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Para-jumble Sentences
29. The five sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) given in this question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a number. Decide on the proper order for the sentences and key in this sequence of five numbers as your answer.
1. Before plants can take life from atmosphere, nitrogen must undergo transformations similar to ones that food undergoes in our digestive machinery.
2. In its aerial form nitrogen is insoluble, unusable and is in need of transformation.
3. Lightning starts the series of chemical reactions that need to happen to nitrogen, ultimately helping it nourish our earth.
4. Nitrogen - an essential food for plants - is an abundant resource, with about 22 million tons of it floating over each square mile of earth.
5. One of the most dramatic examples in nature of ill wind that blows goodness is lightning.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 53421
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
After reading the sentences we can figure out that the required coherent paragraph should clearly discuss about the chemical process by which lightning impacts nitrogen in the air, and makes it available for use by plants. After you capture this requirement, it becomes easier to put things in order.
As lightning would initiate the process, it is logical to let the opening line be an introduction to lightning.
Sentence-5 is a general statement about lightning, and how it helps in bringing “goodness” in nature.
This chain of thought is continued in Sentence-3 by explaining how lightning initiates the chemical reactions that need to happen to nitrogen.
Sentence-4 explains why nitrogen is important, and where it is present – floating over the earth – that is, aerially.
Sentence-2 picks up that point and explains that aerial nitrogen is however unusable and needs to be transformed.
Sentence-1 serves as a conclusion or completion to the process by summarizing that nitrogen must undergo the changes before plants can take life from the atmosphere.
Hence, the correct order will be 53421.
Word-1: Transformations
Context:
"Before plants can take life from atmosphere, nitrogen must undergo transformations similar to ones that food undergoes in our digestive machinery." - Scientific Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Transformations" refers to the process of significant change or alteration, often involving a shift in form, structure, or function. In the context above, nitrogen must go through chemical and physical changes before plants can absorb it—just as food must be digested and converted into usable nutrients by our bodies. The word emphasizes a process of conversion that makes substances useful, functional, or suitable for a new purpose.
Meaning: Major changes in form, structure, or nature (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: trans-for-MAY-shunz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *transformare* meaning “to change in shape or form,” from *trans-* (across) + *formare* (to form)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Transformations" is a powerful word used in science, literature, psychology, and even politics. It's not about small shifts—it’s about complete change. Use this word to signal a profound process, whether in nature, people, or ideas. Always think: what’s the before and after?
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: conversions, changes, alterations, shifts, metamorphoses
Antonyms: stagnation, preservation, sameness, stability
Usage Examples:
- The transformations of a caterpillar into a butterfly symbolize growth and renewal.
- Social media has led to transformations in how we communicate and connect.
- Energy transformations occur in every living cell.
- The transformations in urban landscapes reflect modern architectural trends.
Cultural Reference:
"In Ovid’s *Metamorphoses*, mythological figures undergo magical transformations to escape danger or reflect emotional truths." – Classical Literature
Think About It:
Are transformations always positive, or can they lead to loss as much as growth?
Quick Activity:
Identify something in nature, society, or your personal life that has undergone a transformation. Describe what changed and what caused the change.
Memory Tip:
Think “transform” = “change form.” Transformations are big shifts from one state or shape to another.
Real-World Application:
"Transformations" is key in science (chemical, biological), education (learning shifts), technology (digital transformation), and personal development. It helps us frame change as a process that reshapes systems and individuals alike.
Word-2: Machinery
Context:
"Before plants can take life from atmosphere, nitrogen must undergo transformations similar to ones that food undergoes in our digestive machinery." - Scientific Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Machinery" in this context refers metaphorically to the complex system of organs and processes that make up the human digestive system. Although the word usually refers to mechanical devices, it is often used to describe biological or abstract systems that function with interconnected parts. Here, it emphasizes how digestion is not a simple act but a coordinated, almost mechanical process of chemical and physical changes that make nutrients usable by the body.
Meaning: A system or set of machines; also, a complex and organized structure that performs a specific function (Noun)
Pronunciation: muh-SHEEN-uh-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From French *machinerie*, derived from Latin *machina* (device, engine), which in turn came from Greek *mēkhanē* (contrivance, tool)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Machinery" doesn’t always mean metal parts and gears. It can also be used figuratively to describe systems—like the body, government, or even language—that have interconnected components working together. This makes it a versatile word in both science and literature.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: system, apparatus, structure, engine, framework
Antonyms: disorganization, chaos, randomness, dismantling
Usage Examples:
- The machinery of the digestive system breaks down food into usable energy.
- The factory’s heavy machinery ran nonstop for 12 hours.
- The political machinery behind the campaign was well-organized and strategic.
- The brain operates like intricate machinery, coordinating thoughts and actions.
Cultural Reference:
"Charlie Chaplin's *Modern Times* satirized how humans were becoming parts of the industrial machinery during the rise of factory culture." – Film History
Think About It:
When we compare living systems to machinery, do we lose something about their flexibility and unpredictability—or gain insight into their precision?
Quick Activity:
Write down two examples of "machinery"—one mechanical (real machines), and one metaphorical (systems or processes that act like machines).
Memory Tip:
Think: “Machinery = Machine + System” — a group of parts working together, whether in metal or biology.
Real-World Application:
"Machinery" is used in industry, medicine, politics, and biology. Recognizing its figurative and literal uses helps in understanding systems in both technical and metaphorical discussions.
Word-3: Insoluble
Context:
"In its aerial form nitrogen is insoluble, unusable and is in need of transformation." - Scientific Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Insoluble" refers to a substance that cannot dissolve in a particular liquid. In this context, nitrogen in its gaseous (aerial) form cannot dissolve in water and therefore cannot be directly used by plants. It highlights the need for nitrogen to be chemically transformed into a usable form (like nitrates or ammonium) that can dissolve in water and be absorbed by plant roots. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a problem that seems impossible to solve.
Meaning: Not able to be dissolved in a liquid; also, difficult or impossible to solve (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-SOL-yuh-bul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *insolubilis* — *in-* (not) + *solubilis* (that can be loosened or dissolved)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Insoluble” is a scientific term, but it has poetic and metaphorical applications too. You’ll find it in chemistry, but also in discussions about social issues or emotional dilemmas. Learn it as both a literal and figurative word—it’s a great bridge between science and literature.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: indissolvable, undissolvable, unsolvable (figurative use), impenetrable
Antonyms: soluble, dissolvable, resolvable, answerable
Usage Examples:
- Oil is insoluble in water, which is why they form separate layers.
- Gaseous nitrogen is insoluble and must be fixed before plants can use it.
- They faced what seemed like an insoluble ethical dilemma.
- The dispute reached an insoluble deadlock after weeks of negotiation.
Cultural Reference:
"Insoluble problems, like war or poverty, often form the backdrop of dystopian literature." – Literary Criticism
Think About It:
What makes some problems truly insoluble—lack of knowledge, lack of will, or both?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence each using "insoluble" in its literal (scientific) and metaphorical (emotional or societal) sense.
Memory Tip:
Think of “in-” meaning “not” + “soluble” (can dissolve) = not able to dissolve. That’s “insoluble”!
Real-World Application:
"Insoluble" is used in chemistry, environmental science, and philosophy. Understanding its double meaning helps in both academic writing and nuanced communication about complex issues.
Word-4: Nourish
Context:
"Lightning starts the series of chemical reactions that need to happen to nitrogen, ultimately helping it nourish our earth." - Environmental Science Text
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Nourish" means to provide the necessary substances for growth, health, or good condition. In this context, nitrogen—once transformed by natural processes like lightning—can support plant life and ecosystems by enriching the soil. The word brings out a life-giving quality, suggesting care, support, and sustenance. It is commonly used both in biological and metaphorical contexts, such as nourishing relationships or ideas.
Meaning: To provide with food or other substances necessary for growth and health (Verb)
Pronunciation: NUR-ish
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *nourir*, from Latin *nutrire* meaning “to feed or foster”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Nourish" is a beautiful, life-affirming word. It suggests more than just feeding—it implies care, long-term growth, and support. In writing, it's a powerful verb to use both in literal contexts (like soil or health) and in figurative ones (like nourishing the mind or soul).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: feed, sustain, enrich, nurture, support
Antonyms: starve, neglect, deprive, weaken
Usage Examples:
- Good soil helps nourish plants and boost crop yields.
- A healthy diet nourishes both the body and the mind.
- Books can nourish the imagination of young readers.
- Kindness and attention nourish strong relationships.
Cultural Reference:
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." — Hippocrates, emphasizing how proper nourishment leads to health.
Think About It:
In what ways can we nourish more than just our bodies—our communities, ideas, and emotions?
Quick Activity:
List three things that nourish you in life—physically, emotionally, or mentally. Write a sentence about why each one matters.
Memory Tip:
Think of “nourish” as “nurture with nutrition”—both start with ‘n’ and suggest giving strength and growth.
Real-World Application:
"Nourish" is used in healthcare, nutrition, agriculture, parenting, and even spirituality. It's a key concept in any area focused on growth, development, and support.
Word-5: Abundant
Context:
"Nitrogen – an essential food for plants – is an abundant resource, with about 22 million tons of it floating over each square mile of earth." - Environmental Science Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Abundant" describes something that exists in large quantities or is more than enough. In this context, nitrogen is referred to as an abundant resource, meaning that it is plentiful in Earth's atmosphere. However, despite its abundance, it must undergo chemical transformations to be usable by plants. The word emphasizes availability and richness, and is often used in discussions of natural resources, opportunities, or positive qualities.
Meaning: Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful (Adjective)
Pronunciation: uh-BUN-dunt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *abundantia* meaning “fullness, plenty,” from *abundare* (to overflow)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use "abundant" to convey richness—not just in material things like water or air, but also in emotions, time, or creativity. It’s a positive, high-frequency word that instantly communicates generosity or overflow.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: plentiful, bountiful, copious, ample, overflowing
Antonyms: scarce, limited, meager, insufficient, rare
Usage Examples:
- Water is abundant in coastal regions but may still be undrinkable.
- Her garden was filled with abundant flowers in spring.
- The region enjoys abundant natural sunlight year-round.
- Despite abundant resources, the nutrients were not readily available to plants.
Cultural Reference:
"The phrase ‘land of abundance’ is often used to describe regions rich in natural beauty, resources, or agricultural yield." – Cultural Geography
Think About It:
Can something be abundant but still inaccessible? How does context affect whether abundance is truly beneficial?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence about something that is abundant in your life—whether it’s a resource, a feeling, or an opportunity.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Abundant = A Bunch Done” — there’s a bunch of it, and then some more!
Real-World Application:
"Abundant" is used in science, economics, literature, and daily speech. It helps describe everything from resources and time to kindness and energy, making it a versatile and expressive word.
