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Question 23: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
The dominant hypotheses in modern science believe that language evolved to allow humans to exchange factual information about the physical world. But an alternative view is that language evolved, in modern humans at least, to facilitate social bonding. It increased our ancestorsâ chances of survival by enabling them to hunt more successfully or to cooperate more extensively. Language meant that things could be explained and that plans and past experiences could be shared efficiently.
1. Since its origin, language has been continuously evolving to higher forms, from being used to identify objects to ensuring human survival by enabling our ancestors to bond and cooperate.
2. From the belief that humans invented language to process factual information, scholars now think that language was the outcome of the need to ensure social cohesion and thus human survival.
3. Most believe that language originated from a need to articulate facts, but others think it emerged from the need to promote social cohesion and cooperation, thus enabling human survival.
4. Experts are challenging the narrow view of the origin of language, as being merely used to describe facts and label objects, to being necessary to promote more complex interactions among humans.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 3
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The passage explores two major theories regarding the origin of language. The first theory posits that language evolved primarily as a means to convey factual information. The second theory offers a contrasting viewpoint, suggesting that the core function of language was to facilitate social bonding and, by extension, to ensure the survival of human communities. It's crucial for a summary to encapsulate both of these central arguments, and Option 3 accomplishes this effectively without distorting the essence of the discussion.
When we consider Option 1, it becomes clear that it does not serve as a suitable summary because it shifts the focus towards the evolution of language to "higher forms," which is not the core concern of the passage. The primary focus is on the differing viewpoints regarding why language originated, not how it has evolved.
Similarly, Option 2 might appear to capture both theories at first glance; however, upon closer inspection, it introduces a misleading element. Specifically, the phrasing suggests that there has been a shift from one viewpoint to another among scholars over time ("from the belief ... to ... scholars now"). This implies a chronological evolution in thought, which the original passage does not indicate. Both viewpoints are presented as contemporaneously held beliefs, without suggesting that one has superseded the other.
Option 4 also falls short of providing an accurate summary. It incorrectly suggests that experts are "challenging" certain views. The original passage doesn't frame the discussion as a conflict or a challenge; rather, it aims to present two prevalent, co-existing theories about the origin of language.
Therefore, in light of the above considerations, Option 3 emerges as the most accurate summary that captures the core viewpoints discussed in the passage without any distortion. Hence, Option 3 is the correct answer.
Word 1: Hypotheses
Context:
"The dominant hypotheses in modern science believe that language evolved to allow humans to exchange factual information about the physical world." - Evolutionary Linguistics Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Hypotheses" are proposed explanations for a phenomenon, made based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. In science, a hypothesis is not a guess but a reasoned assumption that can be tested through experiments or observation. In the given context, different scientific hypotheses attempt to explain the origin and purpose of language. The word is the plural of "hypothesis," and itâs often used when comparing multiple competing theories or ideas in academic and scientific discussions.
Meaning: Proposed explanations made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further study (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: hy-POTH-uh-seez
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *hypo-* (under) + *thesis* (placing, proposition) â meaning âfoundation idea placed beneath a phenomenonâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Remember: one hypothesis, many hypotheses. Scientists never stop at one ideaâthey create multiple hypotheses and test which one best fits the evidence. Itâs like setting up possible explanations and asking, âLetâs see which one survives scrutiny.â
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: theories, assumptions, propositions, ideas, conjectures
Antonyms: facts, certainties, conclusions, truths
Usage Examples:
- The researchers tested several hypotheses to explain the unusual climate patterns.
- Competing hypotheses exist about the evolutionary origins of human language.
- Scientific progress often involves discarding outdated hypotheses in favor of better ones.
- All good experiments begin with clear, testable hypotheses.
Cultural Reference:
"Science is not about consensus; itâs about testing hypotheses and letting evidence lead the way." â *Carl Sagan*
Think About It:
Why is it valuable to have multiple hypotheses when exploring a question, rather than fixating on a single explanation?
Quick Activity:
Think of a question about everyday life (e.g., Why do people yawn?). Come up with two different hypotheses that could explain it.
Memory Tip:
âHypoâ means âunderâ and âthesisâ means âideaââa hypothesis is like the base idea that supports the whole investigation. âHypothesesâ is simply the plural formâmore than one idea under testing.
Real-World Application:
"Hypotheses" are foundational to science, economics, psychology, linguistics, and even daily decision-making. From developing vaccines to designing social policies, hypotheses help test what we *think* we know before accepting it as truth.
Word 2: Alternative
Context:
"But an alternative view is that language evolved, in modern humans at least, to facilitate social bonding." - Evolutionary Linguistics Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Alternative" refers to another possibility, choice, or explanation that differs from the usual or commonly accepted one. In the provided context, the term is used to introduce a different theory about why language evolvedânot for exchanging factual information, but for helping humans build and maintain social relationships. The word can function as both a noun and an adjective and is frequently used in academic, everyday, and critical thinking contexts to present contrasting perspectives or options.
Meaning: A different option, choice, or explanation from the one already considered (Noun/Adjective)
Pronunciation: awl-TUR-nuh-tiv
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *alternare* meaning âto do by turns,â from *alter* (the other one)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Every âalternativeâ is a door to possibility. Whether it's an alternative theory in science or an alternative lifestyle, the word encourages thinking beyond the default or dominant idea. Use it when you want to propose something new, creative, or contrasting.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: option, choice, substitute, other possibility, variant
Antonyms: standard, norm, default, status quo
Usage Examples:
- They proposed an alternative solution to the traffic problem.
- Alternative music became popular as a counter to mainstream pop.
- As an alternative to sugar, many people use natural sweeteners.
- Some scientists offer an alternative theory about the origin of language.
Cultural Reference:
"Alternative medicine, once viewed with skepticism, is now part of many mainstream wellness routines." â *National Institute of Health*
Think About It:
Why is it important to consider alternative viewpoints in science, politics, and everyday lifeâand what happens when we donât?
Quick Activity:
Think of a decision you made recently. Write down one alternative you could have chosen and what different outcome it might have led to.
Memory Tip:
âAlternativeâ = *alter* (the other) + *native* (choice or form). Think of it as the âother native pathâ you can take when the main one doesnât fit.
Real-World Application:
"Alternative" is a key word in discussions about education (alternative schools), energy (alternative fuels), medicine (alternative therapies), and even music and fashion. It encourages exploration beyond the mainstream or conventional.
Word 3: Facilitate
Context:
"But an alternative view is that language evolved, in modern humans at least, to facilitate social bonding." - Evolutionary Linguistics Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Facilitate" means to make a process or task easier, smoother, or more achievable. In the context of this sentence, it implies that language evolved as a tool that helps people build and strengthen social relationships more effectively. The term is often used in education, business, science, and social studies to describe actions or systems that support or promote a specific function or goal.
Meaning: To make an action or process easier or more efficient (Verb)
Pronunciation: fuh-SIL-ih-tayt
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From French *faciliter*, from Latin *facilis* meaning âeasyâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
To âfacilitateâ something is to smooth the path. Whether itâs a teacher facilitating a discussion or a bridge facilitating travel, the word is all about support, ease, and progress. Remember: youâre not doing the taskâyouâre making it easier to happen.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: assist, ease, help, enable, support
Antonyms: hinder, obstruct, delay, complicate, block
Usage Examples:
- Good communication skills facilitate teamwork and collaboration.
- The new software will facilitate faster data processing.
- The teacher used activities to facilitate learning among students.
- Language may have evolved to facilitate emotional connections and group bonding.
Cultural Reference:
"Technology should facilitate human potential, not replace it." â *Yuval Noah Harari*, historian and author
Think About It:
What tools or habits in your life help facilitate your goalsâand what obstacles make things harder?
Quick Activity:
Write down one challenge you face in learning or working. Then, write one idea or tool that could help facilitate progress in that area.
Memory Tip:
âFacilitateâ sounds like âfacilityââboth come from the idea of making things *easy*. To facilitate = to *make it easier* to happen.
Real-World Application:
"Facilitate" is used in education, management, healthcare, diplomacy, and even app developmentâwherever there's a need to make communication, learning, or decision-making smoother and more effective.
Word 4: Cooperate
Context:
"It increased our ancestorsâ chances of survival by enabling them to hunt more successfully or to cooperate more extensively." - Evolutionary Anthropology Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Cooperate" means to work together toward a common goal or benefit. In the context of human evolution, cooperation refers to how early humans may have increased their chances of survival by collaborating during hunting, food gathering, or community building. The word emphasizes teamwork, mutual assistance, and collective effort. Cooperation is a key concept in many areas, from biology and psychology to international relations and classroom dynamics.
Meaning: To work jointly with others toward a shared purpose or benefit (Verb)
Pronunciation: koh-OP-uh-rayt
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *cooperari* â *co-* (together) + *operari* (to work)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
To âcooperateâ is to *co-work*. Whether it's a group of hunters, a team project, or countries aligning on climate goals, cooperation multiplies effort and outcomes. Great progress often begins when people stop competing and start cooperating.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: collaborate, assist, work together, coordinate, unite
Antonyms: compete, oppose, resist, conflict, obstruct
Usage Examples:
- Countries must cooperate to address global challenges like climate change.
- Early humans learned to cooperate in order to hunt larger animals.
- The two departments cooperated to launch the new product successfully.
- Students were asked to cooperate during the group assignment.
Cultural Reference:
"Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there." â *Virginia Burden*, author and educator
Think About It:
What makes cooperation difficult in some situations, and what strategies help encourage genuine teamwork?
Quick Activity:
List one recent moment when you cooperated with someone. What made the cooperation successfulâor what could have improved it?
Memory Tip:
âCo-â means âtogetherâ and âoperateâ means âworkââso to cooperate is simply to *work together*. Think of hands joining in action.
Real-World Application:
"Cooperate" is a foundational concept in education, business, diplomacy, and social dynamics. It promotes shared responsibility, reduces conflict, and is essential for everything from family life to global peace efforts.
Word 5: Efficiently
Context:
"Language meant that things could be explained and that plans and past experiences could be shared efficiently." - Evolutionary Linguistics Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Efficiently" describes the manner of completing a task with the least waste of time, effort, or resources. In this context, it means that language allowed early humans to share ideas and experiences quickly and clearly, without unnecessary confusion or delay. Being efficient is not just about speedâitâs also about doing something well and with purpose. The word is commonly used in discussions about productivity, communication, and systems management.
Meaning: In a way that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense (Adverb)
Pronunciation: ih-FISH-uhnt-lee
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *efficere* meaning âto accomplish,â which became *efficient* (adjective), and later *efficiently* (adverb)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âEfficientlyâ means getting the job done right and fast, without wasting energy. Itâs the kind of word that shows up in everything from good communication to smart work habits. If language made us efficient thinkers and planners, thatâs a powerful evolutionary edge!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: effectively, quickly, productively, smoothly, economically
Antonyms: inefficiently, wastefully, slowly, clumsily
Usage Examples:
- The new manager helped the team work more efficiently under tight deadlines.
- Language allowed early humans to share knowledge more efficiently than gestures alone.
- To complete the task efficiently, divide it into smaller parts and assign clear roles.
- Modern apps are designed to let users find and share information efficiently.
Cultural Reference:
"Efficiency is doing better what is already being done." â *Peter Drucker*, management consultant and author
Think About It:
Whatâs the difference between working efficiently and just working fastâand which one do you prioritize in your daily life?
Quick Activity:
Choose one task you do regularly (e.g., homework, cooking, writing). Write down one way you could do it more efficiently.
Memory Tip:
âEfficientlyâ comes from âefficient,â which means productive with minimal waste. Think of a high-speed trainâfast, smooth, and never off track.
Real-World Application:
"Efficiently" is a key concept in business, education, technology, transportation, and communication. Whether writing an email or solving a math problem, doing it efficiently saves time, energy, and confusion.
