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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20175 Marks
Q53.

Choose the appropriate word to fill in the blanks : (v) The hunter killed the bird sitting on the .

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and understanding of prepositions. The key is to identify the most appropriate preposition to indicate location. The correct answer will logically complete the sentence, describing where the bird was situated when the hunter killed it. Focus on prepositions of place and consider the context of a bird perched somewhere. A simple, direct answer is expected.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language relies heavily on prepositions to establish relationships between words, particularly concerning location, time, and direction. Choosing the correct preposition is crucial for clarity and grammatical accuracy. This question assesses a candidate’s fundamental understanding of these grammatical building blocks. The sentence provided describes a hunting scenario, requiring a preposition that accurately depicts the bird’s position relative to a surface.

The complete sentence is: "The hunter killed the bird sitting on the branch."

Explanation

The preposition "on" is the most appropriate choice in this context. Here's why:

  • "On" indicates surface contact: Birds typically perch on branches, wires, or other surfaces. It signifies that the bird was physically resting upon the branch.
  • Other prepositions are unsuitable:
    • "In" suggests enclosure – the bird would be in a nest, not on a branch.
    • "At" indicates a general location, but lacks the specificity of surface contact.
    • "Under" implies the branch was above the bird, which is illogical.
    • "With" suggests accompaniment, which doesn't fit the scenario.

Grammatical Considerations

The phrase "sitting on the branch" functions as a participial phrase modifying "bird." The preposition "on" correctly links the bird to its location, creating a clear and grammatically sound sentence.

Contextual Relevance

The hunting context further reinforces the suitability of "on." Hunters often target animals perched on elevated surfaces, making "on" the most natural and logical preposition to use.

Alternative Sentence Structures (for understanding)

While the original sentence is concise, consider these variations to illustrate the importance of "on":

  • "The hunter shot the bird as it sat on the branch."
  • "The bird was sitting on the branch when the hunter killed it."

In each case, "on" maintains the correct relationship between the bird and the branch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most appropriate word to fill the blank is "branch," completing the sentence with the preposition "on." This choice accurately conveys the bird's location and maintains grammatical correctness within the hunting scenario. A strong grasp of prepositions is fundamental to effective English communication, and this question effectively tests that understanding.

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

Preposition
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. It often indicates location, direction, time, or spatial relationships.
Participial Phrase
A participial phrase is a group of words containing a participle (a verb form ending in -ing or -ed) that modifies a noun or pronoun. In the example, "sitting on the branch" is a participial phrase modifying "bird."

Key Statistics

Approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English as a first or second language (as of 2023).

Source: Statista (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

English is the official language of over 53 countries.

Source: British Council (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

Examples

Use of 'on' in everyday language

Examples include: "The book is on the table," "The picture is on the wall," and "The meeting is on Monday." These demonstrate the common usage of 'on' to indicate surface contact or a specific day.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between 'on', 'in', and 'at' when referring to location?

'On' is used for surfaces, 'in' for enclosed spaces, and 'at' for specific points or addresses. For example, "on the table," "in the room," and "at the station."

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