UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20235 Marks
Q20.

Supply the missing words :

How to Approach

This question requires identifying the missing words in a sentence or passage. Since no passage is provided, it's impossible to answer directly. However, I will demonstrate how to approach such a question *if* a passage were given. The strategy involves careful reading, understanding the context, identifying grammatical cues (tense, parts of speech), and using logical reasoning to determine the most appropriate words. The answer will be structured as if a passage was provided, filling in hypothetical missing words.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Fill-in-the-blank questions are a common feature of competitive examinations, testing a candidate’s comprehension, vocabulary, and grammatical understanding. These questions assess not just knowledge of individual words but also the ability to grasp the overall meaning and flow of a text. A strong grasp of English grammar and a wide vocabulary are crucial for success. The ability to infer meaning from context is also paramount. This response will demonstrate how to approach such a question, assuming a passage is provided, and will fill in hypothetical missing words to illustrate the process.

Let's assume the following incomplete passage was provided:

“The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, is the _______ (1) law of the land. It lays down the framework for the _______ (2) of the country, defining the powers and functions of various governmental _______ (3). Fundamental Rights, enshrined in Part III, are _______ (4) to all citizens, ensuring liberty and equality. However, these rights are subject to _______ (5) restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India.”

Filling the Blanks

Based on the context, the missing words are:

  1. supreme: The Constitution is the highest law, overriding all other laws.
  2. governance: This refers to the system or process of ruling a country.
  3. institutions: These are the established organizations and structures of government (e.g., Parliament, Judiciary, Executive).
  4. guaranteed: Fundamental Rights are legally protected and assured to citizens.
  5. reasonable: Restrictions on Fundamental Rights must be justifiable and not arbitrary.

Therefore, the completed passage would read:

“The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, is the supreme law of the land. It lays down the framework for the governance of the country, defining the powers and functions of various governmental institutions. Fundamental Rights, enshrined in Part III, are guaranteed to all citizens, ensuring liberty and equality. However, these rights are subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India.”

Key Considerations in Answering

  • Contextual Clues: Pay attention to the surrounding words and sentences.
  • Grammatical Correctness: Ensure the chosen word fits grammatically into the sentence.
  • Logical Flow: The completed sentence should make sense and contribute to the overall meaning of the passage.
  • Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for identifying the most appropriate words.

Example of Incorrect Choices and Why They Are Wrong

Blank Number Incorrect Choice Reason
1 ordinary Contradicts the importance of the Constitution.
2 destruction Logically inconsistent with the purpose of a constitution.
3 individuals Refers to organized bodies, not people.
4 denied Opposite of the intended meaning of Fundamental Rights.
5 unlimited Fundamental Rights are not absolute and can be restricted.

Conclusion

Successfully answering fill-in-the-blank questions requires a combination of strong language skills, contextual understanding, and logical reasoning. Candidates should practice reading widely and paying attention to how words are used in different contexts. A thorough understanding of grammar and a broad vocabulary are also essential. By carefully analyzing the passage and considering the clues provided, aspirants can significantly improve their performance on this type of question.

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.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Sovereignty
The supreme power or authority within a territory. It refers to the independent authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.
Fundamental Rights
Basic human rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution of India, including the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, and protection of life and personal liberty.

Key Statistics

As of 2023, the Indian Constitution has undergone 105 amendments.

Source: PRS Legislative Research (as of knowledge cutoff - 2023)

India has a written constitution which is the longest in the world, containing 448 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, and 5 appendices (as of knowledge cutoff - 2023).

Source: Ministry of Law and Justice (as of knowledge cutoff - 2023)

Examples

Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)

This landmark case established the "basic structure" doctrine, limiting Parliament's power to amend the Constitution in a way that alters its fundamental features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Preamble to the Constitution?

The Preamble is a brief introductory statement that sets out the guiding principles and objectives of the Constitution. It reflects the aspirations of the people of India.