Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The ability to manipulate language and demonstrate grammatical proficiency is fundamental to effective communication, a skill crucial for civil servants who must draft reports, policies, and engage in public discourse. The given sentence, while conveying a basic idea, is grammatically incomplete. The directive 'CONSIST' requires us to reconstruct the sentence, utilizing the verb 'consist' to accurately represent the relationship between a computer and its constituent parts. This exercise highlights the importance of precise language in conveying meaning.
The original sentence, "The computer is a complex gadget and of many parts," is grammatically awkward. The phrase "of many parts" is not correctly integrated into the sentence structure. The verb 'to consist' means 'to be composed of'. Therefore, the sentence can be rewritten as follows:
Corrected Sentence
The computer is a complex gadget that consists of many parts.
Explanation of Changes
- 'consists of' instead of 'is...and of': This replaces the awkward phrasing with the correct verb phrase indicating composition.
- 'that' as a relative pronoun: This connects the clause "consists of many parts" to the noun "gadget," providing clarity and grammatical correctness.
Alternative Sentence Structures
While the above is the most straightforward correction, other grammatically sound options exist:
- A computer consists of many parts and is a complex gadget. (Shifts the emphasis)
- Being a complex gadget, the computer consists of many parts. (Uses a participial phrase)
Importance of Grammatical Accuracy
In the context of the UPSC examination, precise language is paramount. A poorly constructed sentence can obscure meaning and detract from the overall quality of an answer. Demonstrating a strong command of English grammar is essential for effectively communicating complex ideas and arguments. The ability to identify and correct grammatical errors, as demonstrated in this exercise, is a valuable skill for any aspiring civil servant.
Illustrative Table: Common Grammatical Errors & Corrections
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
| Incorrect use of prepositions (e.g., "depend on of") | Correct preposition usage (e.g., "depend on") |
| Subject-verb disagreement (e.g., "He were...") | Correct subject-verb agreement (e.g., "He was...") |
| Misplaced modifiers (e.g., "Walking down the street, the tree was beautiful.") | Correct modifier placement (e.g., "Walking down the street, I saw a beautiful tree.") |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence was grammatically flawed. By correctly employing the verb 'consist' and restructuring the sentence, we arrive at a clear and concise statement: "The computer is a complex gadget that consists of many parts." This simple exercise underscores the importance of grammatical accuracy and precise language, skills vital for success in the UPSC examination and a career in public service. A strong grasp of English grammar is not merely about adhering to rules, but about ensuring effective and unambiguous communication.
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.