to complete the procedure. you will submit your prewriting and planning documents along with your essay.