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Para-jumble Sentences
Question 32: 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. Living things—animals and plants—typically exhibit correlational structure.
2. Adaptive behaviour depends on cognitive economy, treating objects as equivalent.
3. The information we receive from our senses, from the world, typically has structure and order, and is not arbitrary.
4. To categorize an object means to consider it equivalent to other things in that category, and different—along some salient dimension—from things that are not.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2431
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
After going through all the sentences we can gather the following: The adaptive behaviour of animals and plants depends on cognitive economy, which leads them to compare and categorize objects according to structure and order.
Sentence-2 introduces the topic of adaptive behavior and states that it depends on cognitive economy, so it will begin the paragraph. The idea of treating objects as equivalent leads to categorizing them, and this process of comparison and differentiating has been described in Sentence-4. So, sentences 2 and 4 form a ‘set’.
Sentence-3 transitions into explaining that the information processed by our senses has structure and order.
Sentence-1 concludes the paragraph by highlighting how living things, both animals and plants, are equivalent to each other by exhibiting correlational structure.
Hence, the correct sequence is 2431.
Word-1: Correlational
Context:
"Living things—animals and plants—typically exhibit correlational structure." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Correlational” refers to a relationship or connection between two or more things where changes in one are associated with changes in another. It does not imply direct cause-and-effect, but rather a tendency for things to vary together in a consistent pattern. In the context of biology, a “correlational structure” means that various features or traits in living organisms are related — such as limb size correlating with function or behavior. It highlights the interconnectedness of parts in a system.
Meaning: Relating to or involving mutual relationships or connections between variables (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kor-uh-LAY-shuh-nuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate-Advanced
Etymology: Derived from “correlation,” which comes from Latin *cor-* (“together”) and *relatio* (“bringing back, relation”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Correlational” is a key term in research, especially in statistics, psychology, and science. Remember: correlation is not causation. Use this word when you want to show connection, not cause. It’s useful in both academic and scientific writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: connected, related, linked, associated
Antonyms: unrelated, independent, disconnected, unlinked
Usage Examples:
- The study found a correlational link between screen time and sleep quality.
- Correlational data suggests a relationship but doesn’t confirm a cause.
- In nature, structure and function often display correlational patterns.
- Psychologists often begin with correlational studies before designing experiments.
Cultural Reference:
“Correlation does not imply causation” is a fundamental principle in scientific thinking — often illustrated with humorous charts like the infamous one linking ice cream sales and shark attacks.
Think About It:
Why do people often mistake correlation for causation? What risks can this confusion lead to in science or society?
Quick Activity:
Think of two things you believe are correlated (e.g., exercise and mood). Write one sentence showing the correlation and note whether it's causal or not.
Memory Tip:
“Correlational” comes from “correlation” — imagine two things that “co-relate” or move together in some way, like a pair of dancers.
Real-World Application:
Widely used in academic writing, especially in fields like psychology, biology, economics, and data science, where relationships between variables are studied to draw insights.
Word-2: Adaptive
Context:
"Adaptive behaviour depends on cognitive economy, treating objects as equivalent." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Adaptive” describes the ability to adjust or change in response to new conditions, challenges, or environments. It implies flexibility and responsiveness, especially in behavior or design. In the context above, “adaptive behaviour” refers to how organisms or people adjust their actions based on efficient thinking strategies — such as recognizing patterns or treating similar objects as equivalent — to function effectively without overwhelming cognitive effort.
Meaning: Able to change or adjust in response to new conditions or environments (Adjective)
Pronunciation: uh-DAP-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *adaptare*, meaning “to fit to” or “to adjust.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Adaptive” is often used in scientific, psychological, and educational contexts. It signals intelligence and flexibility — the ability to survive and thrive by adjusting behavior or structure. It’s also a key term in evolution and modern AI development.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: flexible, adjustable, responsive, versatile
Antonyms: rigid, inflexible, unyielding, static
Usage Examples:
- Humans are highly adaptive creatures, able to live in extreme climates.
- Her adaptive approach to teaching allows her to meet each student’s needs.
- The software has an adaptive interface that learns from user behavior.
- Evolution favors species that develop adaptive traits for survival.
Cultural Reference:
Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection emphasizes adaptive traits — characteristics that increase an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction in a given environment.
Think About It:
Is being adaptive always positive? Can too much adaptability lead to loss of identity or values in a rapidly changing world?
Quick Activity:
List three situations where you've had to be adaptive in your own life. What helped you adjust successfully?
Memory Tip:
Think of “adaptive” as “add + active” — adding activity or change to match a new situation!
Real-World Application:
Used in fields like education, business, AI, biology, and psychology to describe systems, behaviors, or technologies that adjust effectively to new challenges or environments.
Word-3: Cognitive
Context:
"Adaptive behaviour depends on cognitive economy, treating objects as equivalent." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Cognitive” relates to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding, including thinking, reasoning, remembering, learning, and decision-making. In the context above, “cognitive economy” refers to how the mind manages information efficiently — simplifying or grouping things to save mental energy. The term “cognitive” helps us talk about how the brain works in both scientific and everyday contexts.
Meaning: Related to mental processes such as perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning (Adjective)
Pronunciation: KOG-ni-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate-Advanced
Etymology: From Latin *cognoscere*, meaning “to get to know” or “to recognize.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word frequently appears in academic, psychological, and educational discussions. Pair it with terms like “cognitive development,” “cognitive bias,” or “cognitive skills” to understand how thinking patterns influence behavior and learning.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mental, intellectual, psychological, perceptual
Antonyms: emotional, instinctive, physical, automatic
Usage Examples:
- Children develop their cognitive abilities rapidly during early childhood.
- Cognitive training can help improve memory and focus.
- The experiment tested participants’ cognitive responses to different stimuli.
- Reading stimulates a wide range of cognitive processes in the brain.
Cultural Reference:
Jean Piaget, a pioneer in developmental psychology, introduced key stages of cognitive development in children, shaping how we understand learning and intelligence.
Think About It:
How do cognitive processes shape the way we view the world? Can understanding our own cognition help us make better decisions?
Quick Activity:
Write down three cognitive tasks you do every day without thinking (e.g., recognizing faces, solving problems, making plans). Reflect on how you developed those abilities.
Memory Tip:
“Cognitive” comes from “cognition” — think “Cog” like “gear” in your mind — your mental gears turning as you think and process information.
Real-World Application:
Used in psychology, neuroscience, education, and AI to discuss how the mind processes information. Also important in areas like learning, memory, decision-making, and mental health.
Word-4: Arbitrary
Context:
"The information we receive from our senses, from the world, typically has structure and order, and is not arbitrary." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Arbitrary” refers to something that is based on random choice, personal whim, or lacks a clear reason or system. It contrasts with things that are logical, consistent, or structured. In the context above, the sentence highlights that sensory information from the world around us is usually orderly and patterned — not random or meaningless. Understanding the term “arbitrary” helps identify when decisions or events are not grounded in logic or fairness.
Meaning: Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system (Adjective)
Pronunciation: AR-bih-trair-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *arbitrarius*, meaning “depending on the will or judgment of someone,” from *arbiter*, “judge or ruler.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “arbitrary” to describe decisions or actions that seem unfair, unplanned, or unsupported by reason. It is often used critically in legal, social, or organizational contexts — especially when questioning authority or process.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: random, capricious, unpredictable, subjective
Antonyms: logical, rational, consistent, reasoned
Usage Examples:
- The judge’s ruling seemed arbitrary and lacked a clear explanation.
- We shouldn’t make arbitrary changes without consulting the team.
- The division of land appeared arbitrary and unfair to the villagers.
- In science, data must follow patterns — it cannot be arbitrary.
Cultural Reference:
In George Orwell’s *1984*, the government exercises arbitrary power, changing facts and laws at will — a chilling example of how arbitrary decisions can oppress societies.
Think About It:
What happens when decisions in law, education, or leadership become arbitrary? Can fairness exist without consistent standards?
Quick Activity:
Write two short scenarios: one where a rule is applied logically, and one where the same rule is applied arbitrarily. Compare how each feels to those involved.
Memory Tip:
Think “arbitrary” = “an archer shooting arrows randomly” — no aim, no reason, just whimsy.
Real-World Application:
Frequently used in legal, political, and academic discussions to challenge unfair or unsupported decisions, policies, or outcomes.
Word-5: Salient
Context:
"To categorize an object means to consider it equivalent to other things in that category, and different—along some salient dimension—from things that are not." - Contextual Usage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Salient” refers to something that stands out as especially noticeable, important, or prominent. In the context above, a “salient dimension” is a key feature or characteristic that makes one object noticeably different from others. It could be color, size, shape, or function — whatever makes the object distinct enough to not belong to the same category. Understanding what is salient is central to how we organize information and make sense of the world.
Meaning: Most noticeable or important; standing out (Adjective)
Pronunciation: SAY-lee-uhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate-Advanced
Etymology: From Latin *salire*, meaning “to leap,” originally used in heraldry to describe parts of designs that seem to jump out or protrude.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Salient” is a great word for essays and formal writing when pointing out key features, ideas, or distinctions. It helps sharpen arguments by drawing attention to what's truly significant, instead of just listing details.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: prominent, striking, noticeable, significant
Antonyms: obscure, unremarkable, minor, inconspicuous
Usage Examples:
- The most salient point in his argument was the need for educational reform.
- The design’s salient feature is its user-friendly interface.
- Race and gender are often salient factors in sociological studies.
- She remembered the most salient details of the conversation.
Cultural Reference:
In psychology, “salience” refers to the degree to which something grabs our attention. For instance, marketing often highlights salient product features to increase sales impact.
Think About It:
How do we decide what’s salient in a situation? Is it based on objective importance, or can it be influenced by personal biases or context?
Quick Activity:
Pick any object near you (e.g., a phone, book, pen) and list 2–3 salient features that make it different from similar items. What stands out?
Memory Tip:
Think “salient = sails in the wind” — they stick out and catch your eye. What’s salient stands out clearly.
Real-World Application:
Widely used in academic writing, psychology, design, and communication to highlight what’s important or attention-grabbing in a subject, message, or design element.
