Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The ability to express oneself clearly and accurately is fundamental to effective communication. Grammatical errors, even seemingly minor ones, can obscure meaning and detract from the overall impact of a message. The sentence "The boy cannot cope the pressure in the school" contains a common error in prepositional usage. 'Cope' is almost always followed by the preposition 'with' when referring to dealing with a difficult situation or pressure. Understanding correct idiomatic expressions is crucial for achieving fluency and precision in English.
Identifying the Error
The original sentence, "The boy cannot cope the pressure in the school," is grammatically incorrect. The verb 'cope' requires the preposition 'with' to indicate dealing successfully with a challenge or difficulty. Using 'cope' directly with 'the pressure' is an incorrect construction.
Correct Usage: 'Cope With'
The correct idiom is 'cope with'. This phrase signifies the ability to manage or deal with a difficult situation, problem, or pressure. The preposition 'with' establishes the relationship between the verb 'cope' and the object of the difficulty – in this case, 'the pressure'.
Rewriting the Sentence
The corrected sentence is: "The boy cannot cope with the pressure in the school." This revised sentence accurately conveys the intended meaning and adheres to standard English grammar.
Contextualizing the Issue: Student Pressure
The sentence highlights a relevant issue: the pressures faced by students. These pressures can stem from various sources, including academic expectations, peer pressure, family expectations, and societal pressures. According to a 2018 report by the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE), approximately 47% of students in India experience moderate to high levels of stress related to academic performance. This can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, and decreased academic performance.
Further Refinement
While grammatically correct, the sentence could be further refined for clarity and style. For example, "The boy is struggling to cope with the pressure at school" or "The boy finds it difficult to cope with the pressure in school" offer more nuanced expressions. The phrase "at school" is often preferred over "in the school" when referring to the general environment of the educational institution.
Common Errors with 'Cope'
- Using 'cope' without any preposition (incorrect).
- Using 'cope to' (incorrect).
- Using 'cope for' (incorrect).
Illustrative Examples
- She is learning to cope with her grief.
- The company is struggling to cope with the increased demand.
- He found it difficult to cope with the loss of his job.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence contained a grammatical error due to the incorrect use of the preposition 'with' after the verb 'cope'. Correcting this error to "The boy cannot cope <strong>with</strong> the pressure in the school" ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy. The sentence also serves as a reminder of the significant pressures faced by students, a topic deserving of attention and support. Effective communication relies on a strong grasp of grammatical rules and idiomatic expressions.
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.