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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. In the era of smart world, however, âUniversal Basic Incomeâ is an ineffective instrument which cannot address the potential breakdown of the social contract when large swathes of the population would effectively be unemployed.
2. In the era of industrial revolution, the abolition of child labor, poor laws and the growth of trade unions helped families cope with the pressures of mechanized work.
3. Growing inequality could be matched by a creeping authoritarianism that is bolstered by technology that is increasingly able to peer into the deepest vestiges of our lives.
4. New institutions emerge which recognize ways in which workers could contribute to and benefit by economic growth when, rather than if, their jobs are automated.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 4213
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
To find the correct opening line, it is important to carefully read the options twice or thrice and form a logical train of thought.
Sentence-4 introduces the topic of growth of new institutes which can provide economic stability to workers, even if they lose their jobs due to automation (=redundancy of manual labour due to self-sustaining technology). The growth of such institutes that deploy beneficial measures can be equated with the practices that helped families in the past (âindustrial revolutionâ) when they too had to suffer due to mechanization of work, which reduced the need for manual labour back then.
Sentence-2 talks about the legal moves that helped people cope with the pressures of mechanized work. So, Sentence-2 would follow Sentence-4.
Then, we can place Sentence-1 which clarifies the reason UBI will not be an effective solution after a potential mass-unemployment as it will not fix the breakdown of social contract (inequality) of society.
This discussion is continued by Sentence-3 as it explains what would match the âgrowing inequalityâ - the unfortunate loss of privacy caused due to an invasion of technology.
Hence, the correct sequence is 4213.
Word-1: Institutions
Context:
"New institutions emerge which recognize ways in which workers could contribute to and benefit by economic growth when, rather than if, their jobs are automated." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Institutions" refer to established systems, structures, or organizations that serve societal functionsâsuch as education, governance, finance, or health. In the given context, the word refers to new formal bodies or systems that develop policies or frameworks to adapt to job automation and ensure workers remain a part of economic progress. Institutions are central to how societies organize themselves and respond to change, especially in times of economic or technological transformation.
Meaning: Established organizations or systems with a public purpose (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: in-sti-TOO-shuhns
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *institutio*, meaning âarrangement, education, instructionâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word can refer to both *physical organizations* (like schools, banks, or courts) and *abstract systems* (like democracy or marriage). In essays, âinstitutionâ is a powerful termâuse it when referring to social, political, or economic structures that shape our lives.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: organizations, establishments, systems, bodies, frameworks
Antonyms: individuals, informal groups, disorganization
Usage Examples:
- Educational institutions must adapt to the digital age.
- Strong democratic institutions help ensure justice and fairness in society.
- New financial institutions are being created to support cryptocurrency markets.
- Institutions play a key role in shaping public behavior and values.
Cultural Reference:
The World Bank, the United Nations, and the IMF are examples of global institutions that influence international policy and development strategies.
Think About It:
As technology evolves, what types of new institutions might we need to protect both workers and the environment?
Quick Activity:
List three institutions you interact with regularly. What roles do they play in your daily life?
Memory Tip:
Think âinstitution = established structureâ â like a school, court, or system that holds society together.
Real-World Application:
Institutions shape law, education, healthcare, and the economy â understanding them is essential for informed citizenship and effective governance.
Word-2: Automated
Context:
"New institutions emerge which recognize ways in which workers could contribute to and benefit by economic growth when, rather than if, their jobs are automated." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Automated" refers to a process or task that is operated by machines or technology with minimal or no human intervention. In this context, it means jobs that were once done by people are increasingly being performed by machines or algorithms. The word highlights a major shift in the modern economy, where automation is transforming industries by replacing repetitive or routine tasks with artificial intelligence, robotics, or software-driven systems.
Meaning: Operated or controlled by machines or computers rather than people (Adjective â past participle of âautomateâ)
Pronunciation: AW-tuh-may-tid
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *automatos*, meaning âself-movingâ; modern usage evolved through "automation" in the industrial era
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word often appears in discussions around the future of work, manufacturing, and AI. Donât confuse âautomatedâ with âautomaticâ â the former usually refers to systems designed to replace manual labor, while the latter can refer to any self-triggered function (like an automatic door).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mechanized, computerized, robotic, machine-driven, self-operating
Antonyms: manual, human-operated, hand-driven, non-mechanical
Usage Examples:
- Many manufacturing jobs have been automated to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- The checkout system at the supermarket is now fully automated.
- Automated emails are triggered when a user signs up for the service.
- Automated driving systems are changing the future of transportation.
Cultural Reference:
In popular films like *I, Robot* and *Ex Machina*, automated systems and AI raise questions about the future of humanityâs relationship with machines.
Think About It:
As more jobs become automated, what new roles or skills will humans need to remain relevant in the workforce?
Quick Activity:
List three everyday tasks that have been automated in your life. How has this changed your routine?
Memory Tip:
âAutomatedâ = *auto* (self) + *mated* (like a system working with itself) â something that runs without needing you to touch it!
Real-World Application:
Automation is transforming industries from banking to healthcare to transportâautomated systems increase speed and accuracy but also raise concerns about employment and ethics.
Word-3: Ineffective
Context:
"In the era of smart world, however, âUniversal Basic Incomeâ is an ineffective instrument which cannot address the potential breakdown of the social contract when large swathes of the population would effectively be unemployed." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ineffective" means not producing the desired result or lacking the ability to achieve intended goals. In this context, the author argues that Universal Basic Income (UBI) fails to resolve the deeper issues caused by mass unemployment in a highly automated world. The word is often used to evaluate policies, strategies, efforts, or tools that fall short of expectations or impact. It carries a critical tone and suggests that something needs to be improved or replaced.
Meaning: Not producing the desired effect or result (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-uh-FEK-tiv
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *ineffectivus* â *in-* (not) + *effectivus* (effective)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a useful evaluative word, especially in essays. Be preciseâsomething isnât just bad, itâs *ineffective* because it doesnât achieve its purpose. Use it to assess the success or failure of policies, tools, or strategies. Also learn its opposite: effective!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unsuccessful, useless, weak, unproductive, inadequate
Antonyms: effective, successful, powerful, impactful, efficient
Usage Examples:
- The new policy proved ineffective in reducing crime rates.
- Using outdated software is ineffective for handling modern data needs.
- The speech was passionate but ultimately ineffective in persuading the audience.
- Universal Basic Income is considered ineffective by some economists in addressing long-term unemployment.
Cultural Reference:
In public policy debates, terms like "ineffective governance" or "ineffective education systems" are often used to critique institutions that fail to meet societal needs.
Think About It:
What makes a solution ineffective? Is it the idea itself, or the way itâs implemented?
Quick Activity:
Write down one rule or method you've tried that turned out to be ineffective. Why didnât it work?
Memory Tip:
âIn-â means ânotâ and âeffectiveâ means âsuccessfulâ â so âineffectiveâ = not successful!
Real-World Application:
Understanding what makes a plan or policy ineffective helps in critical thinking, policy review, business strategy, and problem-solving across all fields.
Word-4: Unemployed
Context:
"In the era of smart world, however, âUniversal Basic Incomeâ is an ineffective instrument which cannot address the potential breakdown of the social contract when large swathes of the population would effectively be unemployed." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Unemployed" refers to individuals who are without a job and actively seeking work. In this context, it suggests a future where widespread automation may displace a significant portion of the workforce, leaving many without employment. The term highlights both economic and social challenges, including loss of income, dignity, and societal roles. It is a key term in discussions about labor markets, public policy, and technological disruption.
Meaning: Without a paid job but actively looking for one (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-em-PLOYD
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *employare* (to use) + prefix *un-* meaning "not" â thus, "not employed"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Often used in economic and social contexts, âunemployedâ doesnât just mean ânot workingââit specifically refers to people who are capable and willing to work but donât have the opportunity. Itâs crucial in statistics and policy discussions. Don't confuse it with âretiredâ or ânot working by choice.â
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: jobless, out of work, laid off, idle
Antonyms: employed, working, hired, engaged
Usage Examples:
- He has been unemployed for over six months despite actively searching for work.
- Automated systems are predicted to leave millions unemployed.
- The government launched a new scheme to support unemployed youth.
- Being unemployed affected not only her finances but also her mental health.
Cultural Reference:
The Great Depression (1929â1939) is a historic period where unemployment soared globally, especially in the U.S., reaching rates of over 25% â deeply influencing global economics and policy making.
Think About It:
In a future with widespread automation, should being unemployed carry the same social stigma it does today?
Quick Activity:
List two challenges faced by the unemployed and one possible solution for each.
Memory Tip:
âUn-â means ânotâ and âemployedâ means âworkingâ â so âunemployedâ = not working but able to work.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term âunemployedâ is crucial for analyzing economic trends, crafting social policies, and addressing the impacts of technological change on labor markets.
Word-5: Authoritarianism
Context:
"Growing inequality could be matched by a creeping authoritarianism that is bolstered by technology that is increasingly able to peer into the deepest vestiges of our lives." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Authoritarianism" refers to a system of governance or political belief where power is concentrated in the hands of a single authority or a small elite, often at the expense of personal freedoms and democratic practices. In the given context, it warns of a scenario where economic inequality and invasive technology strengthen controlling regimes, reducing civil liberties. The term is commonly used in political science and human rights discussions, often with a negative connotation indicating suppression, censorship, and central control.
Meaning: A political system or attitude favoring strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedom (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-THAW-ruh-TAIR-ee-uh-niz-uhm
Difficulty Level: ââââ Advanced
Etymology: From Latin *auctoritas* (authority) + *-ism* (system or ideology); modern use emerged in 20th-century political theory
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a key term in modern political discourse. Authoritarianism is not just about having a strong leaderâit implies lack of freedoms, unchecked surveillance, and control over speech and assembly. It's often contrasted with democracy and liberalism. Use carefully and thoughtfully in analytical writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dictatorship, totalitarianism, despotism, autocracy, tyranny
Antonyms: democracy, freedom, liberalism, participatory governance
Usage Examples:
- Authoritarianism often grows stronger when citizens are fearful or economically insecure.
- The country shifted from democracy to authoritarianism under its new regime.
- Critics warn that surveillance technology may lead to digital authoritarianism.
- Authoritarianism thrives when the press is censored and dissent is punished.
Cultural Reference:
George Orwellâs *1984* is a classic dystopian novel exploring the dangers of authoritarianism, where "Big Brother" watches every aspect of citizens' lives.
Think About It:
Can technology be both a tool for empowerment and a weapon for authoritarianism? Who decides where the line is drawn?
Quick Activity:
List two characteristics of authoritarianism and explain how they differ from those in a democracy.
Memory Tip:
Think âauthoritarianâ = *authority + no sharing* â power held tightly by the few, with little space for freedom.
Real-World Application:
Understanding authoritarianism is critical in politics, journalism, and civic educationâit helps citizens recognize threats to freedom and participate in protecting democratic institutions.
