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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
Question 30: 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. His idea to use sign language was not a completely new idea as Native Americans used hand gestures to communicate with other tribes.
2. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, for example, observed that men who are deaf are incapable of speech.
3. People who were born deaf were denied the right to sign a will as they were “presumed to understand nothing; because it is not possible that they have been able to learn to read or write.”
4. Pushback against this prejudice began in the 16th century when Pedro Ponce de León created a formal sign language for the hearing impaired.
5. For millennia, people with hearing impairments encountered marginalization because it was believed that language could only be learned by hearing the spoken word.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
Once you have read all the sentences, you can gather that the resulting paragraph should be about the marginalization endured by people who were born with hearing impediments, and how the efforts of Pedro Ponce de León helped them by creating a formal sign language.
Sentence-5 is the only suitable opening line as every other sentence requires a prior statement. Sentence-3 then provides an example for the marginalization suffered by people who were born deaf. After explaining the prejudice, it is logical to follow it with the pushback against such prejudice; hence Sentence-4 can be placed next. This statement also includes the creation of sign language by Pedro Ponce de León. Sentence-1 continues the discussion on sign language by pointing out that sign-language was also used by Native Americans to communicate with other tribes.
Sentence-2 mentions Aristotle’s assumption that men who are deaf will not be able to talk, however, the main idea of the passage should highlight the prejudice faced by people who were born deaf in the 16th century, and how sign language helped their cause. Additionally, Sentence-2 includes the words “for example”. There is no sentence-option that serves as an example to this.
Hence, we can safely conclude that Sentence-2 is the odd one out.
Word-1: Marginalization
Context:
"For millennia, people with hearing impairments encountered marginalization because it was believed that language could only be learned by hearing the spoken word." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "marginalization" refers to the social process of pushing individuals or groups to the edge of society, rendering them less important or giving them limited access to resources, opportunities, and rights. In the context of hearing impairments, marginalization has often meant systemic exclusion from educational, social, and economic participation based on misconceptions about their capabilities.
Meaning: The process of making a person or group feel less important or powerless (Noun)
Pronunciation: mar-jin-uh-luh-ZAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the verb "marginalize" + suffix "-ation"; rooted in "margin", meaning "edge" or "border", originally from Latin *margo*
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is crucial for understanding social justice discussions. Whenever someone is excluded, discriminated against, or silenced due to identity or belief, marginalization is likely happening. Think of it as society pushing someone to the "margins" or sidelines.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: exclusion, discrimination, alienation, sidelining, oppression
Antonyms: inclusion, empowerment, acceptance, integration
Usage Examples:
- The marginalization of indigenous languages is a global concern.
- Gender-based marginalization persists in many professional sectors.
- Efforts are being made to reverse the marginalization of rural communities.
- Students with learning differences often face marginalization in traditional classrooms.
Cultural Reference:
"Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." – Benjamin Franklin. This quote speaks to the collective responsibility to address marginalization. - Public Domain
Think About It:
Can a society truly progress if it continues to marginalize certain groups? What role can individuals play in changing this?
Quick Activity:
List two examples of groups that have been historically marginalized in your country and describe how.
Memory Tip:
Think of “margin” on a page — it’s not where the main content is. Marginalized people are pushed to the edges of society, just like notes in the margin.
Real-World Application:
The concept of marginalization is frequently discussed in education, healthcare, politics, and media to highlight disparities and advocate for inclusion policies. Understanding it helps individuals recognize and challenge unfair systems.
Word-2: Prejudice
Context:
"Pushback against this prejudice began in the 16th century when Pedro Ponce de León created a formal sign language for the hearing impaired." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
Prejudice refers to a preconceived opinion or judgment about a person or group, often formed without sufficient knowledge, reason, or actual experience. It typically arises from stereotypes and leads to unfair treatment. In this context, the prejudice against people with hearing impairments assumed they could not learn language or communicate effectively, which was later proven wrong by innovations like sign language.
Meaning: An unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge (Noun)
Pronunciation: PREJ-uh-dis
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *praejudicium*, meaning "prior judgment" (from *prae-* ‘before’ + *judicium* ‘judgment’)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Prejudice is one of those words that’s central to understanding bias. Whether it's based on race, gender, class, or ability, prejudice reflects how our minds sometimes form conclusions without facts. Recognizing it is the first step toward overcoming it.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: bias, discrimination, intolerance, stereotyping, bigotry
Antonyms: fairness, impartiality, tolerance, objectivity
Usage Examples:
- She faced prejudice at work because of her accent.
- It’s important to educate children to overcome prejudice from an early age.
- Many social movements aim to eliminate racial and cultural prejudice.
- Prejudice often leads to unequal treatment and systemic injustice.
Cultural Reference:
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen explores how societal expectations and assumptions shape personal relationships. The title itself is a commentary on the judgments we carry. - Public Domain
Think About It:
Have you ever realized you held a prejudice about something or someone? What helped you overcome it?
Quick Activity:
Write down three common prejudices you’ve heard in your community. Then, challenge them with facts or personal stories that counter those beliefs.
Memory Tip:
Think of “pre-” as in before and “-judice” as judgment — a prejudice is judging someone *before* knowing them.
Real-World Application:
Understanding prejudice is essential in fields like education, law, psychology, and social work. It helps professionals recognize hidden biases and promote inclusivity and equality.
Word-3: Formal
Context:
"Pushback against this prejudice began in the 16th century when Pedro Ponce de León created a formal sign language for the hearing impaired." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "formal" refers to something that follows established rules, structure, or conventions. In the context of sign language, it signifies the development of an organized, systematic form of communication, as opposed to informal or improvised gestures. Formal systems are often recognized officially and can be taught and standardized.
Meaning: Following established rules, structure, or customs; officially recognized or conventional (Adjective)
Pronunciation: FOR-muhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *formalis*, from *forma*, meaning "form or shape"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Formal" is a flexible word—used in education, attire, communication, and systems. It implies seriousness, order, and standardization. Think about the difference between casual and formal speech, or informal versus formal education.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: official, structured, conventional, ceremonial, methodical
Antonyms: informal, casual, unofficial, spontaneous, relaxed
Usage Examples:
- He wore a formal suit to the business meeting.
- The school follows a formal curriculum approved by the education board.
- Formal training is required before operating this machinery.
- The letter was written in a formal tone.
Cultural Reference:
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." – Jim Rohn. This quote distinguishes between structured learning and personal growth. - Quotation from public domain sources
Think About It:
When is it necessary to be formal, and when is it better to be informal? How does formality affect communication?
Quick Activity:
Write one formal sentence and one informal sentence expressing the same idea. Compare their tone and effectiveness.
Memory Tip:
Think of a "formal dress code" — it's strict and follows rules, just like anything else that's formal.
Real-World Application:
Formality is key in professional settings such as interviews, academic writing, legal documentation, and government procedures. Understanding when and how to be formal can impact your success and credibility.
Word-4: Presumed
Context:
"People who were born deaf were denied the right to sign a will as they were “presumed to understand nothing; because it is not possible that they have been able to learn to read or write.”" - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Presumed" means to assume something is true without proof or direct evidence. It often reflects a belief or judgment formed before fully investigating or understanding the facts. In this context, people born deaf were unjustly presumed incapable of understanding or communication, simply because others lacked awareness or knowledge of their abilities.
Meaning: Assumed to be true without complete proof or evidence (Verb – past participle of “presume”)
Pronunciation: pri-ZOOMD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praesumere*, meaning "to take for granted" (from *prae-* 'before' + *sumere* 'to take')
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Presumed" is a word deeply connected with bias and assumption. It often reveals how society operates on unchecked beliefs. It's frequently used in legal and social contexts where someone is treated a certain way based on what others assume, not what is proven.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: assumed, believed, supposed, accepted, expected
Antonyms: doubted, questioned, disproved, verified
Usage Examples:
- She was presumed missing after the boat was found empty.
- The teacher presumed the student had done the homework without checking.
- He presumed too much when he acted without asking for permission.
- It was wrongly presumed that the quiet boy had no ideas to share.
Cultural Reference:
"Innocent until proven guilty" is a principle in law that counters the idea of presuming guilt. It reflects the dangers of presuming something without evidence. - Common Legal Doctrine
Think About It:
What assumptions have you made recently that turned out to be incorrect? How did they affect your actions or someone else?
Quick Activity:
Write down three things people commonly presume about others without knowing them. Challenge each one with a counterexample.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: "pre" (before) + "sumed" (taken)—you take something as true *before* knowing for sure.
Real-World Application:
"Presumed" is widely used in law, journalism, medicine, and daily conversation. Recognizing its use can help prevent misunderstandings and encourage deeper inquiry and fairness.
Word-5: Impediments
Context:
"Once you have read all the sentences, you can gather that the resulting paragraph should be about the marginalization endured by people who were born with hearing impediments, and how the efforts of Pedro Ponce de Leon helped them by creating a formal sign language." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "impediments" refers to obstacles or barriers that hinder progress, movement, or communication. In the context of the sentence, hearing impediments refer to conditions that affect a person's ability to hear and therefore communicate in traditional spoken language. These physical or physiological challenges often result in societal misunderstanding or exclusion when adequate systems of support are lacking.
Meaning: Physical or abstract obstacles that obstruct or delay progress or communication (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: im-PEH-duh-muhnts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *impedimentum*, from *impedire* meaning "to hinder" (from *in-* ‘in’ + *pes* ‘foot’)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Impediments” are not just physical; they can be emotional, social, or structural. Recognizing these barriers is the first step to removing them—whether they relate to learning, equality, or communication. In vocabulary usage, this word adds sophistication to describing challenges or setbacks.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: obstacles, barriers, hindrances, obstructions, challenges
Antonyms: aids, supports, advantages, enablers, facilitators
Usage Examples:
- Speech impediments can affect a child's ability to communicate in school.
- He overcame numerous physical impediments to become a successful athlete.
- Bureaucratic impediments delayed the launch of the project.
- Lack of internet access is a major impediment to online education in rural areas.
Cultural Reference:
Demosthenes, the famous Greek orator, had a speech impediment and practiced speaking with pebbles in his mouth to overcome it—an early testament to resilience in the face of impediments. - Historical Anecdote
Think About It:
What are some invisible impediments that people face in their everyday lives, and how can we recognize and support them better?
Quick Activity:
List three common impediments faced by students and suggest one way to overcome each.
Memory Tip:
Think of “impediments” as things that put a *ped* (foot) in your way—slowing your progress or blocking your path.
Real-World Application:
"Impediments" is often used in legal, medical, and educational contexts. For example, in law, "no legal impediment to marriage" means no legal barrier exists. Understanding this term helps in articulating challenges clearly and professionally.
