Sentence Improvement
Sentence improvement is one of the most important topics from examination point of view. At an average, 5-10 questions are asked from this particular topic in the examination. Even though there are no hard and fast rules for mastering Sentence Improvement, yet a good knowledge of rules of Grammar and vocabulary can be proved fruitful in this particular section.
Generally, there can be two types of questions from this topic. The first one is Grammar based and the second one is vocabulary based.
Obviously, for grammar based questions you need to read the Grammar section diligently and for vocabulary based questions the vocabulary section of this Verbal Ability would definitely be proved out to be helpful to you.
Consider the following example and the solution given in order to comprehend the approach you can ado while solving Grammar based questions of sentence improvement in the exam.
Example 1: The three names have reached the Ministry of Law and Justice, who has been processing the files, ministry sources said.
(a) who is processing the files
(b) which was processed
(c) which is processing the files
(d) who was processed the files
(e) No replacement required
Solution: In the above example relative pronoun 'who' has been used after Ministry of Law and Justice which is not a human being. Hence, the usage of 'who' is incorrect. Now, we know that the relative pronoun which follows 'non-living things' is 'which'.
Hence, either (c) or (b) is the correct option. Now, the question is not in passive voice, hence, (b) is not the correct option.
Hence, (c) is the correct option.
As you can see, it becomes quite easier to choose the correct option if you are well versed with the rules and basics of grammar.
Now, look at the following example based on vocabulary.
Example 2: To cover the gap between rainfall and water scarcity, govt. will have to invest in desilting water storage in canals and minor water bodies.
(a) To bridge the gap between rainfall and water
(b) To take down the gap between rainfall and water
(c) To make for the gap between rainfall and water
(d) To make up the gap between rainfall and water
(e) No replacement required
Solution: To cover something means put something on top of or in front of (something) in order to protect or conceal it'. Hence, it does not go with the meaning of the sentence. Now, 'to take down' means 'to lower without removing' hence, (b) is also not the appropriate option.
Again, 'to make for' means' to move or head towards something' whereas, 'to make up for' means 'compensate for something lost, missed, or deficient.' Hence, (c) and (d) are also not the correct option.
'To bridge the gap' means to make the difference between two things smaller? Hence, (a) is the most appropriate option.
Strategy to Solve Sentence Improvement Questions
- In sentence improvement questions a sentence is given with a word or phrase in bold letters or underlined.
- Four substitutes are given under the sentence as alternatives.
- The candidate has to find the error in the part that is in bold or underlined.Then find the correct answer from among the alternatives.
- After substituting the alternative the sentence becomes grammatically correct.
- If the given sentence is correct and no substitute is required then the answer is “No Improvement.”
Practice is the only trick to attempt sentence improvement questions.These questions require a good knowledge of common errors, vocabulary, correct use of phrases and overall rules of grammar.
Examples : For Sentence Improvement
Example: 1 He felt exhausted as he was working since 4 O’ clock in the morning
A) has been working
B) had been working
C) is working
D) No improvement
Answer : B (As the past perfect continuous tense will be used.)
Example: 2 Most people in India like to give a lot of free advice.
A) advices
B) advises
C) advise
D) No Improvement
Answer : D (The word advice is a noun and has no plural form.Advise is a verb. So option a,b and C all get eliminated)
Example: 3 Hardly had he finished his work than the peon arrived with another file.
A) when
B) then
C) while
D) no improvement
Answer : A (With hardly the word when is used)
Example: 4 Rahul has no right to take a claim on his father’s property as he did not look after him in his old age.
A) to make a claim
B) to stake a claim to
C) to demand
D) no improvement
Answer: B (stake a claim is a phrase which means to ask for something as one’s own)
Example: 5 I have sent the parcel two hours ago.
A) had sent
B) send
C) sent
D) no improvement
Answer: C ( The usage of two hours ago indicates that the sentence if of simple past tense)
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