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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. A particularly interesting example of inference occurs in many single panel comics.
2. It’s the creator’s participation and imagination that makes the single-panel comic so engaging and so rewarding.
3. Often, the humor requires you to imagine what happened in the instant immediately before or immediately after the panel you’re being shown.
4. To get the joke, you actually have to figure out what some of these missing panels must be.
5. It is as though the cartoonist devised a series of panels to tell the story and has chosen to show you only one – and typically not even the funniest.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
We can gather from the sentence-options that the resulting paragraph should talk about how to recognize humour in single-panel comics. Let us review the options one-by-one…
Sentence-1 introduces the idea of an “interesting example of inference” to the reader.
Sentence-3 tells the reader how he needs to imagine, so that he can understand the humour.
Sentence-4 further explains that to get the joke the reader has to figure out the missing panels.
Sentence-5 still further ponders on how the cartoonist designed a series of panels, and showed the reader only one panel.
Thus, Sentences 1, 3, 4, and 5 describe the inference that the reader has to make in order to figure out the humour in a certain set of single-panel comics.
Sentence-2 however discusses what makes them engaging and rewarding. As it does not contain any of the steps in the actual process of inference, we can safely rule this out.
Hence, Sentence-2 is the odd one out.
Word-1: Inference
Context:
"A particularly interesting example of inference occurs in many single panel comics." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Inference” is the mental process of drawing a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. It allows us to read between the lines and make sense of things that are implied but not directly stated. In the sentence above, it suggests that single panel comics often require the reader to infer meaning or context from limited visual and textual cues — making them an engaging exercise in interpretation.
Meaning: A conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning (Noun)
Pronunciation: IN-fuhr-uhns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *inferre*, meaning “to bring in” — *in-* (into) + *ferre* (to carry). Literally, "a bringing in of a conclusion."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Inference is a key concept in reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and even humor. Comics, satire, poetry, and detective fiction all often rely on the reader making inferences. Strong inference skills are essential for critical thinking and academic success.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deduction, conclusion, interpretation, assumption
Antonyms: observation, statement, declaration, fact
Usage Examples:
- Based on the muddy footprints, her inference was that someone had walked in during the storm.
- The detective made an inference from the scattered clues at the crime scene.
- Good readers make inferences to understand what the author doesn’t say directly.
- Her inference from his silence was that he disagreed.
Cultural Reference:
In Sherlock Holmes stories, the protagonist uses sharp inferences to solve crimes — often impressing others by deducing a person’s past or intentions from subtle observations.
Think About It:
How often do we make inferences in daily life without realizing it? What are the risks of inferring incorrectly based on limited information?
Quick Activity:
Look at a comic or a single image without text. Write down two inferences you can make about what’s happening or what just happened.
Memory Tip:
Think: “INFER = INFER-ence” — we 'carry in' meaning based on clues, not direct statements. It's like solving a little mystery!
Real-World Application:
Inference is crucial in reading comprehension exams, everyday communication, critical thinking, data analysis, and even humor interpretation — especially in advertising, law, and literature.
Word-2: Engaging
Context:
"It’s the creator’s participation and imagination that makes the single-panel comic so engaging and so rewarding." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Engaging” refers to something that attracts and holds attention, often by being interesting, entertaining, or emotionally appealing. In the sentence above, the word emphasizes how the creativity and thoughtfulness of the comic’s creator capture the audience’s interest. An “engaging” piece of content is one that makes the viewer or reader want to keep watching, reading, or thinking about it.
Meaning: Charming, interesting, or able to hold someone’s attention (Adjective)
Pronunciation: en-GAY-jing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *engagier* meaning “to pledge or bind,” later evolving in English to mean “to occupy or attract attention.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “engaging” to describe content, personalities, conversations, or performances that captivate interest. It’s one of those versatile words that fits both academic and creative settings, especially when discussing how something connects with its audience.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: captivating, interesting, compelling, absorbing
Antonyms: boring, dull, tedious, disengaging
Usage Examples:
- The speaker delivered an engaging lecture that kept everyone listening attentively.
- Her storytelling style is highly engaging and relatable.
- The game’s design is simple but incredibly engaging.
- The documentary was engaging from start to finish.
Cultural Reference:
TED Talks are widely known for their engaging speakers who simplify complex ideas while keeping audiences inspired and attentive.
Think About It:
What makes something engaging — the content itself, the way it’s delivered, or the connection it creates with the audience?
Quick Activity:
List three things (books, shows, lectures, or people) you’ve found engaging. Identify what specifically kept your attention — was it the story, tone, visuals, or emotion?
Memory Tip:
Think “engaging” = you want to get *engaged* with it — your attention is locked in because it’s that good!
Real-World Application:
Used frequently in education, entertainment, UX design, marketing, and communication to describe experiences, products, or content that attract and retain user or audience interest.
Word-3: Rewarding
Context:
"It’s the creator’s participation and imagination that makes the single-panel comic so engaging and so rewarding." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Rewarding” describes something that provides satisfaction, pleasure, or a sense of achievement, especially after effort or involvement. In the sentence above, the word reflects how the creative process or experience of reading a comic offers emotional or intellectual satisfaction to both the creator and the reader. It suggests that the result is worth the time and effort put into it.
Meaning: Giving satisfaction, pleasure, or a sense of accomplishment (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ri-WAWR-ding
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the verb *reward*, which comes from Old North French *rewarder* meaning “to regard, take notice of” — later meaning “to give compensation or praise.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Rewarding” is often used to describe jobs, experiences, relationships, or hobbies that offer personal growth, joy, or fulfillment. It is emotionally positive and adds value to the outcome of any effort or investment.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: fulfilling, satisfying, enriching, gratifying
Antonyms: disappointing, frustrating, unfulfilling, draining
Usage Examples:
- Volunteering at the shelter was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
- Teaching can be a challenging but deeply rewarding profession.
- The hike to the summit was tiring but incredibly rewarding.
- Creating art is a personally rewarding process for many people.
Cultural Reference:
Many biographies and TED Talks highlight how pursuing meaningful goals, even through hardship, leads to the most rewarding outcomes — a key theme in motivational storytelling.
Think About It:
What makes an activity or experience feel rewarding — is it the result, the process, or both? Can something be rewarding even if it’s not fun?
Quick Activity:
List three activities you’ve found rewarding in the past year. What made them feel that way — effort, recognition, impact, or something else?
Memory Tip:
“Rewarding” comes from “reward” — think of it as an internal or external prize for your time, effort, or passion.
Real-World Application:
Used to describe jobs, relationships, creative work, and learning experiences that provide value or satisfaction. Often appears in career advice, education, and mental wellness discussions.
Word-4: Devised
Context:
"It is as though the cartoonist devised a series of panels to tell the story and has chosen to show you only one – and typically not even the funniest." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Devised” means to plan or invent something carefully and creatively. It often implies a thoughtful or imaginative approach to solving a problem or presenting an idea. In the context above, the word describes how the cartoonist mentally constructs a larger story or sequence but chooses to present just one carefully selected part of it. This implies skill and intentionality in the act of creation, emphasizing the thought that goes into even a single panel of a comic strip.
Meaning: Planned or invented by careful thought; formulated or designed (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: dih-VYZD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *deviser*, meaning “to divide, distribute, plan,” from Latin *divisare*, based on *dividere* (to divide or arrange).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Devised” is a great word for writing about creative, strategic, or problem-solving actions. Whether someone devised a plan, method, or machine, the word implies intelligence and purpose behind the action. It’s especially useful in academic writing, storytelling, and innovation-related discussions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: invented, created, formulated, designed, planned
Antonyms: destroyed, ignored, neglected, overlooked
Usage Examples:
- The team devised a clever marketing strategy to launch the new product.
- She devised a system to organize her research notes more effectively.
- The puzzle was carefully devised to challenge even experienced solvers.
- He devised a creative solution to a common classroom problem.
Cultural Reference:
In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often devise intricate plots — such as in *Hamlet* or *Othello* — where schemes and strategies drive the action and outcome of the story.
Think About It:
Is devising more about creativity or problem-solving? Can something be well-devised but ethically questionable?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence beginning with “She devised a way to…” and finish it using your own idea. Try to make it imaginative and specific.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Devise = Device” — both involve design and invention. When you *devise* something, you’re mentally building a plan or idea like a mental gadget.
Real-World Application:
Common in professional, academic, and creative contexts where planning and innovation are involved — such as writing proposals, designing experiments, or crafting stories.
Word-5: Typically
Context:
"It is as though the cartoonist devised a series of panels to tell the story and has chosen to show you only one – and typically not even the funniest." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Typically” is used to describe what usually happens or is expected in most situations. It suggests that something is characteristic or common in behavior, outcome, or appearance. In the sentence above, the word emphasizes that it’s common for cartoonists to select a panel that might not even be the punchline or funniest moment — because the reader is expected to infer the rest. This highlights how expectations and conventions play a role in understanding art or communication.
Meaning: In most cases; usually; in a way that is characteristic of a person, thing, or situation (Adverb)
Pronunciation: TIP-ih-kuh-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From *typical* (from Greek *tupikos*, meaning “symbolic”) + *-ly*, forming an adverb to describe usual behavior or pattern.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Typically” is a very useful adverb in writing, especially for generalizations or when making comparisons. It helps set expectations or frame the norm before pointing out exceptions or variations.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: usually, generally, commonly, ordinarily
Antonyms: rarely, unusually, exceptionally, seldom
Usage Examples:
- He typically arrives at the office by 9 a.m.
- Summer in this region typically brings high humidity and afternoon storms.
- Students typically struggle with this chapter if they haven’t practiced enough.
- The artist typically uses bold colors in her work.
Cultural Reference:
In comedy, setups are typically followed by punchlines — but modern formats like single-panel cartoons often disrupt this expectation to create surprise or satire.
Think About It:
How do our “typical” expectations shape the way we interpret behavior, stories, or art? What happens when something breaks that pattern?
Quick Activity:
Write three sentences starting with “Typically, I…” — then rewrite one of them to describe an exception. What changes in tone or meaning?
Memory Tip:
“Typically” comes from “typical” — just remember it signals what’s *usual*, not what’s surprising or unique.
Real-World Application:
Commonly used in everyday speech, essays, research papers, and journalism to describe patterns, norms, or expected outcomes in behavior, trends, or data.
