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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
21. Five jumbled up sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd sentence and key in the number of that sentence as your answer.
1. No known real researcher of human behaviour would say that gender is all nature or all nurture.
2. The evidence for a biological basis for gender certainly doesn’t mean we should be complacent in the face of sexism.
3. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea that gender is not purely a social construct.
4. Despite this empirical truth, researchers who study the biological basis of gender often face political pushback.
5. There’s a political preference for gender to be only a reflection of social factors and so entirely malleable.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
Sentence 2 stands out as the odd one because it introduces a moral caution about sexism, diverging from the thematic flow focused on the conflict between biological evidence and political/social narratives. The coherent paragraph is best formed by Sentences 1, 4, 3, and 5, which collectively explore the challenges faced by researchers and society’s reluctance to accept gender as partly biological.
Option-wise Analysis
- Sentence 1: “No known real researcher of human behaviour would say that gender is all nature or all nurture.”
This serves as a strong introductory sentence. It frames the central issue: that gender is neither purely biological nor purely social. It lays the groundwork for a nuanced discussion by suggesting that credible researchers accept the complexity of gender. - Sentence 2: “The evidence for a biological basis for gender certainly doesn’t mean we should be complacent in the face of sexism.”
This sentence takes a different direction. Instead of continuing the discussion about the political or societal discomfort with biological explanations of gender, it pivots to a moral argument about how this evidence should not justify sexism. Although related to the broader theme of gender, this idea shifts the focus away from the nature-versus-nurture debate and the societal pushback against biology-based views. Hence, it disrupts the coherence of the other sentences. - Sentence 3: “Many people are uncomfortable with the idea that gender is not purely a social construct.”
This directly builds on the theme introduced in Sentence 1. It addresses the societal discomfort with the idea that gender may have biological components, supporting the theme of resistance to non-social explanations. - Sentence 4: “Despite this empirical truth, researchers who study the biological basis of gender often face political pushback.”
This continues the thread from Sentence 1 by acknowledging that, even with biological evidence, researchers encounter political resistance. It aligns well with Sentences 1 and 3 in focusing on societal reactions to scientific views of gender. - Sentence 5: “There’s a political preference for gender to be only a reflection of social factors and so entirely malleable.”
This adds a deeper layer to Sentence 3. It explains the political inclination behind the discomfort discussed earlier and further reinforces the core theme of ideological resistance to biological interpretations.
Word-1: Complacent
Context:
"The evidence for a biological basis for gender certainly doesn’t mean we should be complacent in the face of sexism." – Social Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Complacent” refers to being too self-satisfied or smug, especially when unaware of potential dangers or problems. It describes a mindset where a person feels so content or secure that they stop striving for improvement or fail to recognize serious issues. In the sentence provided, it warns that even if there’s scientific evidence about gender, we must not become indifferent or passive about ongoing gender discrimination. The word carries a slightly negative tone, implying a lack of concern or critical awareness.
Meaning: Self-satisfied and unaware of possible dangers or problems; overly content. (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kuhm-play-suhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *complacentem* (pleasing), from *complacere* (to please). The modern sense of smugness or passive satisfaction developed in the 18th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Be careful not to confuse “complacent” with “complaisant.” While both relate to a kind of acceptance, “complacent” has a negative tone (careless, smug), while “complaisant” means obliging or eager to please. In debates and essays, “complacent” is a useful word when discussing social inaction or lack of awareness.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: smug, self-satisfied, indifferent, unbothered, passive
Antonyms: concerned, vigilant, proactive, aware, attentive
Usage Examples:
- The team grew complacent after early victories and stopped practicing hard.
- Don’t become complacent about your health—routine checkups are essential.
- Complacent attitudes toward climate change can have disastrous consequences.
- She was warned not to be complacent in the face of rising competition.
Cultural Reference:
"Complacency is the enemy of progress." — A common theme in leadership literature and motivational talks.
Think About It:
In what areas of your life might complacency be holding you back from growth or positive change?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence warning someone not to become complacent about a major global or personal issue (e.g., environment, health, education).
Memory Tip:
Think of “complacent” as someone so “comfy” in their place that they can’t see the storm coming — too comfortable to act.
Real-World Application:
“Complacent” is commonly used in journalism, social analysis, motivational writing, and political speeches to highlight the dangers of passivity or ignoring real problems despite apparent comfort or success.
Word-2: Empirical
Context:
"Despite this empirical truth, researchers who study the biological basis of gender often face political pushback." – Scientific Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Empirical” refers to knowledge or conclusions that are based on observation, experience, or experiments rather than theory or pure logic. In the context given, it means that there is factual, evidence-based support for a certain truth, yet some still resist it due to political or ideological reasons. The term is especially common in scientific, academic, and research-based discussions where evidence is prioritized over speculation.
Meaning: Based on observed and measurable evidence rather than theory or belief. (Adjective)
Pronunciation: em-peer-i-kuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *empeirikos* (experienced), based on *empeiria* (experience), which entered English via Latin and Medieval French.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Empirical” is a must-know term in science, philosophy, and critical thinking. It’s often used to emphasize that a claim or theory is supported by actual data or experimentation. Use this word to contrast with assumptions, ideology, or theoretical arguments in your essays or analyses.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: evidence-based, factual, observed, experimental, data-driven
Antonyms: theoretical, hypothetical, speculative, assumed
Usage Examples:
- The theory lacks empirical support and remains purely speculative.
- Empirical research shows a strong link between sleep and productivity.
- They collected empirical data from over 1,000 participants across three studies.
- We must distinguish between ideological opinions and empirical facts.
Cultural Reference:
"Empirical science is the engine of progress, relying on what we can test and observe." — *Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World*
Think About It:
Can a society function well if it ignores empirical evidence in favor of ideology? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “empirical” to describe a conclusion you’ve reached through observation or personal experience.
Memory Tip:
“Empirical” sounds like “experiment”—both rely on evidence and experience to reach conclusions.
Real-World Application:
Understanding and using “empirical” helps you read research papers, write academic essays, and critically evaluate news and data in daily life. It’s a cornerstone term in scientific and evidence-based thinking.
Word-3: Pushback
Context:
"Despite this empirical truth, researchers who study the biological basis of gender often face political pushback." – Scientific Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Pushback” refers to resistance, opposition, or criticism in response to an idea, policy, or action. It’s commonly used in political, social, and workplace contexts to describe a reaction against a proposal or change. In the sentence above, the term highlights that even when scientific findings are well-supported, they can still be met with strong political disagreement or refusal. It’s a modern and widely used term that conveys the idea of being “pushed back” when trying to move forward.
Meaning: Resistance or opposition to a proposal, change, or idea. (Noun)
Pronunciation: push-bak
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: Compound of “push” + “back,” originally used in aviation (as in pushing an aircraft back from the gate), but adopted in political and social contexts in the late 20th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pushback” is a compact and modern term often found in news articles, policy reports, and workplace conversations. It’s great for describing subtle or strong resistance. Use it in essays or discussions about politics, reform, or innovation where opposition might be a key factor.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: resistance, opposition, backlash, refusal, protest
Antonyms: support, acceptance, endorsement, agreement, compliance
Usage Examples:
- The new education policy received immediate pushback from teachers’ unions.
- Despite public pushback, the government moved ahead with the reforms.
- She presented the idea confidently, expecting some pushback from management.
- There was significant pushback against the company’s decision to automate jobs.
Cultural Reference:
"Pushback is inevitable when challenging deeply held beliefs." – *The Atlantic*, article on social reform and public opinion
Think About It:
When should pushback be welcomed as part of a healthy debate, and when does it become a barrier to progress?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence about a time you or someone you know experienced pushback when suggesting a new idea.
Memory Tip:
Visualize someone pushing forward with an idea and others pushing back—“pushback” literally means being met with resistance.
Real-World Application:
“Pushback” is used in politics, business, education, and even family life. It’s useful for describing disagreement in constructive or hostile settings—knowing how to handle pushback is key in leadership and negotiation.
Word-4: Preference
Context:
"There’s a political preference for gender to be only a reflection of social factors and so entirely malleable." – Socio-political Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Preference” refers to a greater liking for one thing over another. It suggests a choice or tendency that reflects values, beliefs, or priorities. In the context of the sentence, it means that certain political groups favor viewing gender as a social construct—something that can be shaped and changed—rather than as a biological reality. The word is often used in personal, cultural, political, and market-related discussions to describe inclinations or favored positions.
Meaning: A greater liking or choice for one option, idea, or person over others. (Noun)
Pronunciation: pref-er-ens
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praeferre* (to carry in front, to prefer), through Old French *preference*.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Preference” is a very flexible word—useful in academic writing, everyday conversations, and political discourse. It often pairs with words like “cultural,” “personal,” or “policy.” Think of it as a neutral term that simply expresses what someone leans toward or favors.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: liking, inclination, leaning, choice, fondness
Antonyms: aversion, dislike, rejection, opposition
Usage Examples:
- Her preference for quiet environments made her an ideal librarian.
- Consumers showed a clear preference for eco-friendly products.
- There is a cultural preference for indirect communication in many societies.
- Political preferences often shape how individuals view scientific data.
Cultural Reference:
"Preference voting systems allow people to rank their choices, reflecting the complexity of public opinion." — *BBC Political Analysis*
Think About It:
Are your preferences based more on personal experience or societal influence? How can you tell the difference?
Quick Activity:
Write down three preferences you have (e.g., in food, music, or work style). Try to reflect on where they might have originated.
Memory Tip:
“Preference” contains “prefer”—so it’s all about what you *prefer* or lean toward.
Real-World Application:
Understanding preferences is key in fields like marketing, politics, psychology, and education. Knowing people’s preferences helps tailor products, messages, and policies effectively.
Word-5: Malleable
Context:
"There’s a political preference for gender to be only a reflection of social factors and so entirely malleable." – Socio-political Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Malleable” means capable of being easily shaped, changed, or influenced. Originally used to describe metals that could be hammered into new forms without breaking, it is now widely applied in social, psychological, and intellectual contexts. In the sentence above, it suggests that some political perspectives view gender as entirely shaped by society—changeable rather than fixed. The word often carries a tone of flexibility, adaptability, or even vulnerability to influence.
Meaning: Easily shaped, influenced, or changed. (Adjective)
Pronunciation: mal-ee-uh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Late Latin *malleabilis*, from *malleare* (to hammer), from *malleus* (hammer). Originally used in metallurgy, now widely applied metaphorically.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Malleable” is a powerful word for essays, especially those on education, identity, psychology, or politics. Use it when discussing how ideas, people, or systems can be shaped. Just remember—it can imply either positive flexibility or dangerous manipulability, depending on tone and context.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: adaptable, flexible, impressionable, shapeable, moldable
Antonyms: rigid, fixed, inflexible, unchangeable, stubborn
Usage Examples:
- Young minds are highly malleable and shaped by their environment.
- Gold is one of the most malleable metals on Earth.
- The narrative was malleable enough to fit various political agendas.
- She admired the clay’s malleable nature as she sculpted it into form.
Cultural Reference:
"Human nature is malleable—shaped not just by biology, but by history, language, and experience." — Yuval Noah Harari, *Sapiens*
Think About It:
Is malleability in identity a sign of freedom and growth, or does it make us too vulnerable to outside influence?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “malleable” to describe a person, idea, or object that changes easily. Then try using its opposite—“rigid”—in another sentence.
Memory Tip:
Think of “malleable” as something you can mold with a “mall” (hammer). If it bends and shapes—it’s malleable!
Real-World Application:
“Malleable” is a great word for describing human behavior, social policies, learning styles, materials, and even trends. It's especially relevant in psychology, education, science, and political debates.
