Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The ability to communicate effectively in written English is crucial for a civil servant, as it forms the basis of report writing, policy drafting, and official correspondence. This question assesses a fundamental aspect of that skill – the ability to identify and rectify errors in written text. Correcting sentences requires a strong understanding of English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. The task demands precision and a commitment to maintaining the original intent of the sentences while enhancing their clarity and accuracy.
Since the question does not provide the sentences to be corrected, I will demonstrate the approach with a set of example sentences. The following demonstrates how to approach the task, assuming the question provided sentences like these:
Example Sentences and Corrections
Here are some example sentences, followed by their corrected versions. Each correction is explained briefly.
- Original: Their going to the market was a waste of time.
- Corrected: They're going to the market was a waste of time.
- Explanation: "Their" (possessive pronoun) was incorrectly used instead of "They're" (contraction of "they are").
- Original: The data is showing a clear trend.
- Corrected: The data are showing a clear trend.
- Explanation: "Data" is often treated as a plural noun, especially in formal writing. Therefore, the verb should be "are."
- Original: He don't like coffee.
- Corrected: He doesn't like coffee.
- Explanation: Incorrect verb conjugation. "Doesn't" is the correct form for the third-person singular.
- Original: Between you and I, this plan is flawed.
- Corrected: Between you and me, this plan is flawed.
- Explanation: "Me" is the object pronoun and should be used after a preposition like "between."
- Original: The affect of the policy was significant.
- Corrected: The effect of the policy was significant.
- Explanation: "Affect" is usually a verb (to influence), while "effect" is usually a noun (a result).
- Original: Irregardless of the outcome, we will proceed.
- Corrected: Regardless of the outcome, we will proceed.
- Explanation: "Irregardless" is a non-standard word. "Regardless" is the correct term.
The above examples illustrate the types of corrections that might be required. The key is to identify the specific error and replace it with the correct form, while preserving the original meaning of the sentence as much as possible. The corrections should be minimal and focused on improving grammatical accuracy and clarity.
General Guidelines for Correction
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verb agrees in number with its subject.
- Pronoun Usage: Use the correct pronoun case (subjective, objective, possessive).
- Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent verb tenses within a sentence and paragraph.
- Word Choice: Select the most appropriate word based on its meaning and context.
- Punctuation: Use commas, periods, semicolons, and other punctuation marks correctly.
- Spelling: Correct any spelling errors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this exercise emphasizes the importance of meticulous attention to detail in written communication. The ability to identify and correct grammatical errors is a fundamental skill for any aspiring civil servant. By carefully reviewing each sentence and applying the principles of English grammar, one can ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in their writing. This skill is not merely about adhering to rules, but about effectively conveying information and ideas.
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.