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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY202310 Marks
Q9.

Rewrite the following sentences after making necessary corrections. Do not make unnecessary changes in the original sentence :

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and proofreading skills. The approach should be systematic: read each sentence carefully, identify errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, or word usage, and then rewrite the sentence with the necessary corrections, ensuring minimal changes to the original meaning. Focus on clarity and conciseness. The answer should present the original sentence followed by the corrected version.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The ability to communicate effectively in written English is crucial for civil servants, as it forms the basis of report writing, policy drafting, and official correspondence. This question assesses a candidate’s foundational language skills, specifically their attention to detail and understanding of grammatical rules. Correcting sentences requires a strong grasp of syntax, punctuation, and vocabulary. The following provides a corrected version of the sentences, adhering to the instruction of making only necessary changes.

Since the original sentences are missing, I will create a set of example sentences with common errors and then provide the corrected versions. This demonstrates the expected answer format and approach.

Example Sentences and Corrections

Here are five example sentences, each followed by its corrected version:

  1. Original: Their going to the market was a waste of time, they didn't find anything.
    Corrected: Their going to the market was a waste of time; they didn't find anything.
  2. Original: The principle reason for the decline in sales is poor marketing.
    Corrected: The principal reason for the decline in sales is poor marketing.
  3. Original: Between you and I, this project is doomed to fail.
    Corrected: Between you and me, this project is doomed to fail.
  4. Original: He don't have any experience in this field.
    Corrected: He doesn't have any experience in this field.
  5. Original: The data is showing a clear trend.
    Corrected: The data are showing a clear trend. (or: The data shows a clear trend.)

Explanation of Corrections

  • Sentence 1: A semicolon was used to connect two closely related independent clauses. A comma splice was avoided.
  • Sentence 2: "Principle" (a fundamental truth) was corrected to "principal" (most important).
  • Sentence 3: "I" was corrected to "me" as it is the object of the preposition "between."
  • Sentence 4: "Don't" was corrected to "doesn't" to agree with the third-person singular subject "He."
  • Sentence 5: "Data" can be treated as singular or plural. Using "are" emphasizes the individual pieces of data. Alternatively, making "data" singular and using "shows" is also acceptable.

Important Note: Without the original sentences, this answer provides a demonstration of the expected format and correction process. The actual answer would consist of the original sentences followed by their respective corrected versions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accurately rewriting sentences requires a solid understanding of English grammar and punctuation rules. The key is to identify errors systematically and correct them with minimal alteration to the original meaning. This skill is fundamental for effective communication in the context of civil service, ensuring clarity and precision in all official documentation and correspondence. A meticulous approach and attention to detail are paramount.

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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. This is generally considered an error in English grammar.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement refers to the correspondence between the subject and verb in a sentence. The verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.

Key Statistics

According to a 2020 study by Grammarly, 94% of job applicants are screened based on written communication skills.

Source: Grammarly (2020)

A 2018 report by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) highlighted the need for improved writing skills among higher education students in India.

Source: NAAC (2018)

Examples

Misuse of 'Affect' and 'Effect'

A common error is confusing "affect" (verb - to influence) and "effect" (noun - a result). For example, "The policy will affect many people" vs. "The effect of the policy was significant."

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between 'its' and 'it's'?

'Its' is a possessive pronoun (e.g., The dog wagged its tail). 'It's' is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has' (e.g., It's a beautiful day).

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