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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20185 Marks
Q33.

The old beggar was by a mad dog. (bite)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and the correct usage of tenses, specifically the passive voice. The task requires filling in the blank with the correct form of the verb "bite" to create a grammatically sound sentence. The approach involves understanding the passive voice structure (be + past participle) and applying it to the given context. The answer should demonstrate a clear understanding of English grammar rules.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language, a cornerstone of the UPSC examination, is assessed not only for comprehension and vocabulary but also for grammatical accuracy. Correct sentence construction is vital for effective communication, particularly in the written component of the Mains examination. This question focuses on the passive voice, a grammatical construction where the subject receives the action rather than performs it. Understanding and applying the passive voice correctly is crucial for conveying precise meaning and demonstrating linguistic proficiency. The given sentence requires the correct application of the passive voice using the verb 'bite'.

The correct completion of the sentence is: "The old beggar was bitten by a mad dog."

Explanation of Grammatical Structure

The sentence requires the past passive voice because the action of biting happened in the past and the beggar *received* the action. The structure of the passive voice is:

  • Subject + be (in the appropriate tense) + past participle of the verb + (by + agent)

In this case:

  • Subject: The old beggar
  • be (past tense): was
  • Past participle of 'bite': bitten
  • Agent: by a mad dog

Why other options are incorrect

Using other forms of the verb 'bite' would result in grammatically incorrect sentences. For example:

  • "The old beggar bite by a mad dog" – Incorrect (missing 'was' and 'bitten')
  • "The old beggar is bite by a mad dog" – Incorrect (wrong tense – present tense instead of past)
  • "The old beggar was biting by a mad dog" – Incorrect (continuous tense is not appropriate here; it implies the beggar was in the process of being bitten, which doesn't fit the context)

Importance of Passive Voice

The passive voice is useful when:

  • The agent (the one performing the action) is unknown or unimportant.
  • We want to emphasize the action itself rather than the agent.
  • We want to maintain a formal or objective tone.

Example Sentences in Passive Voice

  • The report was submitted by the committee.
  • The building is being constructed by a team of engineers.
  • Mistakes were made during the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer is "The old beggar was bitten by a mad dog." This demonstrates a clear understanding of the past passive voice and its correct application in sentence construction. Mastering such fundamental grammatical concepts is essential for aspirants to effectively communicate their ideas and arguments in the UPSC Mains examination, ensuring clarity and precision in their written responses.

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

Passive Voice
A grammatical construction where the subject receives the action of the verb, rather than performing it. It is formed using a form of the verb 'to be' plus the past participle of the main verb.
Past Participle
The past participle is a form of a verb typically used to form perfect tenses (e.g., has bitten, had bitten) and the passive voice (e.g., was bitten, is bitten). It often ends in -ed, -en, or -t.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 60% of errors made by non-native English speakers in formal writing are related to grammar, including incorrect verb tenses and voice.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2023

A 2022 report by the British Council indicated that strong English language skills correlate with a 15-20% higher earning potential in the global job market.

Source: British Council, 2022

Examples

Historical Example

In legal documents and historical accounts, the passive voice is frequently used to maintain objectivity and avoid assigning blame directly. For example, "The treaty was signed in 1947" focuses on the event rather than who signed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶When should I use the active voice instead of the passive voice?

The active voice is generally preferred when you want to be direct, concise, and emphasize the actor performing the action. It makes your writing more engaging and easier to understand. Use the passive voice when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the action itself.

Topics Covered

Language SkillsEnglishGrammarPassive Voice
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