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Para-jumble Sentences
Q. 29: The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, and 4) given in this question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper order for the sentences and key in this sequence of four numbers as your answer.
1. The woodlandâs canopy receives most of the sunlight that falls on the trees.
2. Swifts do not confine themselves to woodlands, but hunt wherever there are insects in the air.
3. With their streamlined bodies, swifts are agile flyers, ideally adapted to twisting and turning through the air as they chase flying insects â the creatures that form their staple diet.
4. Hundreds of thousands of insects fly in the sunshine up above the canopy, some falling prey to swifts and swallows.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 1432
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
Once you read the sentences carefully, you will be able to tie them together in a logical ascending order.
Sentence-1 should begin the paragraph as it provides the necessary introductory context about the canopy. After that, Sentence-4 continues the discussion about the canopy, and introduces insects and birds (swifts and swallows) to the picture. So, Sentences 1 and 4 form a âsetâ.
Sentence-3 not only describes the body characteristics of swifts, but also suggests that insects form their staple diet. Due to the second half of sentence-3, it is logical to place it before Sentence-2 which continues the discussion that Swifts hunt insects anywhere in the air.
Hence, 1432 is the correct order to form a coherent paragraph.
Word-1: Canopy
Context:
"The woodlandâs canopy receives most of the sunlight that falls on the trees." - Original Example
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "canopy" refers to a covering that resembles a roof. In the context of forests, it describes the uppermost layer formed by the interweaving branches and leaves of tall trees. This layer blocks most of the sunlight from reaching the forest floor, creating a shaded and cooler environment underneath. In other settings, "canopy" can refer to overhead coverings like those used for beds, events, or shelters.
Meaning: A covering formed by the upper branches and leaves of trees (noun)
Pronunciation: KAN-uh-pee
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Middle English *canape*, via Old French, from Medieval Latin *canopaenum* meaning âbed-curtainâ, from Greek *konopion*, originally âmosquito netâ.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âCanopyâ is an excellent visual wordâimagine the forest roof created by tall trees. It also helps in understanding ecological layers in environmental studies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cover, roof, shelter, overhang, awning
Antonyms: opening, clearing, gap
Usage Examples:
- The rainforest canopy is home to a diverse range of species.
- A decorative canopy hung above the coupleâs bed.
- They rested under the leafy canopy to escape the afternoon heat.
- The wedding was held under a beautifully adorned canopy in the garden.
Cultural Reference:
"Under the canopy of heaven" is a poetic expression used in Shakespearean and other classic literature to refer to the sky or the heavens.
Think About It:
How might the structure and density of a forestâs canopy affect the biodiversity found on the forest floor?
Quick Activity:
Sketch a simple diagram showing the layers of a forest: canopy, understory, shrub layer, and forest floor. Label each with a short description.
Memory Tip:
Think of "canopy" as a âcapâ over the forestâboth start with âcaâ and refer to a top cover.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the canopy is essential in environmental science, especially in climate studies and biodiversity research, as it regulates light and moisture for the layers beneath it.
Word-2: Streamlined
Context:
"With their streamlined bodies, swifts are agile flyers, ideally adapted to twisting and turning through the air as they chase flying insects â the creatures that form their staple diet." - Original Example
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "streamlined" refers to a design or form that is shaped to reduce resistance, especially through air or water. In the context of animals like swifts, it means their bodies are sleek and narrow, allowing them to move quickly and efficiently through the air. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe anything made more efficient or simplified, such as a streamlined process or system.
Meaning: Designed or arranged to offer the least resistance to motion; made efficient (adjective)
Pronunciation: STREEM-lynd
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From the combination of "stream" (flowing water or air) and "line", originally used in aerodynamics and engineering in the early 20th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âStreamlinedâ is a high-utility wordâuseful for describing physical form in science and also metaphorically in business or technology. Look for its usage in product design and organizational processes.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sleek, efficient, smooth, aerodynamic, refined
Antonyms: bulky, inefficient, clunky, awkward
Usage Examples:
- The dolphinâs streamlined shape allows it to glide swiftly through the water.
- The company streamlined its hiring process to reduce delays.
- Streamlined cars consume less fuel because they face less air resistance.
- Her presentation was streamlined and to the point, saving everyone time.
Cultural Reference:
In the 1930s, âstreamlinedâ design became popular in architecture and consumer products, symbolizing speed, progress, and modernityâespecially seen in trains, cars, and radios of the Art Deco era.
Think About It:
Why do you think âstreamlinedâ designs are favored not only in nature but also in technology and business processes?
Quick Activity:
Pick three items around you (e.g., pen, bottle, phone) and describe whether they are streamlined or not. Explain why based on their design and function.
Memory Tip:
Think of âstreamlinedâ as moving along a streamâsmooth, fast, and with minimal resistance.
Real-World Application:
The concept of âstreamliningâ is widely applied in industries to make machines, vehicles, and workflows more efficient, such as in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and software development.
Word-3: Agile
Context:
"With their streamlined bodies, swifts are agile flyers, ideally adapted to twisting and turning through the air as they chase flying insects â the creatures that form their staple diet." - Original Example
Explanatory Paragraph:
âAgileâ describes the ability to move quickly and easily with grace and coordination. It often applies to physical movement, like that of animals or athletes, but it can also describe mental flexibility or adaptable systems in business and technology. In the context of swifts, it refers to their remarkable ability to dart and maneuver swiftly through the air with precise control.
Meaning: Able to move quickly and easily; mentally quick or adaptable (adjective)
Pronunciation: AJ-uhl or AJ-ile
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *agilis* meaning ânimble, quick,â from *agere* meaning âto do, actâ.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âAgileâ is a key word in both physical and professional settings. It's used to describe quick physical movement but also modern project methodologies like Agile in software development, where flexibility and adaptability are crucial.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: nimble, swift, sprightly, dexterous, quick
Antonyms: clumsy, sluggish, stiff, awkward
Usage Examples:
- The gymnast was incredibly agile on the balance beam.
- Swifts are agile birds that can twist and turn mid-flight with ease.
- An agile mind helps in solving complex problems quickly.
- Our company adopted an agile approach to respond better to customer feedback.
Cultural Reference:
âAgileâ has become a foundational term in the tech industry through Agile Methodologyâa flexible, iterative approach to software development and project management.
Think About It:
How can the concept of agility be applied to your learning habits or daily routines?
Quick Activity:
List three activities that require physical agility and three that require mental agility. Reflect on where you excel and where you can improve.
Memory Tip:
âAgileâ sounds like âa jetâ â think of a jet changing directions quickly and smoothly in the air, just like something agile.
Real-World Application:
In todayâs fast-changing world, being agileâwhether in movement, thinking, or organizationâis a key skill for athletes, professionals, and learners alike.
Word-4: Staple
Context:
"With their streamlined bodies, swifts are agile flyers, ideally adapted to twisting and turning through the air as they chase flying insects â the creatures that form their staple diet." - Original Example
Explanatory Paragraph:
âStapleâ refers to something that is regularly or most commonly used or consumed, particularly in terms of diet, materials, or products. In this context, a "staple diet" means the main or essential type of food that swifts consistently rely onâin this case, flying insects. The word can also be used more broadly to describe essential or dominant elements in other areas, such as staple crops, staple goods, or staple items in a wardrobe.
Meaning: A main or important element of something, especially of a diet or consumption (noun); forming a basic or principal component (adjective)
Pronunciation: STAY-puhl
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Old English *stapol* meaning "pillar" or "post", later evolving to signify something fundamental or essential.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âStapleâ is a great word to describe core or essential items. It's common in economic and nutritional contextsâthink âstaple foodâ or âstaple exportsâ. Also useful for describing consistency or habit.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: essential, basic, primary, mainstay, necessity
Antonyms: luxury, rarity, nonessential
Usage Examples:
- Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries.
- Wheat and corn are staple crops that feed billions worldwide.
- Her wardrobe consists of a few staple pieces that she wears often.
- For swifts, flying insects are a staple source of nutrition.
Cultural Reference:
âStaple foodâ is a term often used by the UN and in global reports to refer to primary dietary items that form the foundation of peopleâs caloric intake around the world.
Think About It:
What are the staple elements of your daily routine or learning habits, and how do they support your growth?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of five staple foods in your culture. Then research one staple food from another country and compare their roles in the diet.
Memory Tip:
Think of âstapleâ like the staple pin in a documentâholding everything together; itâs essential and central.
Real-World Application:
Understanding what constitutes a âstapleâ in different areasâdiet, fashion, economyâhelps you grasp what people rely on most and why it matters in planning, policy, and daily life.
Word-5: Confine
Context:
"Swifts do not confine themselves to woodlands, but hunt wherever there are insects in the air." - Original Example
Explanatory Paragraph:
âConfineâ means to limit or restrict someone or something within certain boundaries. In the context of the sentence, swifts are not limited to or restricted by woodlandsâthey explore other environments to find food. The word is often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts: you can confine a person to a room or confine a discussion to a particular topic. It implies a lack of freedom or scope unless the boundary is broken or bypassed.
Meaning: To restrict or keep within limits or boundaries (verb)
Pronunciation: kun-FINE
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *confinare*, meaning âto bound or limitâ, from *con-* (together) + *finis* (boundary, end).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âConfineâ is a powerful word when talking about limitsâphysical, emotional, mental, or geographical. Great for writing about constraints or freedom. Also useful in legal, academic, or creative contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: restrict, limit, imprison, restrain, enclose
Antonyms: free, release, liberate, expand, allow
Usage Examples:
- Please do not confine your creativity to traditional methodsâexperiment freely!
- The patient was confined to bed for two weeks after surgery.
- The zoo confines wild animals to protect both them and the visitors.
- Swifts are not confined to forestsâthey adapt to various hunting grounds.
Cultural Reference:
The phrase âconfined to a wheelchairâ is being replaced in modern discourse with more empowering alternatives like âuses a wheelchair,â to avoid implying restriction where independence exists.
Think About It:
Are there mental or societal boundaries youâve accepted as fixedâwhat would it take to challenge or move beyond them?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one using âconfineâ in a physical context and one in an abstract or metaphorical context.
Memory Tip:
âConfineâ contains âfineâ â think of it as a âfine lineâ or boundary that you canât cross.
Real-World Application:
âConfineâ is useful in law, healthcare, literature, and psychologyâanywhere boundaries, limits, or restrictions are relevant topics of discussion or policy.
