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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20161 Marks10 Words
Q11.

I request your favour to grant me leave.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and formal writing skills. The core issue is the overly informal and supplicatory tone ("I request your favour"). A good answer will rephrase the sentence into a standard, professional request for leave, demonstrating an understanding of appropriate language for official communication. The focus should be on clarity, directness, and politeness without being excessively deferential. The answer should be concise and grammatically correct.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Effective communication, particularly in a professional context, necessitates the use of appropriate language. While politeness is valued, overly deferential phrasing can undermine the clarity and directness of a message. The original sentence, "I request your favour to grant me leave," employs archaic and unnecessarily submissive language. This response aims to demonstrate a more suitable and contemporary phrasing for requesting leave in an official setting, aligning with modern administrative practices and promoting efficient communication.

The original sentence can be effectively rephrased as follows:

Revised Sentence:

“I request you to grant me leave.” or “I respectfully request leave.”

Explanation of Changes:

  • Removal of "favour": The word "favour" implies a personal obligation and is outdated in formal requests.
  • Direct Request: The revised sentence directly requests the action (granting leave) rather than asking for a "favour."
  • Politeness: The addition of "respectfully" maintains a polite tone without being overly submissive.

Further Refinements (depending on context):

The sentence can be further refined by specifying the dates of the leave:

  • “I respectfully request leave from [Start Date] to [End Date].”
  • “I request you to grant me leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] for [Reason - optional].”

Importance of Formal Language in Administration:

Using formal language in administrative communication is crucial for several reasons:

  • Clarity: Precise language minimizes ambiguity and ensures the message is understood correctly.
  • Professionalism: Formal language reflects respect for the recipient and the institution.
  • Record-Keeping: Clear and concise language facilitates accurate record-keeping and documentation.
  • Legal Implications: In some cases, administrative communication may have legal implications, making precise language essential.

Comparison with Informal Language:

Informal Formal
“Can I have some time off?” “I request leave from [Date] to [Date].”
“I was wondering if you could let me take a few days.” “I respectfully request leave for [Number] days.”
“I’d really appreciate it if you could approve my leave.” “I would be grateful for your approval of my leave request.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original sentence, while conveying the intent, lacks the clarity and professionalism expected in formal communication. Rephrasing it to "I request you to grant me leave" or "I respectfully request leave" demonstrates a better understanding of appropriate language for official requests. Adopting such precise and respectful phrasing is vital for effective administrative practices and maintaining a professional tone in all official correspondence.

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

Formal Language
Language used in official settings, characterized by precision, objectivity, and adherence to established conventions. It avoids slang, colloquialisms, and overly casual expressions.
Supplication
The act of begging or pleading; humble entreaty. The original sentence's use of "favour" carries a tone of supplication, which is inappropriate for a standard request.

Key Statistics

A 2023 study by Grammarly Business found that employees who use clear and concise language in workplace communication are 57% more likely to be perceived as competent.

Source: Grammarly Business, "The State of Workplace Communication," 2023

According to a 2022 report by McKinsey, poor communication costs companies an average of $11,000 per employee per year.

Source: McKinsey, "The Organizational Cost of Poor Communication," 2022

Examples

Government Correspondence

Official letters from government departments consistently employ formal language, avoiding contractions and using precise terminology. For example, a notice regarding a policy change will use phrases like "It is hereby notified" instead of "We are letting you know."

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is it always necessary to be extremely formal in all workplace communication?

No, the level of formality should be adjusted based on the context and the relationship with the recipient. However, when making official requests or communicating important information, maintaining a formal tone is generally advisable.

Topics Covered

Language SkillsGeneral StudiesGrammarSentence StructureError Detection
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