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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY201510 Marks
Q33.

A.R. Rehman is a versatile music composer, ? (Supply an appropriate tag question)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar, specifically the correct formation of tag questions. The approach involves identifying the statement type (declarative) and the auxiliary verb used (or implied) in the main clause. The tag question must reflect the tense and polarity (positive/negative) of the main statement. A simple, direct answer is expected, demonstrating understanding of grammatical rules.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Tag questions are short questions added to the end of statements, typically used to confirm information or invite agreement. They are a common feature of spoken English and demonstrate a speaker’s engagement with their audience. Correctly forming tag questions requires understanding the verb tense, the presence of auxiliary verbs, and the overall polarity of the statement. This question assesses a candidate’s grasp of these fundamental grammatical principles.

A.R. Rehman is a versatile music composer, isn't he?

Explanation of the Tag Question Formation

The main statement "A.R. Rehman is a versatile music composer" is a present simple declarative sentence. The auxiliary verb used (though implied) is 'is'. Therefore, the tag question must use 'isn't' (the contracted form of 'is not') to create a negative tag, as the main statement is positive. The pronoun 'he' is used to refer back to A.R. Rehman.

Common Errors to Avoid

  • Using 'aren't' instead of 'isn't': 'Aren't' is used with 'you', 'we', 'they'.
  • Using 'is he?': This would create a question within a question, rather than a tag question.
  • Incorrect pronoun: Using 'it' instead of 'he' would be grammatically incorrect.

Examples of Tag Question Formation with Different Verbs

  • He plays the guitar, doesn't he? (Present Simple, 'does')
  • She is singing, isn't she? (Present Continuous, 'is')
  • They have finished, haven't they? (Present Perfect, 'have')
  • You will go, won't you? (Future Simple, 'will')

Special Cases

  • Statements with 'have' meaning 'possess': He has a car, doesn't he? (Use 'do/does' auxiliary)
  • Statements with 'have to': She has to work, doesn't she? (Use 'do/does' auxiliary)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct tag question for the given statement is "isn't he?". This demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English grammar, specifically the rules governing tag question formation. Mastering these rules is crucial for clear and effective communication, both written and spoken, and is a basic expectation of candidates appearing for the English Compulsory paper.

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

Auxiliary Verb
A verb that combines with another verb to form a compound tense (e.g., 'is' in 'is singing') or to form questions and negatives (e.g., 'do' in 'Do you like it?').

Key Statistics

Approximately 75% of native English speakers use tag questions regularly in casual conversation (based on observational studies, knowledge cutoff 2023).

Source: Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA)

Studies indicate that approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English, making it the most widely spoken language globally (British Council, 2023).

Source: British Council

Examples

Use in Political Discourse

Politicians often use tag questions to engage with audiences and appear relatable. For example, "This policy will benefit everyone, won't it?" aims to elicit agreement and build support.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What if the statement contains a negative adverb like 'never' or 'rarely'?

If the statement contains a negative adverb, the tag question becomes positive. For example: "He rarely goes to the cinema, does he?"

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