UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20125 Marks
Q56.

Supply the missing words :

How to Approach

This question requires identifying the missing words in a sentence or passage. Since no passage is provided, it's impossible to answer. However, I will demonstrate how to approach such a question *if* a passage were given. The strategy involves careful reading, understanding the context, identifying grammatical cues (tense, parts of speech), and using logical reasoning to determine the most appropriate words. The answer should be concise and grammatically correct.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The task of filling in missing words is a common exercise in assessing language proficiency and comprehension skills. It tests a candidate’s understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and contextual meaning. Such questions are frequently found in competitive examinations, including the UPSC Civil Services Examination (Compulsory English paper), to evaluate a candidate’s ability to grasp nuances in language and apply their knowledge effectively. Without a provided text, a complete answer is not possible, but the following demonstrates the expected approach.

As the question is incomplete, providing a definitive answer is impossible. However, to illustrate the expected response format, let's assume a hypothetical sentence with missing words:

“The ________ of climate change are becoming increasingly ________, demanding ________ action from governments worldwide.”

Hypothetical Answer & Explanation

Based on the context, the missing words could be:

  • Impacts (noun, referring to the effects of climate change)
  • severe (adjective, describing the intensity of the impacts)
  • urgent (adjective, emphasizing the need for immediate action)

Therefore, the completed sentence would be:

“The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe, demanding urgent action from governments worldwide.”

Key Considerations for Answering Such Questions:

  • Contextual Clues: Pay close attention to the surrounding words and phrases. They provide vital clues about the type of word needed (noun, verb, adjective, adverb).
  • Grammatical Correctness: Ensure that the inserted words fit grammatically into the sentence. Check for subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and proper article usage.
  • Logical Meaning: The completed sentence should make logical sense. The inserted words should contribute to a coherent and meaningful statement.
  • Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for identifying the most appropriate words.

Illustrative Table (for a more complex scenario)

If the question involved multiple blanks and potential options, a table could be used to analyze the choices:

Blank Number Possible Words Justification
1 Effects, Impacts, Consequences All are suitable, but "impacts" is most commonly used in climate change discourse.
2 Serious, Severe, Critical "Severe" best conveys the escalating intensity.
3 Immediate, Urgent, Rapid "Urgent" emphasizes the necessity for prompt action.

Note: This is a hypothetical example. A real answer would depend entirely on the provided passage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while this question is currently unanswerable due to the missing text, the approach to solving such problems involves careful reading, grammatical analysis, and logical reasoning. A strong command of the English language and a contextual understanding are crucial for selecting the most appropriate words to complete the sentence or passage effectively. Practicing with similar exercises will enhance a candidate’s ability to tackle these questions confidently in the UPSC examination.

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

Contextual Clues
Hints within a text that help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases. These clues can be found in the surrounding sentences or paragraphs.
Grammatical Cohesion
The connections between words and phrases in a text that create a unified and logical flow of ideas. This includes proper use of pronouns, conjunctions, and tense consistency.

Key Statistics

According to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2021), it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land.

Source: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2021)

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that the global average temperature in 2023 was 1.45°C above the pre-industrial average (1850-1900).

Source: World Meteorological Organization (2024)

Examples

Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise

Consider the sentence: "The scientist conducted a ________ experiment to test her hypothesis." Possible answers include "rigorous," "controlled," or "detailed." The best answer depends on the specific context of the research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if multiple words seem to fit the blank?

Choose the word that best fits the overall meaning and tone of the passage. Consider the grammatical structure and the author's intent.