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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20131 Marks
Q38.

The proud father remarked, "What a wonderful batsman my son is!"

How to Approach

This question, while seemingly simple, tests understanding of grammatical structure and implied meaning. The core task is to identify the grammatical function of the statement within a larger context. The answer should focus on identifying the statement as an expression of parental pride and its grammatical construction as a declarative sentence expressing a subjective opinion. No external knowledge is required; it's a pure language comprehension question.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The statement, "What a wonderful batsman my son is!" is a classic example of a declarative sentence used to express strong emotion, specifically parental pride. It’s a common rhetorical device employed to convey admiration and affection. The question tests the ability to recognize this function and understand the grammatical structure of the sentence, focusing on its expressive intent rather than a request for information. The exclamation mark is crucial in understanding the emotional weight carried by the statement.

Understanding the Statement's Structure

The statement is a declarative sentence, albeit an emphatic one. It asserts a quality – that the speaker’s son is a “wonderful batsman.” The phrase "What a wonderful..." is an exclamatory construction used to intensify the adjective "wonderful."

Grammatical Components

  • Subject: "my son" – This is the noun phrase that the sentence is about.
  • Verb: "is" – A linking verb connecting the subject to the description.
  • Complement: "a wonderful batsman" – This describes the subject, providing information about his skill.
  • Exclamatory Phrase: "What a wonderful..." – This intensifies the adjective and conveys the speaker’s strong emotion.

The Implied Meaning and Context

The context is crucial. The phrase "proud father" immediately establishes the emotional state of the speaker. The statement isn’t seeking confirmation; it’s an expression of joy and admiration. It’s a subjective opinion, not an objective assessment. The use of "wonderful" is a value judgment, reflecting the father’s positive perception of his son’s batting abilities.

Analyzing the Sentence Type

While grammatically a declarative sentence, the inclusion of "What a..." and the exclamation mark transform it into an exclamatory declarative sentence. This highlights the emotional intensity. It differs from a simple statement like "My son is a good batsman," which is more neutral in tone.

Distinguishing from Interrogative or Imperative Sentences

The statement is definitively not a question (interrogative) as it doesn’t seek information. Nor is it a command or request (imperative). It’s a statement of feeling and opinion. The exclamation mark is a key indicator of this.

The Role of Adjectives

The adjective "wonderful" plays a vital role in conveying the father’s sentiment. Adjectives are descriptive words that modify nouns, and in this case, "wonderful" significantly enhances the description of the son as a "batsman."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statement "What a wonderful batsman my son is!" is a grammatically sound, exclamatory declarative sentence expressing a father’s profound pride in his son’s cricketing abilities. It’s a subjective assertion, not a request for information, and its emotional impact is heightened by the use of an exclamatory phrase and the context provided by the phrase "proud father." The sentence effectively conveys a strong positive sentiment through its structure and word choice.

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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Declarative Sentence
A declarative sentence makes a statement. It expresses a fact, opinion, or idea and ends with a period (.).
Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion and ends with an exclamation mark (!).

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, approximately 73% of parents report feeling proud of their children's accomplishments.

Source: Pew Research Center (2023)

A 2022 survey indicated that 85% of fathers believe their role in their children’s lives is to provide encouragement and support.

Source: National Fatherhood Initiative (2022)

Examples

Parental Pride in Sports

The outpouring of support and pride from parents during the 2011 Cricket World Cup victory for India exemplifies the sentiment expressed in the given statement. Many parents publicly celebrated their children’s involvement in the sport, even if indirectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is the statement grammatically correct?

Yes, the statement is grammatically correct, although it employs an exclamatory construction for emphasis. The word order and verb usage are standard English.

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