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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
Question 28: 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. Ocean plastic is problematic for a number of reasons, but primarily because marine animals eat it.
2. The largest numerical proportion of ocean plastic falls in small size fractions.
3. Aside from clogging up the digestive tracts of marine life, plastic also tends to adsorb pollutants from the water column.
4. Plastic in the oceans is arguably one of the most important and pervasive environmental problems today.
5. Eating plastic has a number of negative consequences such as the retention of plastic particles in the gut for longer periods than normal food particles.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
After reading the sentence-options it should be clear that the resulting coherent passage is supposed to talk about the menace of plastic pollution in the oceans, and how it affects the environment and the animals which ingest it.
Sentence-1 describes why ocean plastic is a problem. Sentence-3 gives further details about how the digestive tracts of marine animals get clogged. Sentence-4 introduces the issue of plastic pollution in oceans. Sentence-5 talks about another negative aspect of ingesting plastic particles ā that it stays in the gut for long periods.
Sentence-2 says that small size fractions form the largest numerical proportion. The only sentence-option which does not contribute to the central idea about the impact of plastic pollution is Sentence-2 as it only talks about the numerical proportion.
Hence, Sentence-2 is the odd one out.
Word-1: Problematic
Context:
"Ocean plastic is problematic for a number of reasons, but primarily because marine animals eat it." - Environmental Awareness Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "problematic" is used to describe something that poses difficulties, creates challenges, or causes concern. In the context of environmental issues, such as ocean plastic pollution, "problematic" highlights the negative impact or harmful consequences associated with the situation. It suggests that the issue is not just a minor nuisance, but something that requires serious attention or resolution.
Meaning: Presenting a problem or difficulty; troublesome (Adjective)
Pronunciation: prob-luh-mat-ik
Difficulty Level: āā Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From French *problƩmatique*, from Late Latin *problemat-, problema*, meaning a problem.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Problematic" is often used in academic, social, and environmental discussions. It helps convey that a situation or action is more than just undesirableāitās challenging and needs thoughtful consideration or a solution. A good way to build depth in writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: troublesome, difficult, challenging, worrisome, concerning
Antonyms: straightforward, easy, unproblematic, clear-cut
Usage Examples:
- The new policy has been criticized as deeply problematic for minority communities.
- Itās problematic to assume everyone has equal access to online education.
- His behavior during the meeting was deemed problematic by the HR team.
- Leaving plastic waste in nature is problematic for ecosystems worldwide.
Cultural Reference:
"The idea that technology alone can solve climate change is problematic." - Common theme in sustainability debates and TED Talks
Think About It:
When do we label something as 'problematic'āand can calling something problematic help spark change?
Quick Activity:
List three real-world issues that you think are problematic. Briefly explain why each one deserves attention.
Memory Tip:
Think of "problem" inside "problematic"āit literally contains the word! If it has a problem, itās problematic.
Real-World Application:
The word "problematic" is useful in discussions involving policy, ethics, environment, or behavior. Whether in academic essays or casual debates, it helps emphasize concern over an issue's complexity.
Word-2: Fractions
Context:
"The largest numerical proportion of ocean plastic falls in small size fractions." - Scientific Report on Marine Pollution
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this context, the word "fractions" refers to smaller parts or portions of a whole. It emphasizes that ocean plastic pollution is not just made up of large debris, but predominantly consists of tiny, broken-down particles. More broadly, "fractions" can mean any small segment or division of something larger, whether in math, science, or general language.
Meaning: Parts or segments of a whole; small portions (Noun)
Pronunciation: frak-shuhns
Difficulty Level: āā Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *fractio*, meaning "a breaking", from *frangere* meaning "to break".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Fractions" is a flexible word: while most students know it from math class (like Ā½ or Ā¾), it is equally useful in science and general discussion when referring to small, distinct portions of a whole.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: segments, portions, parts, slivers, fragments
Antonyms: whole, entirety, total, aggregate
Usage Examples:
- Only small fractions of the budget were allocated to environmental protection.
- The class was divided into fractions for group activities.
- In math, we learned how to add and subtract fractions.
- Tiny fractions of plastic were found in fish sampled from the ocean.
Cultural Reference:
"We are but a fraction of this universe." ā A philosophical reflection often found in space documentaries and poetic writing.
Think About It:
How do we decide when a "fraction" is significant enough to influence the whole?
Quick Activity:
Look around you. Identify three things you can divide into fractions and describe what those parts might represent or mean.
Memory Tip:
Remember that "fract" in "fraction" means "break"āso a fraction is a broken piece or portion of something whole.
Real-World Application:
Understanding "fractions" is crucial not just in math, but also in science, business, and daily lifeāwhenever we discuss parts, proportions, or divided resources.
Word-3: Adsorb
Context:
"Aside from clogging up the digestive tracts of marine life, plastic also tends to adsorb pollutants from the water column." - Environmental Science Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Adsorb" is a scientific term that refers to the process where particles or molecules stick to the surface of a material, rather than being absorbed into it. In environmental contexts, plastic in the ocean can adsorb toxic substancesāmeaning these pollutants cling to the plastic's surface, making it even more dangerous to marine life that ingests it.
Meaning: To gather (a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance) on a surface in a condensed layer (Verb)
Pronunciation: ad-zorb
Difficulty Level: āāā Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *ad-* (toward) + *sorbÄre* (to suck in); related to āabsorbā but specifically refers to surface adhesion.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Donāt confuse āadsorbā with āabsorbā! While āabsorbā involves soaking into the whole volume (like a sponge), āadsorbā means sticking on the surface. This distinction is crucial in science and environment-related topics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cling, adhere, stick, accumulate (on the surface)
Antonyms: desorb, repel, release
Usage Examples:
- Activated charcoal can adsorb toxins in cases of poisoning.
- Certain materials are designed to adsorb gases in air filters.
- Microplastics in oceans often adsorb hazardous chemicals, making them even more toxic.
- Clay particles adsorb nutrients from the soil, helping plant growth.
Cultural Reference:
"The walls have earsāand sometimes, they adsorb secrets." ā A poetic twist used in environmental art exhibitions showing polluted surfaces absorbing history.
Think About It:
If invisible pollutants can adsorb onto everyday materials, how does that change the way we view cleanliness and safety in our environment?
Quick Activity:
Look up two materials used in water purification. Note how one of them uses adsorption and write a sentence about it using the word āadsorb.ā
Memory Tip:
**AD**sorb starts with āADā like āaddāāthink of it as *adding molecules to the surface*, not absorbing inside.
Real-World Application:
In environmental science, adsorption is key to filtering toxins from water and air. In everyday use, materials like activated carbon adsorb odors, chemicals, and gases in purifiers and even face masks.
Word-4: Pervasive
Context:
"Plastic in the oceans is arguably one of the most important and pervasive environmental problems today." - Global Environment Outlook
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "pervasive" refers to something that is widespread or present throughout an area or group, often in a negative or concerning way. When we describe plastic pollution as "pervasive," we mean that it has spread to nearly every part of the ocean and affects a wide range of marine ecosystems. It's not limited to one spotāit's everywhere, making the problem deeply entrenched and hard to escape.
Meaning: Spreading widely throughout an area or a group, often in a harmful or noticeable way (Adjective)
Pronunciation: per-vay-siv
Difficulty Level: āāā Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *pervasus*, past participle of *pervadere*, meaning "to go through, to spread through."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
āPervasiveā is a powerful adjective for writing and discussion. Itās great for describing invisible or hard-to-escape issuesālike bias, pollution, fear, or technology. It adds depth and seriousness to your sentence.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: widespread, omnipresent, universal, prevalent, all-encompassing
Antonyms: rare, limited, isolated, uncommon, occasional
Usage Examples:
- The influence of technology is so pervasive that it's part of nearly every aspect of modern life.
- Pervasive corruption in the system has led to public distrust.
- Fear was pervasive in the town after the natural disaster.
- Microplastics have become a pervasive issue in marine environments.
Cultural Reference:
"Surveillance has become so pervasive, itās like the wallpaper of our lives." ā Edward Snowden, in various interviews about privacy in the digital age.
Think About It:
What happens to society when a negative force becomes so pervasive that people stop noticing it?
Quick Activity:
Write three short sentences using āpervasiveā to describe a different issue (social, environmental, or psychological). Share with a peer and compare!
Memory Tip:
Think of āpervasiveā as something that āpervadesā or spreads everywhereālike perfume in a room or rumors in a school.
Real-World Application:
āPervasiveā is useful when discussing societal problems such as racism, misinformation, or addiction. It helps capture how deeply and widely an issue affects a community or system.
Word-5: Retention
Context:
"Eating plastic has a number of negative consequences such as the retention of plastic particles in the gut for longer periods than normal food particles." - Marine Biology Research Study
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Retention" refers to the act of keeping or holding something in place, especially for a prolonged time. In scientific or medical contexts, it often describes how substances remain in a system or environment. In this sentence, it highlights the concern that plastic particles remain inside marine animals' bodies far longer than natural food, which can cause internal damage or blockages.
Meaning: The act of retaining or keeping something, especially over time (Noun)
Pronunciation: ree-ten-shuhn
Difficulty Level: āā Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *retentionem*, from *retinere* meaning "to hold back, keep in place".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
āRetentionā is a very versatile academic and scientific word. Whether it's about memory, moisture, or particles in the body, it always implies that something is being held or not released easily.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: holding, keeping, preservation, containment
Antonyms: release, loss, discharge, removal
Usage Examples:
- Employee retention is a major concern for large companies.
- Good sleep supports better retention of information learned during the day.
- Water retention in the body can lead to swelling and discomfort.
- Plastic ingestion by fish leads to longer retention of harmful particles in their digestive systems.
Cultural Reference:
"Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practiceāand retention is key to that." ā Often echoed in education and productivity literature.
Think About It:
Why do you think retention is importantānot just physically, but also in learning, memory, and relationships?
Quick Activity:
Think of three situationsāone from biology, one from school, and one from daily lifeāwhere retention plays an important role. Write a sentence for each using the word "retention."
Memory Tip:
Remember: "Retention" sounds like āretaināāand if you retain something, you keep or hold onto it!
Real-World Application:
"Retention" is widely used in professional, medical, and academic contexts. From employee retention in HR, to fluid retention in health, to memory retention in educationāit is a key word to describe ongoing presence or holding capacity.
