UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY202410 Marks
Q43.

I spent two days in Cox's Bazar. It is one of the most attractive spots in Bangladesh. (Combine by using a phrase in opposition)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and sentence construction, specifically the ability to combine sentences using contrasting phrases. The core task is to identify an appropriate phrase that indicates opposition or contrast and integrate it effectively into a single, coherent sentence. The answer should demonstrate a clear understanding of conjunctions and their proper usage. Focus on creating a grammatically correct and stylistically smooth sentence.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

The ability to combine sentences effectively is a fundamental skill in written communication. Often, writers aim to create a more concise and impactful text by merging related ideas. This is frequently achieved through the use of conjunctions, which connect words, phrases, or clauses. When presenting contrasting ideas, specific conjunctions or phrases indicating opposition are crucial for maintaining clarity and logical flow. The given sentences present a positive statement about Cox's Bazar, and the task requires integrating them using a phrase that introduces a contrasting element.

I spent two days in Cox's Bazar, but it is one of the most attractive spots in Bangladesh.

Explanation of the Chosen Conjunction

The conjunction "but" is the most suitable choice for combining these two sentences. It effectively introduces a contrast or exception. While the first part of the sentence states a personal experience (spending two days there), the second part offers a general assessment of the location's attractiveness. The "but" signals that despite the limited time spent, the speaker acknowledges its appeal.

Alternative Phrases (and why they are less suitable)

  • Although: While grammatically correct ("Although I spent two days in Cox's Bazar, it is one of the most attractive spots in Bangladesh."), it implies a causal relationship that isn't present.
  • However: ("I spent two days in Cox's Bazar. However, it is one of the most attractive spots in Bangladesh.") This creates a slightly disjointed feel as it's better suited for separating complete sentences.
  • Despite: ("Despite spending two days in Cox's Bazar, it is one of the most attractive spots in Bangladesh.") This is grammatically correct but sounds slightly awkward in this context.

Grammatical Considerations

The use of "but" ensures a smooth transition between the two clauses. The comma before "but" is essential for correct punctuation. The sentence maintains a clear subject-verb agreement and avoids any ambiguity.

Contextual Relevance

The combined sentence effectively conveys both the personal experience and the general opinion about Cox's Bazar. It suggests that even a short visit was enough to appreciate its beauty. The sentence is concise and avoids unnecessary repetition.

Further Sentence Variations (demonstrating flexibility)

While "but" is the most direct solution, other variations are possible, though less elegant:

  • "I spent two days in Cox's Bazar, which is, nevertheless, one of the most attractive spots in Bangladesh."
  • "Despite only spending two days in Cox's Bazar, I found it to be one of the most attractive spots in Bangladesh." (This requires more significant restructuring)

Conclusion

In conclusion, combining the given sentences using "but" provides the most concise, grammatically correct, and contextually appropriate solution. It effectively establishes a contrast between the limited duration of the visit and the overall attractiveness of Cox's Bazar. The choice of conjunction significantly impacts the clarity and flow of the combined sentence, highlighting the importance of precise language use.

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. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'so', 'yet', 'for', 'nor', and 'although'. They are essential for building complex sentences and expressing relationships between ideas.
Clause
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.

Key Statistics

Cox's Bazar is home to the world’s longest unbroken sea beach, stretching over 120 kilometers (75 miles).

Source: Bangladesh Tourism Corporation (as of knowledge cutoff 2023)

In 2019, Cox's Bazar received over 2.9 million tourists, contributing significantly to Bangladesh's tourism revenue.

Source: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (as of knowledge cutoff 2023)

Examples

Use of 'However' in a UPSC answer

“The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 aimed to streamline the indirect tax system. However, initial challenges related to compliance and technical glitches hindered its smooth rollout.” This demonstrates 'however' separating two complete thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'but' and 'however'?

'But' is typically used to connect clauses within a single sentence, while 'however' is often used to connect two independent sentences or to introduce a contrasting thought at the beginning of a sentence. 'However' is generally more formal.