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Para-jumble Sentences

Q. 27: 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. They would rather do virtuous side projects assiduously as long as these would not compel them into doing their day jobs more honourably or reduce the profit margins.
2. They would fund a million of the buzzwordy programs rather than fundamentally question the rules of their game or alter their own behavior to reduce the harm of the existing distorted, inefficient and unfair rules.
3. Like the dieter who would rather do anything to lose weight than actually eat less, the business elite would save the world through social-impact-investing and philanthro-capitalism.
4. Doing the right thing — and moving away from their win-win mentality — would involve real sacrifice; instead, it’s easier to focus on their pet projects and initiatives.

Solution with Explanation

Correct Answer:3241

Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
After going through all the sentences, we can gather that the resulting coherent paragraph is supposed to be about the elite businessmen who invest in philanthropic or charitable causes, instead of correcting their own actions that are the reasons for certain global issues.

First, let us find the correct opening line. Sentences 1 and 2 begin with “they” – a pronoun – which refers to a previously stated noun (subject), which can be found in Sentence-3 (the business elite). Also, Sentence-3 is a general statement, and the only sentence that introduces the topic and subject satisfactorily. By comparing businessmen with dieters, the author conveys the main idea that they will not do what is actually required of them. So, Sentence-3 becomes the opening line.

As the opening line talks about “social-impact-investing and philanthro-capitalism,” Sentence-2 that continues that discussion (“fund a million of the buzzwordy programs”) would come next.

Sentence-4 introduces the ‘reason’ why elite businessmen divert their attention towards such initiatives (real sacrifice). And Sentence-1 elaborates on the ‘real sacrifice’ involved – “doing their day jobs more honourably or reduce the profit margins.”

Hence, the correct sequence is 3241.


Word-1: Assiduously

Context:

"Companies in many countries routinely engage in such activities which means that the employees are left with unpaid entitlements." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Assiduously" describes the manner of working with great care, persistence, and attention to detail. Although the word is not explicitly present in the sentence, it would typically be used to describe how authorities or regulators *should* monitor companies—to ensure employees receive their rightful entitlements. It’s a word that implies diligence, focus, and consistent effort over time, especially in tasks that require discipline.

Meaning: With great care and perseverance (Adverb)

Pronunciation: uh-SID-joo-uhs-lee

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced

Etymology: From Latin *assiduus*, meaning “constant, persistent,” from *assidēre* – “to sit near, be engaged in”

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Assiduously” is a hallmark of disciplined effort. Use it when you want to emphasize sustained, patient, and meticulous work. It’s more formal than “diligently” and conveys a stronger sense of persistence and dedication.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: diligently, meticulously, persistently, carefully, attentively

Antonyms: carelessly, lazily, indifferently, negligently

Usage Examples:

  1. She studied assiduously for months before her civil service exams.
  2. The journalist assiduously checked every fact before publishing the story.
  3. The manager assiduously monitored the project to ensure timely delivery.
  4. They assiduously followed safety protocols to avoid any accidents.

Cultural Reference:

"Success is the result of assiduous attention to detail" – a mindset often celebrated in biographies of great entrepreneurs and scientists.

Think About It:

In today’s fast-paced world, is assiduous effort still valued as much as speed and multitasking?

Quick Activity:

Write a short paragraph about a time when you worked assiduously on something. What was the outcome?

Memory Tip:

Think of "sitting near your work" constantly — assiduously = always sticking with your task!

Real-World Application:

Whether in law, science, education, or business, working assiduously often leads to long-term success and trustworthiness. It’s a key trait employers look for in professionals.

Word-2: Compel

Context:

"Deliberate and systematic liquidation of a company to avoid liabilities and then restarting the business is called phoenixing." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Compel" means to force someone to do something, whether by legal authority, moral pressure, or circumstance. Although the word is not explicitly in the sentence, it fits well in the broader context—governments may *compel* companies to follow regulations or take action against those engaging in phoenixing. It’s a strong word that implies influence, authority, or necessity pushing someone to act, even if they don’t want to.

Meaning: To force or strongly persuade someone to do something (Verb)

Pronunciation: kuhm-PEL

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Latin *compellere*, meaning “to drive together, force”

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Compel” is powerful and often used in legal or moral settings. Don’t confuse it with “impel,” which means to motivate or urge from within. “Compel” involves external force or authority, like a law, rule, or threat. It can also be used in literature or emotions (e.g., *a compelling story*).

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: force, coerce, oblige, mandate, drive

Antonyms: dissuade, discourage, free, liberate

Usage Examples:

  1. The government may compel companies to reveal their financial records.
  2. Their sense of duty compelled them to speak out.
  3. Nothing could compel her to betray her principles.
  4. The law compels businesses to pay taxes and report income.

Cultural Reference:

"You can’t compel love any more than you can compel a flower to bloom on command" – a line that reflects the limits of control in human emotion, often echoed in literature and film.

Think About It:

When is it justifiable for a government or institution to compel behavior, and when does it cross the line into coercion?

Quick Activity:

Write one law or rule that compels people to act in a certain way. Do you agree with it? Why or why not?

Memory Tip:

Think of "compel" as “company + propel” — when a company (or authority) propels or pushes you to act.

Real-World Application:

"Compel" is used in legal systems, business ethics, military orders, and social justice debates — anytime authority or obligation drives action.

Word-3: Fundamentally

Context:

"Deliberate and systematic liquidation of a company to avoid liabilities and then restarting the business is called phoenixing." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Fundamentally" means at the most basic or essential level. Though the word isn’t directly present in the sentence, it's relevant when discussing phoenixing as an issue that is *fundamentally* unethical or damaging. The word is often used to emphasize the core truth or central aspect of something, stripping away superficial details to highlight what is most important or inherent.

Meaning: At the most basic or essential level; essentially (Adverb)

Pronunciation: fun-duh-MEN-tuh-lee

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic

Etymology: From Latin *fundamentum*, meaning “foundation”

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This word helps us get to the “core” of an argument or issue. Use it to strip away the noise and express what something *really* is. It often appears in analytical writing and critical thinking questions. Great for opinion-based or evaluative essays.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: essentially, basically, inherently, primarily, at heart

Antonyms: superficially, marginally, temporarily

Usage Examples:

  1. Phoenixing is fundamentally dishonest and harmful to fair business practices.
  2. She is fundamentally kind, even if she sometimes appears strict.
  3. The two approaches are fundamentally different in purpose.
  4. Fundamentally, the issue lies in a lack of proper regulation.

Cultural Reference:

In philosophy, the phrase "man is fundamentally good or evil" reflects deep-rooted debates about human nature—appearing in works from Confucius to Rousseau.

Think About It:

What do you believe is fundamentally wrong with the way unethical companies operate today, and how could that be addressed?

Quick Activity:

Write a sentence about something you believe is *fundamentally* true about learning or success.

Memory Tip:

“Fundamentally” comes from “foundation” — it’s what something stands on at its deepest level.

Real-World Application:

Understanding something *fundamentally* is key in debates, analysis, and decision-making—especially in law, business ethics, and science.

Word-4: Distorted

Context:

"Deliberate and systematic liquidation of a company to avoid liabilities and then restarting the business is called phoenixing." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Distorted" means altered or twisted from the original, true, or intended form. While the word is not directly in the sentence, it fits perfectly into the context—phoenixing creates a *distorted* version of ethical business practices. Instead of honest liquidation or restructuring, the system is manipulated, and business transparency is compromised. The word can be applied to ideas, images, sounds, or even facts when they are misrepresented or twisted.

Meaning: Altered or misrepresented from its true or original form (Adjective – past participle of "distort")

Pronunciation: dis-TOR-tid

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Latin *distortus*, past participle of *distorquere*, meaning “to twist apart”

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This is a very versatile word—used in both literal and figurative senses. A mirror can be distorted, but so can facts in a debate or data in a report. It’s powerful for analysis and critique. Watch for how it links to manipulation or unethical influence.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: twisted, misrepresented, warped, falsified, skewed

Antonyms: accurate, true, clear, undistorted, precise

Usage Examples:

  1. His statement was completely distorted by the media.
  2. The funhouse mirror gave a distorted reflection of her face.
  3. Corrupt practices lead to a distorted perception of the business environment.
  4. Distorted data can result in poor decision-making.

Cultural Reference:

“War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” – George Orwell’s *1984* presents a world where reality is intentionally distorted for control.

Think About It:

Can distorted facts be more dangerous than lies? Why do you think people sometimes choose distortion over truth?

Quick Activity:

Write one example of how a distorted version of a story or fact changed your understanding of a situation.

Memory Tip:

Think of “dis + tort” — something tortured or twisted out of shape = distorted.

Real-World Application:

In journalism, education, science, and law, identifying and correcting distorted information is vital for fairness and accuracy.

Word-5: Philanthro-capitalism

Context:

"Deliberate and systematic liquidation of a company to avoid liabilities and then restarting the business is called phoenixing." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Philanthro-capitalism" is a term used to describe a new form of philanthropy where wealthy individuals or corporations apply business strategies, investment models, and profit-oriented thinking to charitable giving. Although the word is not directly present in the sentence, it represents the kind of economic behavior that, while appearing generous, may also obscure unethical corporate practices—such as phoenixing—behind a veil of public good. It often sparks debate on whether such philanthropy is truly altruistic or just another tool for influence and brand control.

Meaning: A blend of philanthropy and capitalism where charitable giving is driven by business principles and strategies (Noun)

Pronunciation: fi-LAN-throw-KAP-i-tuh-liz-uhm

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced

Etymology: Coined from *philanthropy* (love of humanity) + *capitalism* (economic system based on profit and private ownership)

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This term is increasingly used in critical discussions about how billionaires use charitable foundations. Always ask: is it about solving problems or controlling solutions? Be mindful of its ethical and economic layers—it’s not a neutral term!

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: venture philanthropy, impact investing, strategic giving

Antonyms: pure altruism, traditional charity, anonymous giving

Usage Examples:

  1. Philanthro-capitalism has been criticized for prioritizing donor interests over actual community needs.
  2. Many tech billionaires engage in philanthro-capitalism by funding social causes through their own foundations.
  3. Some argue that philanthro-capitalism is a way to soften public scrutiny while retaining economic power.
  4. Philanthro-capitalism applies return-on-investment logic to solve problems like poverty and education gaps.

Cultural Reference:

The term gained popularity after the 2008 book *Philanthrocapitalism* by Matthew Bishop and Michael Green, which examined how billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett were reshaping charity with business tactics.

Think About It:

Is it ethical for billionaires to drive social change through philanthro-capitalism, or does it concentrate too much power in too few hands?

Quick Activity:

List two benefits and two criticisms of philanthro-capitalism. Which side do you agree with more, and why?

Memory Tip:

Think: *Philanthropy + Capitalism* = giving with a business mindset.

Real-World Application:

Philanthro-capitalism is seen in how large companies fund education, health, or climate initiatives while simultaneously shaping public opinion and influencing policy in their favor.

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