UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20125 Marks
Q31.

I hope the picnic will not be called

How to Approach

This question, while seemingly simple, tests the understanding of grammatical structures and the ability to express hope or uncertainty. A direct answer isn't expected; rather, the question is designed to assess basic English language proficiency. The response should acknowledge the conditional nature of the sentence and express a desire for the event to proceed. The approach should be concise and directly address the sentiment expressed in the question.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The sentence "I hope the picnic will not be called off" expresses a desire for a particular event – a picnic – to continue as planned, despite a potential cancellation. It reflects a sentiment of anticipation and a preference for the event to occur. The phrase "will not be called off" indicates a conditional situation, where the picnic's fate is uncertain. Responding to this requires acknowledging this uncertainty and reinforcing the hope for the picnic to proceed.

The statement reveals a hopeful sentiment regarding the continuation of the picnic. The use of "hope" signifies a desire for a specific outcome, while "will not be called off" acknowledges the possibility of cancellation. Therefore, a suitable response would reinforce this hope and express a preference for the picnic to take place.

Understanding the Grammatical Structure

The sentence employs a modal verb ("will") combined with a negative construction ("not be called off") within a clause introduced by "hope." This structure conveys a conditional wish – a desire that something *doesn't* happen. Responding effectively requires recognizing this nuance.

Possible Responses & Their Implications

  • "I agree." – This is a very short and somewhat abrupt response. While it acknowledges the sentiment, it lacks elaboration.
  • "Me too, I hope it goes ahead." – This is a more complete and empathetic response, directly echoing the hope expressed in the original statement.
  • "Let's hope for good weather!" – This response shifts the focus to a potential reason for cancellation (weather) and expresses a similar hope.
  • "Fingers crossed!" – An informal expression of hope.

The Importance of Context

While the question is standalone, understanding the context of a conversation would allow for a more nuanced response. For example, if the picnic was threatened by bad weather, a response acknowledging the weather would be appropriate. However, given the limited information, a general expression of hope is the most suitable approach.

Analyzing the Directive

The question doesn't explicitly ask for an essay or a detailed analysis. It's a simple statement requiring a corresponding expression of sentiment. Therefore, a concise and empathetic response is sufficient. The question tests basic comprehension and the ability to respond appropriately in a conversational context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question tests a fundamental understanding of English language usage and the ability to express hope and agreement. A suitable response acknowledges the conditional nature of the statement and reinforces the desire for the picnic to proceed as planned. A simple, empathetic response like "Me too, I hope it goes ahead" effectively addresses the sentiment expressed in the original sentence.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Modal Verb
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, or intention. Examples include 'will', 'can', 'may', 'should', and 'must'.
Conditional Sentence
A conditional sentence expresses that one thing depends on another. They often use 'if' clauses and modal verbs like 'will', 'would', 'can', or 'could'.

Key Statistics

According to the British Council, English is spoken by approximately 1.45 billion people worldwide as of 2023.

Source: British Council (2023)

As of 2022, approximately 67.34% of India’s population is literate, with English literacy being significantly lower at around 11.7% (National Statistical Office, 2022).

Source: National Statistical Office (2022)

Examples

Expressing Hope in Literature

In Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," Pip's hopes for a better life drive much of the narrative, demonstrating the powerful role of hope in human experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to provide a lengthy response to this question?

No, the question is designed to assess basic English proficiency and a concise, empathetic response is sufficient. Overly elaborate answers are not required.