Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Proficiency in English grammar is a fundamental requirement for effective communication, particularly in the context of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Accurate verb usage is a cornerstone of grammatical correctness. This question assesses the candidate's ability to apply grammatical rules in a practical context, ensuring clarity and precision in written expression. The ability to correctly identify and apply verb tenses is essential for conveying meaning accurately and avoiding ambiguity in official reports and policy documents.
Please provide the sentence(s) with the blanks and the verbs in brackets. Without the actual question text, it is impossible to provide a correct answer. However, I will illustrate how to approach such a question with an example.
Example Question & Solution
Let's assume the question is:
The committee _______ (decide) to submit its report by the end of the month. The members _______ (be) present at the meeting. The report _______ (contain) detailed analysis of the issue.
Here's how we would fill in the blanks:
The committee decided to submit its report by the end of the month. The members were present at the meeting. The report contains detailed analysis of the issue.
Explanation of Verb Choices:
- decided: The sentence refers to a completed action in the past. Therefore, the past simple tense ("decided") is appropriate.
- were: "Members" is plural, requiring the plural form of the verb "to be" in the past tense ("were").
- contains: This sentence describes a general truth or a characteristic of the report. Therefore, the present simple tense ("contains") is used.
General Guidelines for Verb Form Selection:
- Tense Consistency: Maintain consistency in tense throughout the sentence or paragraph unless there's a clear reason to shift tenses.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verb agrees with its subject in number (singular or plural).
- Active vs. Passive Voice: Choose the appropriate voice based on whether the focus is on the actor or the action.
- Conditional Sentences: Pay attention to the structure of conditional sentences (if...then) and use the correct verb forms in each clause.
- Modal Verbs: Use modal verbs (can, could, should, must, etc.) correctly to express possibility, obligation, or permission.
Once you provide the actual question, I will fill in the blanks with the correct verb forms and provide a detailed explanation for each choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accurately completing sentences by choosing the correct verb forms requires a solid understanding of English grammar principles. A systematic approach, focusing on tense, subject-verb agreement, and context, is essential for success. This skill is not only crucial for the English Compulsory paper but also for effective communication throughout a career in civil service.
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.