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Para-jumble Sentences
Question 31: The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4) given below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequence of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.
1. We’ll all live under mob rule until then, which doesn’t help anyone.
2. Perhaps we need to learn to condense the feedback we receive online so that 100 replies carry the same weight as just one.
3. As we grow more comfortable with social media conversations being part of the way we interact every day, we are going to have to learn how to deal with legitimate criticism.
4. A new norm will arise where it is considered unacceptable to reply with the same point that dozens of others have already.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 3241
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
At first look, Sentence-1 includes “until then” – which begs the question “until when”. So, ideally, there should be an entire discussion befitting this question.
Sentence-2 begins with “perhaps”. The word “perhaps” is used when one does not wish to be too assertive while expressing an opinion. Also, the sentence suggests that we should learn to take online feedback more lightly.
Sentence-3 introduces the topic of “social media conversations” and that we need to learn to deal with criticism. Hence, it makes for a good opening line.
Sentence-4 suggests that in future a new rule or norm will not let people use the same point to respond with, thus mitigating repetitive online criticism.
It makes sense to place Sentence-1 after Sentence-4, considering the question we raised earlier – “until when” – to which you can say “until a new norm arises”. So, 4-1 form a ‘set’.
Now, as Sentence-4 suggests a solution, we need to place it after Sentence-2 as it hints at the problem of repetitive online criticism (“…100 replies carry the same weight as just one”). So, sentences 2-4-1 form a ‘set’. We already have Sentence-3 as the opening line.
So, the correct sequence will be 3241.
Word-1: Condense
Context:
"Perhaps we need to learn to condense the feedback we receive online so that 100 replies carry the same weight as just one."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "condense" refers to the act of making something shorter, more compact, or more concentrated. In the context of communication or content, it means expressing the same amount of information using fewer words. Whether it’s boiling down a long message or summarizing feedback, condensing helps in increasing clarity and reducing clutter.
Meaning: To make something shorter, denser, or more compact (Verb)
Pronunciation: kun-DENS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *condensare*, meaning “to make thick” or “to press together.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of "condense" as packing more meaning or matter into less space. Whether it's ideas, writing, or even gases, the core function remains the same: reduce and focus.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: compress, shorten, summarize, reduce, concentrate
Antonyms: expand, elaborate, lengthen, stretch
Usage Examples:
- The author managed to condense a 300-page novel into a gripping short story.
- Can you condense your argument into a few bullet points for the presentation?
- Water vapor condenses into droplets when the temperature drops.
- She condensed her resume to fit on a single page.
Cultural Reference:
"Brevity is the soul of wit." — William Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*, emphasizing the power of condensing one’s words effectively.
Think About It:
In a world filled with information overload, how can learning to condense help improve both personal and professional communication?
Quick Activity:
Take a paragraph from a news article and try to condense it into one sentence without losing the key message.
Memory Tip:
Think of “condense” like a condensed milk can — it’s milk made thicker and smaller in size, but still just as rich.
Real-World Application:
Professionals often need to condense reports for presentations, writers condense long stories into summaries, and even students must condense their study notes before exams — making this a highly practical skill in every field.
Word-2: Feedback
Context:
"Perhaps we need to learn to condense the feedback we receive online so that 100 replies carry the same weight as just one."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Feedback" refers to information or opinions about how someone is doing in an effort to help them improve. It can be formal or informal, positive or critical, and is essential in learning, development, communication, and performance improvement. In digital spaces, feedback often comes in the form of comments, likes, reviews, or replies, making it more accessible — and overwhelming — than ever before.
Meaning: A response or reaction to a particular process or activity, often intended to guide improvement (Noun)
Pronunciation: FEED-back
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Originated in the early 20th century from engineering, where "feedback" described returning part of the output of a system as input.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Feedback is your best teacher. Positive or negative, it gives you direction. Don’t fear it — embrace it, filter it, and act on it wisely.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: response, reaction, critique, review, comment
Antonyms: silence, neglect, indifference
Usage Examples:
- Her manager gave her constructive feedback after the client meeting.
- We collected feedback from the survey to improve our app.
- Without proper feedback, it’s difficult to grow professionally.
- The system uses real-time feedback to adjust its performance.
Cultural Reference:
"Feedback is the breakfast of champions." – Ken Blanchard, highlighting how essential feedback is to success.
Think About It:
How can you learn to differentiate between useful feedback and noise in a world filled with online opinions?
Quick Activity:
Ask a friend or colleague for feedback on a task or project you’ve completed. Write down three things you learned from it.
Memory Tip:
“Feedback” = “feeding back” into the system — it's information that cycles back to help you improve.
Real-World Application:
Whether in the classroom, workplace, or on social media, feedback plays a central role in growth, decision-making, and improvement. Learning how to interpret and apply it is a crucial life skill.
Word-3: Legitimate
Context:
"As we grow more comfortable with social media conversations being part of the way we interact every day, we are going to have to learn how to deal with legitimate criticism."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "legitimate" refers to something that is lawful, valid, or acceptable according to recognized standards. In everyday use, it often means something that is genuine, well-founded, or reasonable. For example, “legitimate criticism” refers to feedback that is fair, well-grounded, and made with sincere intent, rather than out of malice or misinformation.
Meaning: Reasonable, lawful, or justifiable; in accordance with accepted standards or laws (Adjective)
Pronunciation: luh-JIT-uh-mit
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *legitimus*, meaning “lawful,” derived from *lex* (law).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Legitimate" is a powerful word that signals credibility. Whether you’re talking about businesses, arguments, or emotions — legitimacy gives weight and authority.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: valid, lawful, justifiable, authentic, real
Antonyms: illegitimate, false, fake, unlawful, invalid
Usage Examples:
- She raised a legitimate concern about the safety measures.
- Only legitimate businesses were allowed to apply for the grant.
- There’s a legitimate reason why he's late — his car broke down.
- The court ruled that the contract was not legitimate.
Cultural Reference:
"I’m not throwing away my shot!" — from *Hamilton*, where Alexander Hamilton seeks to rise in society through legitimate means, not birthright.
Think About It:
In an age of misinformation, how can we determine which criticism or claim is truly legitimate?
Quick Activity:
List two legitimate criticisms you've received recently and write how you responded to them — or how you could respond better.
Memory Tip:
Think of “legit” — the slang form — as short for “legitimate.” If it’s legit, it’s real and acceptable.
Real-World Application:
In legal, academic, and social contexts, determining what is legitimate helps us make fair decisions — from evaluating sources in research to judging feedback and forming opinions.
Word-4: Criticism
Context:
"As we grow more comfortable with social media conversations being part of the way we interact every day, we are going to have to learn how to deal with legitimate criticism."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Criticism" refers to the expression of disapproval or judgment about the merits and faults of someone or something. It can be constructive, offering helpful suggestions for improvement, or destructive, intended to harm or demean. In the age of social media, understanding the difference and responding appropriately to criticism is a vital skill for personal and professional growth.
Meaning: The act of analyzing and judging the merits and faults of something or someone (Noun)
Pronunciation: KRIT-uh-siz-uhm
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *kritikē*, meaning “the art of judgment,” derived from *kritikos* ("able to discern").
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Criticism is like fire — it can burn or it can forge strength. Learn to distinguish fair critique from baseless negativity, and use it to refine yourself.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: review, evaluation, commentary, analysis, disapproval
Antonyms: praise, compliment, approval, commendation
Usage Examples:
- She took the criticism positively and improved her performance.
- The film received mixed criticism from the audience and critics alike.
- Not all criticism is meant to hurt — some helps us grow.
- Public figures often face harsh criticism online.
Cultural Reference:
"Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from." – A popular quote highlighting the value of discerning whose critique matters.
Think About It:
How do you typically respond to criticism — with defensiveness or curiosity?
Quick Activity:
Write down a piece of criticism you received recently. Now rewrite it as if it were constructive feedback. How does the tone change your reaction?
Memory Tip:
“Criticism” comes from “critic” — think of a movie critic analyzing films. Criticism is a form of thoughtful judgment.
Real-World Application:
Whether in school, work, art, or public life, facing criticism is inevitable. Learning to handle it with poise, and apply it when valid, is a vital part of emotional intelligence and success.
Word-5: Norm
Context:
"A new norm will arise where it is considered unacceptable to reply with the same point that dozens of others have already."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "norm" refers to a standard or rule that is considered typical or expected in a particular group or society. Norms guide behavior by setting expectations for what is considered acceptable or unacceptable. As societies evolve, norms also change — what may be normal today could be outdated tomorrow. In the digital age, new communication norms are constantly emerging, especially in online spaces.
Meaning: A standard, rule, or pattern typically expected or accepted by a group or society (Noun)
Pronunciation: norm
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *norma*, meaning “carpenter’s square” or “rule,” which came to represent a standard or model.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Norms are the invisible threads that shape social behavior. Being aware of them helps you understand not only others but also your own actions better.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: standard, rule, custom, guideline, expectation
Antonyms: anomaly, deviation, exception, irregularity
Usage Examples:
- Remote work has become the new norm in many industries.
- It’s a cultural norm to remove shoes before entering homes in some countries.
- Breaking social norms can often lead to innovative thinking.
- The teacher explained the classroom norms at the beginning of the term.
Cultural Reference:
"The new normal" — a phrase widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to describe shifts in behavior and expectations, showing how norms evolve during global events.
Think About It:
What social norms do you follow without thinking — and which ones do you question or challenge?
Quick Activity:
List three norms you follow daily. Then write one norm you think should change in modern society.
Memory Tip:
“Norm” sounds like “normal” — think of it as what’s considered ‘normal’ behavior in any setting.
Real-World Application:
Understanding norms helps you adapt to different environments — be it school, workplace, or global cultures — and make informed decisions about when to conform or innovate.
