UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY202310 Marks
Q47.

Work hard. You will not succeed in life. (Rewrite the sentence using 'unless')

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and the ability to transform sentences using conjunctions. The core task is to rewrite the given sentence using 'unless', which introduces a conditional clause. The approach involves understanding the original sentence's meaning (hard work doesn't guarantee success) and expressing the same condition using 'unless'. The answer should be concise and grammatically correct.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language relies heavily on conditional sentences to express relationships between actions and their consequences. Conjunctions like 'if', 'but', and 'unless' play a crucial role in constructing these sentences. The given sentence presents a pessimistic view of effort and outcome. Rewriting it using 'unless' requires understanding how 'unless' functions as a negative conditional – it implies that a specific condition *not* being met is necessary for a particular outcome. This exercise assesses a candidate’s grasp of fundamental grammatical structures.

The original sentence is: "Work hard. You will not succeed in life."

Rewriting with 'Unless'

To rewrite the sentence using 'unless', we need to identify the condition that, if absent, would lead to a lack of success. In this case, the condition is working hard. Therefore, the rewritten sentence is:

"Unless you work hard, you will not succeed in life."

Explanation of the Transformation

  • Original Sentence Structure: The original sentence presents two independent clauses.
  • 'Unless' as a Conditional Conjunction: 'Unless' introduces a conditional clause, meaning 'if you do not'.
  • Maintaining the Meaning: The rewritten sentence preserves the original meaning – success is contingent upon hard work. The absence of hard work guarantees failure.
  • Grammatical Correctness: The rewritten sentence adheres to standard English grammar rules, with correct subject-verb agreement and tense usage.

It's important to note that the comma before 'you will not succeed in life' is optional but enhances readability. The core grammatical transformation is the replacement of the two separate statements with a single conditional sentence using 'unless'.

Alternative phrasing (less common, but acceptable)

While the above is the most natural and direct translation, another acceptable (though less common) phrasing could be: "You will not succeed in life unless you work hard." The meaning remains the same, but the emphasis shifts slightly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sentence "Work hard. You will not succeed in life" can be effectively rewritten as "Unless you work hard, you will not succeed in life." This transformation demonstrates a clear understanding of the conditional conjunction 'unless' and its function in constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. The exercise highlights the importance of precise language and the ability to convey the same idea using different grammatical structures.

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

Conjunction
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'if', and 'unless'.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 70% of non-native English speakers struggle with complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2023

A 2022 report by the British Council indicated that proficiency in English is correlated with a 30-50% increase in earning potential in many developing countries.

Source: British Council, 2022

Examples

Conditional Sentence in Literature

Shakespeare frequently used conditional sentences in his plays to explore themes of fate and free will. For example, "If music be the food of love, play on." (Twelfth Night)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'if' and 'unless'?

'If' introduces a condition that *must* be met for a result to occur. 'Unless' introduces a condition that, if *not* met, will prevent a result from occurring. 'Unless' is essentially a negative 'if'.