Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The question "What though we happen to be late?" is a rhetorical question, expressing a sentiment of acceptance or indifference towards the possibility of being late. Rhetorical questions are not genuine inquiries but statements disguised as questions, often used for emphasis or effect. Transforming such a sentence into an assertive form requires understanding the underlying message – a willingness to accept lateness without undue concern. The core task is to remove the interrogative structure and present the implied meaning as a direct declaration.
Transforming the Rhetorical Question
The original sentence, "What though we happen to be late?" implies a lack of worry or consequence associated with being late. It suggests a willingness to proceed regardless of potential tardiness. To convert this into an assertive sentence, we need to express this sentiment directly.
Understanding the Implied Meaning
The phrase "What though" functions as a concessive clause, acknowledging the possibility of lateness but minimizing its importance. The sentence doesn't seek information about lateness; it expresses a dismissive attitude towards it. Therefore, the assertive form should reflect this attitude.
The Assertive Transformation
The most accurate and natural assertive transformation of the sentence is: "Even if we happen to be late, it does not matter." or "It doesn't matter if we are late." These statements directly convey the original sentence's meaning – a lack of concern regarding potential lateness.
Alternative Assertive Forms
While the above are the most direct translations, other assertive forms are possible, though they may slightly alter the nuance:
- "Lateness is not a concern."
- "We can proceed even if we are late."
- "Being late will not hinder us."
Grammatical Explanation
The transformation involves:
- Removing the interrogative word "What" and the question mark.
- Replacing the concessive clause "What though" with a conditional phrase like "Even if" or a simple statement of indifference.
- Adding a clause that explicitly states the lack of consequence or concern ("it does not matter").
Illustrative Example
Consider a scenario where a team is embarking on a challenging task with a tight deadline. If a member expresses concern about potentially being late, another member might respond with "What though we happen to be late?" This response isn't asking for information; it's conveying a message of resilience and determination – a willingness to proceed despite the risk of delay. The assertive form, "Even if we are late, we will still complete the task," captures this sentiment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transforming the rhetorical question "What though we happen to be late?" into an assertive sentence requires recognizing the implied meaning of acceptance and indifference towards lateness. The most accurate assertive forms, such as "Even if we happen to be late, it does not matter," directly convey this sentiment by removing the interrogative structure and presenting a clear, definitive statement. This exercise demonstrates a fundamental understanding of grammatical transformation and the ability to interpret rhetorical devices.
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.