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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
32. Five sentences related to a topic are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a meaningful and coherent short paragraph. Identify the odd one out. Choose its number as your answer and key it in.
1. Translators are like bumblebees.
2. Though long since scientifically disproved, this factoid is still routinely trotted out.
3. Similar pronouncements about the impossibility of translation have dogged practitioners since Leonardo Bruni’s De interpretatione recta, published in 1424.
4. Bees, unaware of these deliberations, have continued to flit from flower to flower, and translators continue to translate.
5. In 1934, the French entomologist August Magnan pronounced the flight of the bumblebee to be aerodynamically impossible.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
After reading the sentences we can safely assume that the paragraph is supposed to compare translators with bumblebees.
Sentence-1 should be the opening line as it introduces the main theme of the passage – which is the analogy drawn between translators and bumblebees.
Sentence-3 begins with “Similar pronouncement…”, which implies that a sentence with a theory or ‘pronouncement’ will precede it. This, we can find in Sentence-5. So, Sentences 5 and 2 will form a ‘set’.
Sentence-4 will make the last sentence as it concludes that unaware of the deliberations, both translators and bumblebees have continued to do their work. Sentences 1534 make a coherent paragraph.
Sentence 2 does not really contribute to adding value to the paragraph, and can be safely removed without altering the meaning. Hence, Sentence-2 is the correct answer.
Word-1: Translators
Context:
"Translators are like bumblebees."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Translators are individuals who convert spoken or written content from one language to another, preserving the original meaning, tone, and cultural context. Their work is vital in bridging communication gaps across languages, enabling ideas, literature, science, diplomacy, and more to cross borders. The analogy with bumblebees suggests that translators, like bees, work diligently and often go unnoticed, yet play a crucial role in the ecosystem of knowledge and communication—pollinating ideas across linguistic and cultural fields.
Meaning: People who convert text or speech from one language to another (Noun - Plural)
Pronunciation: TRANZ-lay-turz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin translatus, past participle of transferre, meaning “to carry across.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Translators don’t just convert words—they interpret culture, emotion, and nuance. Good translation is about understanding context deeply and re-creating meaning faithfully. In many ways, translators act as bridges between worlds.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: interpreters, linguists, language mediators
Antonyms: originators, monolingual speakers (contextually)
Usage Examples:
- Translators play a key role in making literature accessible across the globe.
- During international conferences, skilled translators ensure smooth communication among diverse delegates.
- In legal settings, certified translators are required to interpret official documents accurately.
- Translators must be culturally aware to convey not just words but emotions and implications.
Cultural Reference:
"Without translators, we live in provinces bordering on silence." — George Steiner
Think About It:
Can a translator ever fully convey the soul of a text, or is some meaning always lost or changed?
Quick Activity:
Pick a short proverb or idiom in your native language. Try to translate it into English and note any challenges you face.
Memory Tip:
Think of “translators” as people who "transport language" from one place to another—like linguistic delivery agents!
Real-World Application:
Translators are vital in international diplomacy, publishing, global business, education, and even entertainment, ensuring that communication flows across language boundaries smoothly and meaningfully.
Word-2: Scientifically
Context:
"Though long since scientifically disproved, this factoid is still routinely trotted out."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word *scientifically* refers to doing something in a way that is based on the principles, methods, or standards of science. It implies objectivity, systematic observation, evidence, and testing. In the sentence above, the phrase "scientifically disproved" indicates that the idea in question has been shown to be false through careful scientific analysis and testing—even though it continues to be believed or repeated by some people.
Meaning: In a way that relates to or is based on science or scientific methods (Adverb)
Pronunciation: sy-en-TIF-ik-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the word “scientific” (from Latin *scientia*, meaning knowledge) + “-ally” (forming adverbs)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Always connect "scientifically" with evidence-based thinking. It's about objectivity and proof. If something is "scientifically proven" or "disproved," it means tests, data, and peer review back up that conclusion. Great word for academic and factual writing!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: empirically, methodically, objectively, analytically
Antonyms: unscientifically, irrationally, emotionally, subjectively
Usage Examples:
- The claim has been scientifically investigated and proven false.
- She approached the experiment scientifically, documenting every step.
- Scientifically speaking, the data does not support the hypothesis.
- The benefits of meditation have been scientifically validated in numerous studies.
Cultural Reference:
"Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality." — Carl Sagan, who believed deeply in scientific methods for understanding the universe.
Think About It:
Why do scientifically disproved ideas continue to persist in public belief or media despite the availability of evidence?
Quick Activity:
Write down a belief or “fact” you once thought was true. Then search if it has been scientifically verified or disproved—and update your understanding accordingly.
Memory Tip:
“Scientifically” = done “like science” — think of lab coats, experiments, and data-backed proof!
Real-World Application:
Using the word “scientifically” in arguments or essays strengthens your credibility, especially when referencing proven facts, medical research, or evidence-based conclusions.
Word-3: Pronouncements
Context:
"Similar pronouncements about the impossibility of translation have dogged practitioners since Leonardo Bruni’s De interpretatione recta, published in 1424."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Pronouncements are formal or authoritative declarations or statements, often made by someone in a position of power, expertise, or influence. In academic and historical contexts, pronouncements usually convey strong opinions, judgments, or conclusions. In the sentence above, these refer to repeated authoritative claims—often negative—about the difficulty or futility of translation, which have challenged and discouraged translators for centuries.
Meaning: Formal or authoritative statements, especially on serious matters (Noun - Plural)
Pronunciation: pro-NOUNCE-ments
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French prononcier (to pronounce), derived from Latin pronuntiare, meaning “to announce formally or proclaim.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word often carries a tone of seriousness or finality. Use it to describe judgments or decisions that are presented as being beyond question. In literature or academic critique, it often has a slightly ironic tone—questioning the authority of such declarations.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: declarations, statements, proclamations, assertions, judgments
Antonyms: questions, inquiries, speculations, suggestions
Usage Examples:
- The judge's pronouncements left no room for appeal.
- Critics often make sweeping pronouncements about modern art.
- Official pronouncements during a crisis must be clear and reassuring.
- The professor’s pronouncements on translation theory have sparked much debate.
Cultural Reference:
"All pronouncements are not to be accepted without critical thought—history is full of confident errors." — Inspired by the critical approach of Renaissance humanists like Leonardo Bruni.
Think About It:
What makes a pronouncement authoritative—who says it, how they say it, or the evidence they provide?
Quick Activity:
Write your own “pronouncement” (one or two sentences) on a topic you feel strongly about. Then try rewriting it as an open-ended question.
Memory Tip:
Think of “pronouncement” as a powerful “announcement”—spoken with weight and finality.
Real-World Application:
Understanding and recognizing pronouncements is important in critical reading and media literacy—it helps you question authoritative statements and assess their validity based on context and evidence.
Word-4: Practitioners
Context:
"Similar pronouncements about the impossibility of translation have dogged practitioners since Leonardo Bruni’s De interpretatione recta, published in 1424."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Practitioners are individuals who regularly engage in a profession, art, or discipline—typically applying their skills through active practice rather than just theory. In the context of the sentence above, the term refers to translators—people actively involved in the work of translation. These practitioners have long faced skepticism and criticism from theoretical or authoritative voices who doubt the legitimacy or possibility of truly faithful translation.
Meaning: People actively engaged in a profession or discipline, especially one that requires skill or practice (Noun – Plural)
Pronunciation: prak-TISH-uh-nurz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French practicien, from Late Latin practicanus, derived from practicus, meaning “practical.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a versatile and respectful word to describe people working in any field—whether doctors, artists, translators, or engineers. It emphasizes doing over theorizing. It's especially helpful when discussing people who apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: professionals, experts, specialists, operatives
Antonyms: amateurs, theorists, novices, spectators
Usage Examples:
- Medical practitioners must stay updated on the latest treatments and protocols.
- Translation practitioners often navigate complex linguistic and cultural nuances.
- The conference brought together practitioners from both academic and industry backgrounds.
- While theorists debate abstract principles, practitioners deal with practical problems daily.
Cultural Reference:
“Theory without practice is sterile. Practice without theory is blind.” — Paraphrased from the teachings of Immanuel Kant, often cited in discussions on the role of practitioners.
Think About It:
Why do practitioners often receive less recognition than theorists in intellectual or artistic fields, even though they do the real-world work?
Quick Activity:
List three fields (e.g., medicine, law, translation) and write one sentence each describing what practitioners in those fields actually do day-to-day.
Memory Tip:
“Practitioner” contains the word “practice”—think of someone who puts theory into action through regular practice.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the role of practitioners helps you appreciate the hands-on expertise and effort behind essential services in healthcare, education, law, language, and more.
Word-5: Aerodynamically
Context:
"In 1934, the French entomologist August Magnan pronounced the flight of the bumblebee to be aerodynamically impossible."
Explanatory Paragraph:
*Aerodynamically* refers to something that behaves or is designed in a way that aligns with the principles of aerodynamics—the science of how air moves around objects. In the sentence above, it describes a scientific judgment from 1934 claiming that, according to known aerodynamic principles at the time, bumblebee flight shouldn't be possible. The word highlights how flight is usually explained in terms of airflow, lift, drag, and body shape—yet bumblebees seemed to defy those principles due to their unusual wing structure and flapping style.
Meaning: In a way that relates to the motion of air and how it interacts with solid bodies (Adverb)
Pronunciation: air-oh-die-NAM-ik-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek aēr (air) + dynamis (power), leading to "aerodynamics" + "-ally" (adverbial suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is not just for scientists! It can be used metaphorically to describe something that moves smoothly, efficiently, or stylishly through a system—though it's most at home in discussions of aircraft, cars, and yes, insects. Great example of a science-rooted word that’s found a place in everyday English.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: smoothly, efficiently (in context), with airflow in mind
Antonyms: clumsily, inefficiently, turbulently
Usage Examples:
- The car was designed aerodynamically to reduce drag and increase speed.
- Birds have evolved to fly aerodynamically, with streamlined bodies and wings.
- Despite its shape, the insect flew aerodynamically thanks to rapid wing beats.
- The athlete’s suit was aerodynamically tailored for optimal performance.
Cultural Reference:
"According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way a bee should be able to fly..." — A popularized (though humorous and inaccurate) statement often quoted in pop culture, especially in the *Bee Movie*.
Think About It:
What other phenomena once thought scientifically impossible have been proven true by further research and better understanding?
Quick Activity:
Sketch a simple object (like a car or a plane) and label the parts that would affect how aerodynamically it moves through the air.
Memory Tip:
Think “aero” (air) + “dynamic” (movement) = how something moves through air. Aerodynamically = in a way that flows through air easily!
Real-World Application:
The concept of moving aerodynamically is key in designing everything from airplanes and cars to sports gear and architecture—reducing air resistance means better speed, energy efficiency, and performance.
