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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
18. Five jumbled up sentences, related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd one out and key in the number of the sentence as your Answer:
1. There is a dark side to academic research, especially in India, and at its centre is the phenomenon of predatory journals.
2. But in truth, as long as you pay, you can get anything published.
3. In look and feel thus, they are exactly like any reputed journal.
4. They claim to be indexed in the most influential databases, say they possess editorial boards that comprise top scientists and researchers, and claim to have a rigorous peer-review structure.
5. But a large section of researchers and scientists across the world are at the receiving end of nothing short of an academic publishing scam.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 5
Explanation:
Solution by Wordpandit
The analyzed set of statements primarily addresses the issue of predatory journals. The author sets the stage by initially bringing up the subject matter in a rather ominous tone, as depicted in Statement 1. This serves as an introductory anchor for the rest of the narrative.
Statement 4 further delves into the characteristics that predatory journals often boast about, which include their supposed presence in 'influential databases', their 'quality editorial boards', and their claim to have a 'rigorous peer-review structure.' These aspects are put forth to give an air of legitimacy to these dubious publications.
In Statement 3, the author adds another layer to the discussion by stating that, on the surface, these predatory journals appear to be indistinguishable from any other reputable journals. This observation serves to highlight the deceptive nature of such journals, reinforcing the initial grim tone set by Statement 1.
However, the truth is far from the façade presented, as Statement 2 reveals. The reality is that these journals will publish virtually anything, as long as the authors are willing to pay a fee. This revelation provides a stark contrast to the seemingly credible image painted by Statements 3 and 4.
Given these observations, the logical arrangement of the statements that forms a coherent narrative on predatory journals would be 1, 4, 3, 2. Each statement builds upon the last, creating a thorough examination of the topic at hand.
Statement 5, however, diverges from this central focus. Although it superficially seems to pertain to the broader subject of academic publishing, its scope is not specifically tailored to predatory journals. It broadens the lens to a more general view, making it an anomaly in a paragraph otherwise concentrated on the deceptive practices of predatory journals.
Therefore, due to this change in thematic focus, Statement 5 can be identified as the outlier that doesn't fit within the narrower scope of discussing predatory journals.
Word-1: Phenomenon
Context:
"There is a dark side to academic research, especially in India, and at its centre is the phenomenon of predatory journals." - The Hindu
Explanatory Paragraph:
A "phenomenon" is an observable event, occurrence, or situationâsomething that can be seen, studied, or discussed, especially because it is unusual or noteworthy. In academic contexts, it often refers to a specific pattern or trend. For example, the rise of predatory journals in India is being labeled a "phenomenon" because it's a widespread and alarming trend that impacts research quality and credibility. The term helps highlight the scale and uniqueness of an issue or event, making it worthy of closer examination.
Meaning: A fact, event, or situation that is observed to exist, especially one that is unusual or significant (Noun)
Pronunciation: fi-NOM-uh-non
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek "phainomenon" meaning "that which appears or is seen," from "phainein" â to show or appear
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Often used in academic writing and analytical essays. Always pair it with examples or case studies. Also, remember the plural form: "phenomena." Avoid saying "phenomenons"âthatâs incorrect!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: event, occurrence, trend, circumstance, development
Antonyms: nonevent, normality, insignificance
Usage Examples:
- Global warming is a phenomenon that affects every country on the planet.
- The internet has become a cultural phenomenon within just a few decades.
- Lightning is a natural phenomenon that has fascinated humans for centuries.
- The rise of social media influencers is a recent phenomenon in digital marketing.
Cultural Reference:
"The Mandela Effect is a phenomenon where a large number of people remember something differently than how it occurred." - Psychology Today
Think About It:
What everyday experiences could be considered phenomena when viewed from a scientific or cultural lens?
Quick Activity:
List two phenomena youâve read about in the news recently. Describe in one sentence what makes each one noteworthy.
Memory Tip:
âPhenomenonâ sounds like âphenomenalâ â something amazing or remarkable. Thatâs your clue: it describes something noticeable or important.
Real-World Application:
In research, journalism, and education, identifying and describing phenomena helps us recognize emerging patterns, study causes, and propose solutions to large-scale issues.
Word-2: Reputed
Context:
"In look and feel thus, they are exactly like any reputed journal." - The Hindu
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Reputed" describes something or someone widely known and respected, often for quality, reliability, or integrity. The word implies that a person, institution, or product has earned a good reputation, whether through performance, public opinion, or recognition. In the given context, the sentence explains how certain journals appear very similar to reputed ones, thereby gaining undeserved credibility. It emphasizes the deceptive nature of predatory journals that mimic well-established, trusted publications.
Meaning: Generally believed or said to be of good reputation; well-regarded (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ri-PYOO-tid
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin "reputare" meaning "to think over, consider"; related to "reputation"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Be cautiousâthis word is often used where the subject may only be *believed* to have a good reputation, not necessarily proven. So, reputed â proven. Look for subtle use in editorial writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: respected, well-known, esteemed, celebrated, recognized
Antonyms: infamous, disreputable, obscure, dishonored, unrecognized
Usage Examples:
- She got a job at a reputed multinational company.
- This institute is reputed for its rigorous academic standards.
- The event was hosted by a reputed figure in the scientific community.
- Although the journal appeared reputed, it lacked genuine peer review standards.
Cultural Reference:
"Harvard is reputed as one of the most prestigious universities in the world." - Global Education Rankings Report
Think About It:
Can something be reputed without being truly credible? How do we verify reputation in the digital age?
Quick Activity:
Write the names of three reputed institutions or brands in your field. Then research if their reputation is based on performance or just perception.
Memory Tip:
Think of âreputedâ as âreputation-edâ â someone or something that has a reputation, especially a good one.
Real-World Application:
In professional decisionsâlike choosing a school, job, or publicationâpeople rely on reputed sources. Itâs essential to learn how to distinguish between true quality and mere appearance.
Word-3: Indexed
Context:
"They claim to be indexed in the most influential databases, say they possess editorial boards that comprise top scientists and researchers, and claim to have a rigorous peer-review structure." - The Hindu
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Indexed" refers to the inclusion of a journal, article, or publication in a recognized database or directory, making it accessible and credible to researchers, academics, and the general public. When a journal is indexed, it is officially listed in scholarly databases like Scopus, Web of Science, or PubMed, which implies a certain level of quality, legitimacy, and peer-review standards. In the context of predatory journals, false claims of being indexed are used to appear trustworthy and authoritative, misleading authors and readers alike.
Meaning: Listed or cataloged in a recognized system or database, especially for scholarly or informational access (Verb â past participle or adjective)
Pronunciation: IN-dekst
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin "index" meaning "sign, list, pointer"; evolved into the idea of cataloging or referencing
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a technical word youâll often see in academic writing. Indexed = officially listed. Itâs a mark of credibility in research. Always check if a journal is *actually* indexedâdonât rely on claims alone!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cataloged, listed, recorded, registered, classified
Antonyms: unlisted, unindexed, unrecognized, excluded
Usage Examples:
- Her paper was published in a journal indexed in Scopus and Web of Science.
- The conference proceedings were not indexed, raising doubts about their academic impact.
- Only indexed journals are considered during faculty performance evaluations.
- Predatory journals often lie about being indexed to attract researchers.
Cultural Reference:
"An indexed journal typically meets quality benchmarks such as peer review, impact factor, and editorial transparency." - UGC Academic Guidelines
Think About It:
How can young researchers verify whether a journal is genuinely indexed and avoid falling for deceptive claims?
Quick Activity:
Go to the official Scopus or Web of Science website. Search for any journal youâre familiar with and check if it is actually indexed. Note how the verification system works.
Memory Tip:
Think of a libraryâs indexâit helps you find what's officially part of the collection. If a journal is "indexed," itâs in the academic library of trusted sources.
Real-World Application:
Being indexed in reputed databases helps authors gain visibility, ensures academic credibility, and increases the chance of their work being cited in future research and professional applications.
Word-4: Rigorous
Context:
"They claim to be indexed in the most influential databases, say they possess editorial boards that comprise top scientists and researchers, and claim to have a rigorous peer-review structure." - The Hindu
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Rigorous" refers to something done with strictness, precision, and thoroughness. In academic and scientific settings, a rigorous process is one that follows high standards, ensuring accuracy, depth, and credibility. A rigorous peer-review structure implies a detailed and careful evaluation of research papers by experts before they are published. This ensures that only high-quality, reliable work is made public. In the given context, the term is used to highlight the claimedâbut often falseâstandards of predatory journals attempting to appear legitimate.
Meaning: Extremely thorough, strict, and accurate (Adjective)
Pronunciation: RIG-uh-rus
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "rigorosus" meaning "harsh, severe," from "rigor" meaning "stiffness, hardness"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âRigorousâ is a powerful adjective in academic writing. Use it to describe tests, standards, procedures, or training. It signals seriousness and high expectations. Opposite of âcasualâ or âlenient.â
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: strict, thorough, meticulous, precise, exacting
Antonyms: lax, lenient, careless, superficial, easygoing
Usage Examples:
- The scientists followed a rigorous methodology to ensure valid results.
- The school has a rigorous admission process to maintain its high standards.
- The training was physically and mentally rigorous, preparing the team for every challenge.
- They claimed the study underwent rigorous peer review, but it lacked transparency.
Cultural Reference:
"MIT is known for its rigorous academic programs that challenge students intellectually and practically." - Times Higher Education
Think About It:
Do rigorous standards always lead to better outcomes, or can they sometimes become barriers to innovation and inclusion?
Quick Activity:
Think of a time you faced a rigorous processâwhether an exam, training, or interview. Write 2-3 lines describing what made it rigorous and how it helped (or didnât).
Memory Tip:
âRigorousâ sounds like ârigidââimagine a rigid, disciplined approach where nothing slips through the cracks.
Real-World Application:
Rigorous systems are crucial in education, medicine, research, and law to ensure quality, fairness, and safety. They help uphold trust in institutions and practices.
Word-5: Receiving
Context:
"But a large section of researchers and scientists across the world are at the receiving end of nothing short of an academic publishing scam." - The Hindu
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Receiving" refers to the act of being given, presented with, or subjected to something. In the phrase âat the receiving end,â the word implies that someone is experiencing or suffering the effects of somethingâoften unpleasant or unfair. In the context of academic publishing, the researchers are portrayed as passive victims who are being negatively impacted by fraudulent practices like predatory journals. This usage emphasizes vulnerability and lack of control in the face of exploitation.
Meaning: The act of being given or subjected to something; being the recipient (Verb â present participle)
Pronunciation: ri-SEE-ving
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: From Old French "receivre," from Latin "recipere" meaning "to take back, accept"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Key phrase to remember: âat the receiving end.â It almost always means someone is suffering or being affected by somethingânot necessarily good. A common idiom in newspapers and editorials.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: accepting, getting, acquiring, experiencing, undergoing
Antonyms: giving, offering, presenting, delivering
Usage Examples:
- The employees were at the receiving end of managementâs poor decisions.
- She is receiving a lot of praise for her recent publication.
- Patients are receiving better care thanks to new medical technologies.
- Many innocent researchers are receiving fake emails from predatory journals.
Cultural Reference:
"In conflicts, civilians are often at the receiving end of violence they didnât cause." - United Nations Human Rights Report
Think About It:
Why does being "at the receiving end" often imply helplessness? Can one change that position through awareness or action?
Quick Activity:
Use the phrase âat the receiving endâ in two original sentencesâone describing a positive experience, the other a negative one.
Memory Tip:
Imagine standing at the end of a line where all the hits or gifts arriveâyouâre âreceivingâ whatever comes, good or bad.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the concept of âreceivingâ in social and professional settings helps us recognize roles of power, passivity, and responsibilityâespecially in issues of fairness and exploitation.
