English Grammar for UPSC Exam part 3.
English Grammar for UPSC Exam – Part 3
The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam demands a strong command of English grammar, particularly for the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) and the Mains Exam (Essay and Comprehension). Here’s a comprehensive guide for Part 3 of English Grammar preparation:
Contents
Topics Covered in Part 3:
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Idioms and Phrases
- Phrasal Verbs
- Sentence Correction and Error Detection
1. Active and Passive Voice:
- Active Voice: The subject performs the action.
- Example: She writes a letter.
- Passive Voice: The subject receives the action.
- Example: A letter is written by her.
Tips:
- Identify the object of the active sentence to make it the subject of the passive sentence.
- Use proper verb forms while converting.
- Pay attention to tenses.
2. Direct and Indirect Speech:
- Direct Speech: Quoting the speaker’s exact words.
- Example: She said, “I am happy.”
- Indirect Speech: Reporting the speaker’s words.
- Example: She said that she was happy.
Rules for Conversion:
- Change pronouns accordingly.
- Shift the tense back if the reporting verb is in the past.
- Use appropriate reporting verbs (say, tell, ask, etc.).
3. Idioms and Phrases:
- Idioms: Expressions with metaphorical meanings.
- Example: Break the ice – Start a conversation.
- Phrases: Group of words acting together with a specific meaning.
- Example: On cloud nine – Extremely happy.
Tip: Memorize frequently used idioms and phrases for better vocabulary.
4. Phrasal Verbs:
Verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs that create new meanings.
- Example:
- Give up – Surrender
- Look into – Investigate
- Take off – Remove or leave the ground
Practice: Create sentences to understand contextual use.
5. Sentence Correction and Error Detection:
- Focus on subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and correct preposition usage.
- Learn common mistakes, like incorrect article usage, misplaced modifiers, etc.
Example Question:
She is one of the best player in the team.
Corrected: She is one of the best players in the team.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice grammar exercises from standard books like Wren & Martin.
- Take mock tests to improve accuracy.
- Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu for advanced vocabulary and sentence structures.
Would you like to practice some example questions or need more detailed guidance on any specific topic?