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Para-jumble Sentences
Question 29: Five sentences related to a topic are given below in a jumbled order. Four of them form a coherent and unified paragraph. Identify the odd sentence that does not go with the four. Key in the number of the option that you choose.
1. âStatâ signaled something measurable, while âmaticâ advertised free labour; but âtronâ, above all, indicated control.
2. It was a totem of high modernism, the intellectual and cultural mode that decreed no process or phenomenon was too complex to be grasped, managed and optimized.
3. Like the heraldic shields of ancient knights, these morphemes were painted onto the names of scientific technologies to proclaim oneâs history and achievements to friends and enemies alike.
4. The historian Robert Proctor at Stanford University calls the suffix â-tronâ, along with â-maticâ and â-statâ, embodied symbols.
5. To gain the suffix was to acquire a proud and optimistic emblem of the electronic and atomic age.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer:2
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
After reading all the sentence-options, we can get an idea that the resulting paragraph is supposed to talk about the approach used for the nomenclature of scientific technologies (or devices).
Of all the sentence-options, Sentence-4 is the only one which does not imply that it should have a preceding statement. So, it makes for the correct opening line. It also introduces the three suffixes.
Sentence-1 explains the differences among the suffixes stat, matic and tron.
Sentence-5 states that gaining of any of these suffixes meant acquiring an emblem of the electronic and atomic age. The sentiment in this sentence is carried forward by Sentence-3 which compares the positioning of âthese morphemesâ on scientific technologies, with the display of shields of ancient knights.
(A morpheme is the smallest meaningful unit in a language. The main difference between a morpheme and a word is that a morpheme sometimes does not stand alone, but a word, by definition, always stands alone.)
Sentence-2 starts with an âitâ, and also talks about something which was a totem (or symbol) of modernism, intelligence, and culture. The âitâ described here could prove that no phenomenon was too complex or be mastered. However, this statement does not tie up with any of the sentences, and looks absolutely out of context.
Hence, Option-2 is the odd one out.
Word-1: Measurable
Context:
"âStatâ signaled something measurable, while âmaticâ advertised free labour; but âtronâ, above all, indicated control." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Measurable" refers to something that can be quantified, assessed, or compared using standard units or criteria. In this context, the prefix "stat" implies the presence of data or metricsâsomething that can be objectively measured, like speed, efficiency, or quantity. The word emphasizes the importance of clarity, structure, and validationâespecially in technical, scientific, and industrial contexts where performance and outcomes must be trackable and definable.
Meaning: Capable of being measured or quantified in terms of amount, size, quality, or performance (Adjective)
Pronunciation: MEH-zhuh-ruh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin mensurabilis, from mensurare ("to measure") + suffix â-ableâ (capable of).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âMeasurableâ is a key word in all goal-settingâwhether academic, personal, or professional. If you canât measure it, you canât manage or improve it. Always aim to turn vague ambitions into measurable outcomes for success and clarity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: quantifiable, assessable, calculable, observable
Antonyms: immeasurable, incalculable, indefinite, unquantifiable
Usage Examples:
- We need a measurable objective to track our progress effectively.
- Customer satisfaction should result in measurable business outcomes.
- The training program showed measurable improvements in employee performance.
- Success in this role is defined by measurable metrics, not vague impressions.
Cultural Reference:
In SMART goal-setting frameworks, the âMâ stands for âMeasurable,â underscoring the importance of defining success in clear, countable terms.
Think About It:
Do you value outcomes that are measurable over those that are intangible, like happiness or creativity? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Take a personal or academic goal and rewrite it in a measurable format. For example, change âread moreâ to âread 30 pages daily.â
Memory Tip:
âMeasurableâ has âmeasureâ right inside itâjust think: if you can use a *ruler*, *scale*, or *score*, itâs measurable!
Real-World Application:
In business, science, education, and personal development, measurable goals and results help drive accountability, performance evaluation, and strategic decision-making.
Word-2: Advertised
Context:
"âStatâ signaled something measurable, while âmaticâ advertised free labour; but âtronâ, above all, indicated control." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this context, "advertised" is used in a figurative sense. It means that the suffix "matic" symbolically or implicitly promoted or suggested the idea of âfree labourââautomation without human effort. More generally, "advertised" refers to publicly promoting or drawing attention to something, usually with the intent to sell or inform. Here, it highlights how even linguistic elements (like suffixes) can convey deeper cultural or functional messages.
Meaning: Made known publicly, especially to promote a product, service, or idea (Verb â past tense)
Pronunciation: AD-vur-tyzd
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin advertere ("to turn toward"), later used in Old French as advertir and Middle English as advertisen, meaning to draw attention to.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âAdvertisedâ isnât just for billboards and TVâit can also refer to anything that âannouncesâ or âprojectsâ an idea. In writing and design, even a word or symbol can subtly advertise a value or promise. Think deeply about whatâs being promotedâsometimes itâs not as obvious as it seems.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: promoted, announced, broadcast, presented, showcased
Antonyms: concealed, suppressed, ignored, withheld
Usage Examples:
- The company advertised its new eco-friendly packaging in national newspapers.
- Though not directly stated, the slogan advertised a life of luxury and ease.
- She advertised her tutoring services through social media and flyers.
- The word âmaticâ advertised automationâlabour without human effort.
Cultural Reference:
In 20th-century consumer culture, product names like "Wash-O-Matic" or "Auto-Matic" often advertised convenience and futuristic automation, reflecting post-war dreams of effort-free living.
Think About It:
Do all forms of advertising involve selling something tangibleâor can we also be advertised ideas, values, or lifestyles unconsciously?
Quick Activity:
Think of a product or brand name youâve encountered recently. What does the name âadvertiseâ about the product, even before you read any description?
Memory Tip:
âAdvertisedâ is about drawing attentionâif something is *announced to the world*, itâs being advertised!
Real-World Application:
In everyday communicationâwhether branding, politics, or personal profilesâwe constantly âadvertiseâ values or intentions, both explicitly and implicitly, through words, design, and tone.
Word-3: Morphemes
Context:
"Like the heraldic shields of ancient knights, these morphemes were painted onto the names of scientific technologies to proclaim oneâs history and achievements to friends and enemies alike." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Morphemes" are the smallest units of meaning in a language. A morpheme can be a whole word (like âbookâ) or a part of a word (like the âun-â in âunknownâ or the â-edâ in âtalkedâ). In the context given, these morphemesâlike âstatâ, âmaticâ, or âtronââwere symbolically used in technology naming, much like coats of arms, to signal something meaningful such as function, origin, or power. This metaphor suggests that morphemes serve not just linguistic, but cultural and symbolic purposes.
Meaning: The smallest grammatical or meaningful unit in a language (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: MOR-feems
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek morphÄ meaning âformâ + the suffix â-emeâ denoting a unit.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Morphemes are like Lego bricks for languageâthey may be small, but theyâre what everything is built from. Knowing morphemes helps you decode unfamiliar words and understand how language carries meaning across contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: linguistic units, word parts, roots, affixes
Antonyms: (None exact, but loosely: words without parts, non-grammatical units)
Usage Examples:
- In the word âunhappiness,â there are three morphemes: âun-â, âhappyâ, and â-ness.â
- Linguists study morphemes to understand how meaning is built in language.
- Brand names often use morphemes that evoke innovation or power, such as âbioâ, âtechâ, or âmatic.â
- Recognizing morphemes helps in learning vocabulary quickly and effectively.
Cultural Reference:
In linguistics, morphemes are foundational to understanding how languages structure meaningâessential in fields from language learning to AI natural language processing.
Think About It:
Have you ever thought about how many common prefixes or suffixes you use daily without realizing they are morphemes carrying meaning?
Quick Activity:
Break the following words into morphemes: âreusableâ, âpredefinedâ, âunbelievableâ. Identify the root, prefix, and suffix in each.
Memory Tip:
Think âmorpheme = meaning formââit's the smallest form that carries real meaning in a word!
Real-World Application:
Understanding morphemes helps in learning new languages, improving spelling, decoding academic or scientific terms, and even designing impactful brand or product names.
Word-4: Proclaim
Context:
"Like the heraldic shields of ancient knights, these morphemes were painted onto the names of scientific technologies to proclaim oneâs history and achievements to friends and enemies alike." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Proclaim" means to announce something publicly, clearly, and often proudly. In this context, the use of specific morphemes in technology names served as a kind of symbolic announcementâdeclaring the origin, values, or capabilities of the innovation. Much like coats of arms, these linguistic choices were not just functional but expressive, used to proclaim identity, authority, and intent to others in the scientific or industrial community.
Meaning: To announce something officially or publicly, especially with confidence or pride (Verb)
Pronunciation: pro-KLAYM
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin proclamare, meaning "to shout forth," from pro- ("forth") + clamare ("to cry out").
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âProclaimâ is a word of confidenceâitâs not whispering a message; itâs declaring it for everyone to hear. Whether you're branding a product or expressing a belief, when you proclaim, you're making a bold statement about identity and purpose.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: declare, announce, broadcast, state, affirm
Antonyms: conceal, suppress, withhold, deny, hush
Usage Examples:
- The company proclaimed its commitment to sustainability in its latest campaign.
- The king stood before the crowd to proclaim the new law.
- The brand name seemed to silently proclaim innovation and precision.
- Activists proclaimed their values through bold slogans and banners.
Cultural Reference:
Historical proclamationsâlike the U.S. Emancipation Proclamationâwere official declarations that changed social and political landscapes, emphasizing the power of language in action.
Think About It:
What are you proclaimingâintentionally or unintentionallyâthrough your words, actions, or even appearance?
Quick Activity:
Write a one-sentence proclamation that boldly states something about your values, goals, or beliefs. Make it confident and clear.
Memory Tip:
Think of a âproclamationâ as a public shoutââproâ means forward, and âclaimâ comes from "shout"âso to proclaim is to shout forward your message!
Real-World Application:
In branding, politics, leadership, and activism, to proclaim is to make your position known loudly and clearlyâbuilding recognition, credibility, and alignment with your audience.
Word-5: Emblem
Context:
"To gain the suffix was to acquire a proud and optimistic emblem of the electronic and atomic age." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
An "emblem" is a symbol, sign, or object that represents a particular quality, idea, or group. In the given context, the use of certain suffixes in technological names is described as more than a linguistic featureâthey serve as emblems of the bold, forward-looking spirit of the electronic and atomic age. These word-parts came to symbolize innovation, modernity, and national pride in scientific progress, acting as verbal badges of identity and aspiration.
Meaning: A symbolic object or design that represents an idea, quality, or identity (Noun)
Pronunciation: EM-bluhm
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle French embleme, from Latin emblema (âinlaid workâ), from Greek emblÄma (âinsertion, ornamentâ).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of an âemblemâ as a visual or symbolic shorthand for a larger ideaâlike a flag, a logo, or even a word suffix in this case. Emblems carry emotional and cultural weight, often signaling identity, values, or history without needing explanation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: symbol, insignia, badge, token, representation
Antonyms: literal object, non-symbolic item (no direct antonym, but opposites would be more practical than symbolic)
Usage Examples:
- The Olympic rings are a global emblem of unity and competition.
- For many, the electric car is an emblem of environmental progress.
- The knight's shield bore an emblem signifying loyalty and honor.
- The suffix â-tronâ became an emblem of futuristic science in mid-20th century naming culture.
Cultural Reference:
National flags, corporate logos, and even emojis serve as emblemsâinstantly conveying identity, values, or emotion across language and culture.
Think About It:
What modern technologies or trends do you think will become emblems of our current era in the future?
Quick Activity:
List three emblems (visual or symbolic) that you associate with your country, school, or favorite brand. What values do they represent?
Memory Tip:
âEmblemâ sounds like âem-blazonââthink of something proudly *displayed* to represent meaning or pride, like a logo or symbol.
Real-World Application:
Emblems are used in branding, politics, sports, and even education to evoke identity, loyalty, and emotional connection with a cause, institution, or product.
