Final answer:
The correct choice is the first one- I told Mariela that "she still owes me $25 for the concert ticket.", where double quotation marks are used for the direct quote. Single quotation marks and the absence of quotation marks are incorrect in this context of American English.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct usage of quotation marks in the provided choices is the first one: I told Mariela that "she still owes me $25 for the concert ticket." In American English, double quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech or a direct quote. The single quotation marks and the choice without any quotation marks are incorrect in this context.
Moreover, when writing dialogue or quoting someone's spoken words, always ensure that punctuation marks like periods or commas are placed inside the quotation marks. Ensuring accurate use of punctuation is essential for clarity and to adhere to the standard rules of grammar.