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Para-jumble Sentences
Question 24. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4) below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your Answer:
1. Tensions and sometimes conflict remain an issue in and between the 11 states in South East Asia (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam).
2. Chinaâs rise as a regional military power and its claims in the South China Sea have become an increasingly pressing security concern for many South East Asian states.
3. Since the 1990s, the security environment of South East Asia has seen both continuity and profound changes.
4. These concerns cause states from outside the region to take an active interest in South East Asian security.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 3124
The central theme of the narrative is introduced through Statement (3), which highlights the enduring security concerns that have plagued the South-East Asian region. This statement serves as a primer, making it clear that from the 1990s to the present day, the security landscape in this particular geographical area has undergone significant shifts and remains a subject of concern.
Following this, Statement (1) elaborates on the regional specifics, mentioning the countries that make up South-East Asia. It also notes the prevailing atmosphere of tension and conflict that characterizes the region, offering a nuanced look at the transition from the 1990s into the current volatile state of affairs.
Building upon these introductory statements, Statement (2) furthers the discussion by singling out China as an emergent security concern for the countries within the region. This provides a tangible example of the kind of issues contributing to the regional instability, making the discussion more concrete.
Finally, Statement (4) acts as a concluding remark, pointing out that the ongoing instability within the region has not only internal implications but also draws the attention of external entities who become involved due to the persisting tension.
Thus, when arranged in the sequence of (3)-(1)-(2)-(4), the statements form a coherent and logical narrative that fully encapsulates the complexities and nuances of the continuing security concerns in South-East Asia.
Word-1: Conflict
Context:
"Tensions and sometimes conflict remain an issue in and between the 11 states in South East Asia (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, [...])." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âConflictâ refers to a serious disagreement or struggle between two or more parties. This can range from personal disputes to larger-scale tensions such as political, ethnic, or territorial clashes. In this context, the term highlights ongoing tensionsâsometimes escalating into open **conflict**âwithin and between countries in Southeast Asia. Such conflicts may stem from historical disputes, religious or ethnic divisions, resource competition, or geopolitical rivalries.
Meaning: A serious disagreement, struggle, or clash, especially a prolonged one (Noun)
Pronunciation: KON-flikt (noun) / kuhn-FLIKT (verb)
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *conflictus* meaning âa striking together,â from *con-* (together) + *fligere* (to strike).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âConflictâ is a central term in political science, literature, history, and even psychology. In essays, remember to specify whether you're talking about internal conflict (within a person or country) or external (between groups or states). It's a versatile and critical academic term.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dispute, clash, struggle, tension, confrontation
Antonyms: harmony, peace, agreement, cooperation, accord
Usage Examples:
- The border conflict between the two nations lasted for decades.
- Internal conflict often affects a leaderâs ability to make decisions.
- Efforts are underway to resolve long-standing ethnic conflicts in the region.
- Conflict between economic development and environmental protection is a common issue in policymaking.
Cultural Reference:
PostâWorld War II, Southeast Asia has seen multiple conflictsâfrom the Vietnam War to territorial disputes in the South China Seaâmaking âconflictâ a key term in regional geopolitical studies.
Think About It:
What are the root causes of conflict between nations, and can genuine peace be achieved without addressing those underlying issues?
Quick Activity:
List two real-world conflictsâone internal (within a country) and one external (between countries). Briefly explain the main issue at stake in each.
Memory Tip:
âConflictâ contains âcon-â (together) and âflictâ (strike) â think of two sides **striking together**, symbolizing a fight or disagreement.
Real-World Application:
The concept of conflict is crucial in diplomacy, literature analysis, military strategy, and workplace negotiationâunderstanding it helps manage and resolve differences effectively.
Word-2: Pressing
Context:
"Chinaâs rise as a regional military power and its claims in the South China Sea have become an increasingly pressing security..." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âPressingâ refers to something that requires immediate attention or action due to its urgency or importance. It is often used in the context of problems, challenges, or needs. In this context, China's growing military influence and territorial claims are described as a **pressing** security concernâmeaning it's a situation that regional and global leaders cannot afford to ignore, as it has the potential to escalate or destabilize the region.
Meaning: Urgent or requiring immediate attention due to importance or seriousness (Adjective)
Pronunciation: PRES-ing
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From the verb âpress,â which comes from Latin *premere* meaning âto press or push,â implying something that applies pressure or demands quick action.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âPressingâ is a strong yet subtle word thatâs perfect for academic and policy writing. Use it when describing issues that are not just importantâbut time-sensitive. Phrases like âpressing need,â âpressing issue,â and âpressing concernâ are common and powerful.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: urgent, critical, immediate, compelling, serious
Antonyms: minor, trivial, unimportant, non-urgent
Usage Examples:
- Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
- The committee addressed the most pressing concerns before moving on to less urgent matters.
- There is a pressing need for diplomatic solutions in the South China Sea.
- Healthcare reform has become a pressing issue for the administration.
Cultural Reference:
The phrase **"pressing issue"** is frequently used in political discourse and international diplomacy to highlight matters that demand swift policy responsesâsuch as territorial disputes, refugee crises, or pandemics.
Think About It:
What makes an issue "pressing"? Is it its potential impact, its timing, or how the media and leadership perceive it?
Quick Activity:
List three pressing global issues today. For each, write one sentence explaining why it demands immediate action.
Memory Tip:
Think of âpressingâ like something **pressing down** on youâcreating pressure that demands quick response.
Real-World Application:
âPressingâ is commonly used in news, policymaking, public health, and education to describe problems that are urgent and cannot be postponed without serious consequences.
Word-3: Security
Context:
"Chinaâs rise as a regional military power and its claims in the South China Sea have become an increasingly pressing security..." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âSecurityâ refers to the condition of being protected from danger, threat, or harm. It can apply to individuals, nations, systems, or information. In this context, the word highlights regional and geopolitical concerns related to China's military rise and its territorial claimsâissues that are seen as threatening the stability and **security** of neighboring countries and the broader international order in the South China Sea.
Meaning: The state of being safe, protected, or free from danger or threat (Noun)
Pronunciation: si-KYOO-ri-tee
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *securitas* (freedom from care), from *se-* (without) + *cura* (care or concern).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âSecurityâ is a foundational term in international relations, politics, and everyday life. It ranges from **national security** to **cybersecurity** to **job security**. In academic writing, always define the **type** of security youâre discussingâphysical, economic, informational, etc.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: safety, protection, defense, stability, safeguard
Antonyms: danger, threat, risk, vulnerability, insecurity
Usage Examples:
- The government is investing heavily in border security systems.
- Regional security has become a growing concern due to territorial disputes.
- The new software aims to improve cybersecurity for online users.
- China's naval expansion is seen as a potential threat to maritime security in Southeast Asia.
Cultural Reference:
After 9/11, **security** became a dominant concern worldwide, leading to the creation of new policies, agencies (like Homeland Security), and technologies focused on preventing future threatsâshaping global diplomacy and civil liberties.
Think About It:
Is it possible to achieve security without compromising freedom? Where should the balance lie between protection and personal rights?
Quick Activity:
List three types of security (e.g., personal, national, digital). Describe a real-world situation where each is important.
Memory Tip:
âSecurityâ = âsafe + sureâ â When something is secure, youâre sure itâs safe and protected.
Real-World Application:
âSecurityâ is central in discussions about global politics, technology, healthcare, finance, and personal well-being. Whether you're protecting data, borders, or people, understanding this concept is key to effective risk management and policy development.
Word-4: Environment
Context:
"Since the 1990s, the security environment of South East Asia has seen both continuity and profound changes." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âEnvironmentâ typically refers to the surroundings or conditions in which someone or something exists. While it's often associated with nature, in political or security contexts, it refers to the overall conditionsâsocial, political, or strategicâthat influence actions and decisions. Here, the **security environment** of Southeast Asia means the broader setting that includes alliances, threats, military capacities, and geopolitical dynamics that affect peace and stability in the region.
Meaning: The surrounding conditions or context affecting people, systems, or events (Noun)
Pronunciation: en-VY-ruhn-ment
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: From French *environner*, meaning âto surround,â from *environ* (around), originally referring to oneâs physical surroundings and later expanding to abstract settings.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âEnvironmentâ isnât just about ecology. In academic and political texts, it often means the **context**âthe landscape of ideas, risks, and influences. So when you read âsecurity environment,â think of it as the strategic climate a country or region operates within.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: setting, context, surroundings, climate, atmosphere
Antonyms: core (in some contexts), isolation, disconnection (context-dependent)
Usage Examples:
- The business environment has changed dramatically due to new technologies.
- The security environment in Southeast Asia is shaped by territorial disputes and shifting alliances.
- Children thrive best in a nurturing and safe environment.
- Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our global environment.
Cultural Reference:
The term âstrategic environmentâ is widely used in international relations and military studies to describe the broader conditions that influence national defense and foreign policy decisions.
Think About It:
How does understanding the political or security environment help in making better diplomatic or strategic decisions?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one describing a natural environment and one describing a political or social environment. Compare the difference in usage.
Memory Tip:
Think of âenvironmentâ as everything that **envelops** or **surrounds** youâphysically, socially, politically, or emotionally.
Real-World Application:
Understanding different types of environmentsâeconomic, digital, political, or naturalâis essential for decision-making in business, governance, education, and sustainability efforts.
Word-5: Profound
Context:
"Since the 1990s, the security environment of South East Asia has seen both continuity and profound changes." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âProfoundâ describes something that is very great or intense in effect, meaning, or importance. It often implies depthâwhether emotional, intellectual, or structural. In the given context, the word refers to major, far-reaching changes in Southeast Asiaâs security environment. These changes are not just surface-level adjustments but significant shifts that have deeply impacted the regionâs stability, diplomacy, and strategic outlook.
Meaning: Deep, intense, or far-reaching in impact or meaning (Adjective)
Pronunciation: pro-FOUND
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *profundus* meaning âdeepâ (pro = forward + fundus = bottom), originally referring to physical depth and later extended to emotional or conceptual depth.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful word often used in analytical writing. Use it to describe ideas, emotions, or events that have depth and lasting importance. Itâs great for essays where youâre explaining significant change, meaning, or insight.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deep, intense, meaningful, far-reaching, serious
Antonyms: superficial, shallow, trivial, mild, insignificant
Usage Examples:
- The reforms brought about profound changes in the education system.
- His speech had a profound impact on the audience.
- The discovery raised profound questions about the nature of the universe.
- There have been profound shifts in regional power dynamics over the past two decades.
Cultural Reference:
âProfoundâ is often used in philosophy and literature to describe ideas or experiences that challenge perception and alter worldviewâlike Nietzscheâs or Tagoreâs writings, which provoke deep contemplation.
Think About It:
What types of change do you consider âprofound,â and how do you distinguish them from surface-level or temporary changes?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence about a profound personal experience or a profound historical event. What made it so impactful?
Memory Tip:
Think of âprofoundâ as something that goes to the **bottom** or **foundation** of thingsâjust like its Latin root âfundusâ (bottom).
Real-World Application:
Use âprofoundâ in academic writing, analysis, and speeches to highlight deep or transformational shiftsâbe it in politics, science, psychology, or personal growth.
