Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The ability to rewrite sentences accurately is a fundamental skill in effective communication, particularly crucial for civil servants who must draft reports, policies, and correspondence with precision. This exercise assesses not just grammatical knowledge but also a nuanced understanding of language and the capacity to convey the same information in varied ways. Maintaining the original meaning is paramount, demanding a careful consideration of synonyms, sentence structure, and the overall context. This skill is vital for clarity and avoiding ambiguity in official documentation.
Since the question does not provide the sentences to be rewritten, I will demonstrate the process with example sentences. I will provide five example sentences and their rewrites, illustrating different techniques. The core principle is to maintain semantic equivalence.
Example 1:
Original Sentence: The government is implementing a new policy to boost agricultural productivity.
Rewritten Sentence: A new policy is being implemented by the government to enhance agricultural productivity.
Explanation: This rewrite utilizes the passive voice. "Boost" has been replaced with the synonym "enhance."
Example 2:
Original Sentence: Despite the challenges, the project was completed on time.
Rewritten Sentence: Although there were challenges, the project’s completion occurred as scheduled.
Explanation: "Despite" is replaced with "Although," and the phrasing is made more formal. "On time" is replaced with "as scheduled."
Example 3:
Original Sentence: The rapid industrialization has led to environmental degradation.
Rewritten Sentence: Environmental degradation is a consequence of rapid industrialization.
Explanation: This rewrite changes the sentence structure, making the consequence the subject. "Led to" is replaced with "is a consequence of."
Example 4:
Original Sentence: If it rains, the event will be cancelled.
Rewritten Sentence: The event will be cancelled should it rain.
Explanation: This rewrite uses a conditional construction ("should it rain") instead of the "if" clause. This demonstrates a more formal tone.
Example 5:
Original Sentence: The Prime Minister addressed the nation on the economic situation.
Rewritten Sentence: Regarding the economic situation, the nation heard an address from the Prime Minister.
Explanation: This rewrite changes the sentence structure significantly, placing the topic ("economic situation") at the beginning. It also uses a more indirect phrasing.
General Techniques Used:
- Active to Passive Voice & Vice Versa: Changing the voice alters the sentence structure while preserving meaning.
- Synonym Replacement: Using words with similar meanings maintains the core message.
- Sentence Structure Modification: Transforming simple sentences into complex or compound sentences, or vice versa.
- Use of Different Connectors: Replacing conjunctions like "and," "but," "or" with alternatives like "however," "moreover," "nevertheless."
- Formal vs. Informal Language: Adjusting the tone based on the context.
It is important to note that multiple correct rewrites are often possible, as long as the original meaning is preserved. The key is to demonstrate a strong understanding of grammatical rules and a command of the English language.
Conclusion
Rewriting sentences effectively is a crucial skill for any aspirant preparing for the UPSC examination, as it reflects a strong grasp of language and the ability to communicate clearly and precisely. The ability to rephrase information without altering its core meaning is essential for drafting reports, answering questions, and engaging in effective policy analysis. Practicing these techniques will significantly enhance a candidate’s writing skills and overall performance in the examination.
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.