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Para-jumble Sentences
Q. 30: The four sentences (labelled 1,2,3,4) given in this question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a number. Decide on the proper sequence of order of the sentences and key in this sequence of four numbers as your answer.
1. But now we have another group: the unwitting enablers.
2. Democracy and high levels of inequality of the kind that have come to characterize the United States are simply incompatible.
3. Believing these people are working for a better world, they are, actually, at most, chipping away at the margins, making slight course corrections, ensuring the system goes on as it is, uninterrupted.
4. Very rich people will always use money to maintain their political and economic power.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 2413
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
Sentence-2 should begin the paragraph as it sets the tone of the passage. It states right away that democracy and high levels of inequality are not compatible traits. This thought process of âinequalityâ is continued by stating that very rich people use money for political and economic power. Hence Sentence-4 comes next.
Sentence-3 cannot be the next one as it talks about people who are working for a better world. Also, as Sentence-1 starts with âbut now we have another groupâ, it is logical to place Sentence-1 after Sentence-4. This will be followed with Sentence-3 which explains the traits and role of the enablers.
Hence, the correct order will be 2413.
Word-1: Incompatible
Context:
"Democracy and high levels of inequality of the kind that have come to characterize the United States are simply incompatible." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âincompatibleâ is used to describe two or more things that cannot exist or function together harmoniously. In the provided context, it highlights a fundamental clash between democratic ideals and extreme inequalityâsuggesting that these two forces work against each other, making coexistence difficult or impossible. It is a powerful word often used in discussions about relationships, systems, values, or technologies that clash.
Meaning: Unable to exist or work together without conflict (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-kuhm-PAT-uh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Medieval Latin *incompatibilis*, from Latin *in-* (not) + *compatibilis* (compatible)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âIncompatibleâ is a must-know academic and formal-use word, often seen in political commentary, tech reviews, and relationship discussions. Mastery of this word enhances clarity when discussing conflicts between systems, values, or entities.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: conflicting, inconsistent, incongruent, clashing, antagonistic
Antonyms: compatible, harmonious, congruent, consistent, agreeable
Usage Examples:
- The new software is incompatible with older versions of the operating system.
- Her goals in life were fundamentally incompatible with his.
- The two policies are incompatible and cannot be implemented together without major revisions.
- Religious extremism is often seen as incompatible with secular governance.
Cultural Reference:
"Science and dogma are incompatible. You cannot question everything and simultaneously cling to beliefs that cannot be questioned." - Carl Sagan (Paraphrased)
Think About It:
Can two opposing ideologies ever truly coexist without being incompatible, or must one eventually dominate?
Quick Activity:
List three modern-day examples where two systems or values are incompatible. Write one sentence each explaining why.
Memory Tip:
Think of a broken puzzle pieceâitâs âin-compatibleâ because it doesnât fit with the rest.
Real-World Application:
âIncompatibleâ is frequently used in legal, medical, and tech fieldsâfor instance, incompatible blood types in medicine or incompatible devices in tech.
Word-2: Characterize
Context:
"Democracy and high levels of inequality of the kind that have come to characterize the United States are simply incompatible." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âCharacterizeâ is a verb used to describe the distinctive qualities or features that define something or someone. In this context, it means that high levels of inequality have come to be a defining feature of the United States. The word is frequently used in formal discussions, analysis, and descriptions where itâs important to explain the traits that make something identifiable or noteworthy.
Meaning: To describe the distinctive features or nature of something (Verb)
Pronunciation: KAIR-ik-tuh-rahyz
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Greek *kharaktÄrizein*, meaning "to designate by a characteristic mark," via Latin and Old French
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This verb is especially useful in academic and analytical writing. Use it to explain what defines a situation, trend, or person. Great for essays, debates, and analysis-based questions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: define, distinguish, mark, typify, identify
Antonyms: obscure, confuse, distort, blur, mischaracterize
Usage Examples:
- Honesty and empathy characterize a good leader.
- The region is characterized by its rugged terrain and sparse population.
- The novel is characterized by vivid descriptions and complex characters.
- Economic instability has come to characterize the post-pandemic global landscape.
Cultural Reference:
"To characterize truthfully is to reveal the soul of a subject." - Inspired by the principles of documentary filmmaking
Think About It:
What qualities would you say characterize your country or culture most stronglyâand why?
Quick Activity:
Pick three places, people, or events you know well. Write one sentence each using âcharacterizeâ to describe them.
Memory Tip:
âCharacterizeâ has âcharacterâ in itâso think of it as identifying the character or nature of something.
Real-World Application:
Commonly used in news, academic writing, and social analysis to define the essence of a subjectâsuch as a policy characterized by fairness or a leader characterized by charisma.
Word-3: Unwitting
Context:
"But now we have another group: the unwitting enablers." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âUnwittingâ describes someone who is unaware or unintentional in their actions. In the given sentence, the term refers to people who, without realizing it, support or facilitate something potentially harmful. The word often carries a sense of ironyâpeople may be helping a cause or person unknowingly, often against their own interests or values. Itâs commonly used in political, psychological, and ethical discussions.
Meaning: Not aware of what is really happening; unintentional or unaware (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-WIT-ing
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old English *witan*, meaning "to know" with prefix *un-* indicating "not"; literally ânot knowingâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âUnwittingâ is an impactful word to describe passive involvement or unconscious support. It adds a layer of subtle critiqueâgreat for essays or commentary on social and political dynamics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unaware, oblivious, unknowing, unsuspecting, ignorant
Antonyms: aware, conscious, deliberate, intentional, informed
Usage Examples:
- He became an unwitting accomplice in the scam.
- The tourists were unwitting carriers of the invasive species.
- Her comments made her an unwitting supporter of the policy.
- The hacker exploited unwitting employees to access the system.
Cultural Reference:
"The greatest threat to our democracy is not malice, but the unwitting indifference of the many." - Paraphrased civic commentary
Think About It:
Have you ever supported an idea or action without realizing its full consequencesâthus becoming an unwitting participant?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using âunwittingâ to describe someone accidentally involved in a situationâone in a humorous tone, one in a serious tone.
Memory Tip:
Think of âunwittingâ as âun-knowingââyouâre *not* using your âwitsâ because you donât realize whatâs happening.
Real-World Application:
Used to describe people unknowingly involved in harmful practicesâsuch as consumers supporting unethical supply chains or citizens spreading misinformation.
Word-4: Enablers
Context:
"But now we have another group: the unwitting enablers." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âEnablersâ refers to individuals who, often without intending harm, create the conditions that allow a negative behavior, system, or person to persist. In the sentence provided, âunwitting enablersâ are those whoâperhaps out of ignorance, fear, or neutralityâallow harmful actions to continue. This word is frequently used in discussions about addiction, abuse, toxic leadership, and dysfunctional systems, where passive support plays a critical role in sustaining the problem.
Meaning: People who make it possible or easier for something, often harmful or negative, to continue (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: eh-NAY-blurz
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From the verb *enable*, which comes from Old French *enabler*, meaning "make able" or "empower"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âEnablersâ is a powerful wordâuse it to describe how systems or people silently support harmful behaviors or failures, even if unintentionally. Great for writing argumentative essays or discussing psychology/sociology topics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: supporters, facilitators, collaborators, promoters, contributors
Antonyms: preventers, opposers, blockers, inhibitors, resistors
Usage Examples:
- She became one of his main enablers by constantly making excuses for his bad behavior.
- Without realizing it, the media often act as enablers of misinformation.
- Enablers within the company culture allowed unethical practices to thrive unchecked.
- In codependency, enablers may cover up for the addicted person's mistakes, reinforcing the problem.
Cultural Reference:
"Enablers don't wear capes, but they quietly keep villains in power." - A common critique in political satire
Think About It:
Can silence or inaction make someone an enabler in situations of injustice or wrongdoing?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph explaining how a well-meaning friend could unknowingly become an enabler in a toxic friendship.
Memory Tip:
Remember: âenablersâ *enable* the problemâthey donât stop it, they silently help it continue.
Real-World Application:
Used in discussions of addiction, politics, corporate ethics, and social justice to call out passive contributors to negative patterns or structures.
Word-5: Corrections
Context:
"Believing these people are working for a better world, they are, actually, at most, chipping away at the margins, making slight course corrections, ensuring the system goes on as it is, uninterrupted." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âCorrectionsâ in this context refers to small adjustments or changes made to improve or modify a larger course of action. The phrase âcourse correctionsâ is often metaphorical, drawn from navigation, and implies steering a system or process back on track. Here, it emphasizes the minor and perhaps superficial nature of the changes being madeâsuggesting that they donât challenge the status quo, but instead subtly guide it to continue as usual.
Meaning: Adjustments made to fix, improve, or steer something in the right direction (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: kuh-REK-shuhnz
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *correctio*, meaning "a straightening, amendment, or improvement," from *corrigere* (to make straight, to correct)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âCorrectionsâ is a foundational academic and practical wordâused in everything from grammar to economics to social policy. Learn it deeply and understand both literal (e.g., grammar) and metaphorical (e.g., course of action) uses.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: adjustments, amendments, fixes, modifications, improvements
Antonyms: errors, mistakes, flaws, misjudgments, oversights
Usage Examples:
- The editor made several corrections to improve the clarity of the article.
- Course corrections were necessary after the spacecraft drifted off its planned path.
- The government issued minor corrections to the policy but left the core structure unchanged.
- She appreciated constructive feedback and was quick to make corrections in her draft.
Cultural Reference:
"To err is human; to make corrections is progress." â A modern take on an age-old proverb encouraging growth through refinement.
Think About It:
Are minor corrections enough to fix deep-rooted problems, or do we need to rethink entire systems?
Quick Activity:
Write three sentences using the word âcorrectionsâ in different contexts: one in education, one in governance, and one in personal life.
Memory Tip:
Think of âcorrectionsâ as the small tweaks or steering moves you make when driving to stay on courseâsimple but essential.
Real-World Application:
Used in editing, policymaking, finance (like market corrections), and even personal developmentâwhere identifying and making âcorrectionsâ is vital to progress.
