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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
Question 21: 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. The legal status of resources mined in space remains ambiguous; and while the market for asteroid minerals is currently nonexistent, this islikely to change as technical hurdles diminish.
2. Outer space is a commons, and all of it is open for exploration, however, space law developed in the 1950s and 60s is state-centric and arguably ill-suited to a commercial future.
3. Laws adopted by the US and Luxembourg are first steps, but they only protect firms from competing claims by their compatriots; a Chinese company will not be bound by US law.
4. Critics say the US is conferring rights that it has no authority to confer; Russia in particular has condemned this, citing the USâ disrespect for international law.
5. At issue now is commercial activity, as private firmsârather than nation states â look to space for profit.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 4
Upon a concise analysis of the sentences, it becomes evident that the core theme of the paragraph revolves around the insufficiency of existing laws concerning commercial activities within the realm of space exploration. Almost every sentence, with the exception of the fourth one, is centered on the discussion of this inadequacy, shedding light on the reasons behind the laws' shortcomings. Notably, the fourth sentence deviates from the central context as it discusses the United States' perceived disregard for international law. This topic does not correlate with the primary focus of the paragraph, which is the inadequacy of legal frameworks governing commercial endeavors in space. Thus, it can be concluded that the fourth sentence disrupts the coherence of the paragraph by addressing a tangential matter, rendering it the appropriate choice for exclusion.
In accordance with the provided options:
- Option 1: This option succinctly highlights the central theme ofthe paragraph, emphasizing the inadequacy of current space law in accommodating the rapid advancements in the field of commercial space activities.
- Option 2: This alternative interpretation accurately identifies the disconnect between existing space laws and the swiftly evolving technological landscape of commercial space activities.
- Option 3: While well-written, this option implies that the paragraph concerns the misuse of outer space for commercial activities rather than the insufficiency of regulations, which slightly distorts the paragraph's main focus.
- Option 4: The assertion made in this option is in line with the paragraph's content. It correctly points out that the reference to the United States' behavior towards international law is unrelated to the primary theme of the paragraph. As such, this option aligns with the paragraph's context and isthe most suitable choice.
In summary, the paragraph indeed underscores the inadequacies of prevailing space laws in the face of rapid technological developments within the commercial space sector. This central theme is consistently addressed in all sentences except the fourth one, which digresses into the realm of international law and the United States' compliance with it, rendering it the appropriate selection for omission.
Word-1: Ambiguous
Context:
"The legal status of resources mined in space remains ambiguous; and while the market for asteroid minerals is currently nonexistent, this is likely to change as technical hurdles diminish." - Space Policy Analysis
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ambiguous" refers to something that is unclear, open to multiple interpretations, or lacking a definite meaning. It often points to a situation where language, laws, or ideas are not clearly defined, leaving room for confusion or debate. In the given context, the term is used to describe the uncertain legal standing of space-mined resourcesâthere are no clearly agreed-upon laws governing ownership or rights, which leaves room for disagreement and potential conflict as space mining becomes more feasible.
Meaning: Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning (Adjective)
Pronunciation: am-BIG-yoo-us
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "ambiguus" meaning "uncertain," from "ambigere" â to go around, to wander
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word frequently shows up in legal, philosophical, and analytical writing. Always ask yourself: *Why is the meaning unclear?* And in writing tasks, beware of using ambiguous language yourselfâit weakens arguments.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unclear, vague, indefinite, equivocal, obscure
Antonyms: clear, definite, explicit, certain, unambiguous
Usage Examples:
- The politicianâs response was deliberately ambiguous to avoid controversy.
- The contract language is ambiguous and may lead to legal disputes.
- Her ambiguous smile left him wondering whether she was amused or annoyed.
- The filmâs ending was ambiguous, leaving the audience to interpret its meaning.
Cultural Reference:
"Ambiguity is central to poetryâit leaves space for the readerâs imagination." â T.S. Eliotâs literary essays
Think About It:
Is ambiguity always a weakness in communication, or can it sometimes be a strength? When?
Quick Activity:
Write a short sentence that could be interpreted in two different ways. Then explain both interpretations.
Memory Tip:
âAmbiguousâ has âambi-â (meaning both or two) in itâthink: something that can go both ways in meaning.
Real-World Application:
In law, policy, literature, and media, ambiguous language can cause conflict or spark debate. Understanding ambiguity helps improve interpretation, negotiation, and clear expression.
Word-2: Commons
Context:
"Outer space is a commons, and all of it is open for exploration, however, space law developed in the 1950s and 60s is state-centric and arguably ill-suited to a commercial future." - Space Policy Analysis
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Commons" refers to resources that are shared by all members of a community, society, or the world. These are not privately owned but collectively used and managed, ideally for the benefit of all. In the context of outer space, labeling it as a "commons" suggests that space belongs to everyone and no single country or company can claim ownership. However, this creates challenges as technology advances and commercial entities begin exploring and exploiting these shared resources, raising ethical and legal questions about access, ownership, and regulation.
Meaning: Resources or areas that are shared by a community and accessible to all members of that group (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: KOM-unz
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Middle English "communes," referring to shared land in a village or town; originally from Latin âcommunisâ meaning "common, public"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This term is central to debates in environmental ethics, space law, and internet governance. When you hear âcommons,â think about both *shared benefit* and *shared responsibility*. The tragedy of the commons is also a key conceptâoveruse of shared resources leads to depletion.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: shared resource, public domain, public good, collective asset
Antonyms: private property, exclusive asset, restricted zone, proprietary space
Usage Examples:
- The ocean is considered a global commons that must be protected from overfishing and pollution.
- Open-source software is part of the digital commons available to all users for free.
- Some scholars argue that access to clean air and water should be treated as a commons, not a commodity.
- The concept of outer space as a commons challenges nations to cooperate rather than compete.
Cultural Reference:
"The Tragedy of the Commons" is a 1968 essay by Garrett Hardin that explores how individuals, acting in self-interest, can deplete shared resourcesâlike pastures, fisheries, or even outer space.
Think About It:
How can humanity protect shared commons like space, oceans, and the internet while still encouraging innovation and growth?
Quick Activity:
List three global commons (e.g., atmosphere, cyberspace) and one challenge each faces due to overuse or mismanagement.
Memory Tip:
âCommonsâ = *common to all*. Think of a village commonâa field where everyone could graze their animals or gather socially.
Real-World Application:
The idea of commons is crucial in global policy-making, from climate change agreements to internet neutrality and space governance. Understanding it helps in evaluating how collective responsibility is managedâor mismanagedâacross nations and sectors.
Word-3: Ill-suited
Context:
"Outer space is a commons, and all of it is open for exploration, however, space law developed in the 1950s and 60s is state-centric and arguably ill-suited to a commercial future." - Space Policy Analysis
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ill-suited" describes something that is inappropriate, unfit, or incompatible for a particular purpose, task, or context. It suggests a mismatch between what exists and what is needed. In this case, the phrase implies that the space laws created in the mid-20th century were designed for a different eraâfocused on state control and geopolitical concernsâand are therefore not suitable for todayâs emerging commercial and privatized space ventures. As space becomes more of a business domain, new frameworks may be needed that are better aligned with modern realities.
Meaning: Not appropriate or suitable for a particular purpose or situation (Adjective â compound)
Pronunciation: il-SOO-tid
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: "Ill" (meaning bad or wrong) + "suited" (from suit, meaning to be appropriate or match); literally âbadly matchedâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great phrase for essays or critiques, especially in analysis and policy writing. Use it to highlight mismatch or inefficiency between systems and needs. It always points toward a gap that must be filled or fixed.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: inappropriate, incompatible, unfit, unqualified, mismatched
Antonyms: suitable, appropriate, well-matched, compatible, ideal
Usage Examples:
- The outdated regulations are ill-suited to handle todayâs digital economy.
- Her casual style was ill-suited to the formal nature of the event.
- The vehicle was ill-suited for rough terrain and broke down halfway through.
- Many believe the current tax laws are ill-suited to support small startups.
Cultural Reference:
"Many colonial-era laws remain on the books and are ill-suited to modern democratic governance." â Legal Reform Studies
Think About It:
What systems or structures in todayâs world might be ill-suited to future challenges such as climate change or AI governance?
Quick Activity:
Pick a current rule, tool, or policy you think is ill-suited to modern needs. Write 1â2 sentences explaining why and what might be better instead.
Memory Tip:
âIllâ means âbad,â and âsuitedâ means âa good matchââso âill-suitedâ = a bad fit.
Real-World Application:
This phrase is often used in policy evaluation, education reform, job placement, and technology assessments to point out gaps between old systems and new demands. Recognizing what's ill-suited helps push for smarter, future-ready solutions.
Word-4: Conferring
Context:
"Critics say the US is conferring rights that it has no authority to confer; Russia in particular has condemned this, citing the USâ disrespect for international law." - International Law Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Conferring" means formally granting or bestowing somethingâusually a right, title, benefit, or honorâon someone or something. It is often used in legal, political, or ceremonial contexts. In this case, the sentence suggests that the US is granting rights (perhaps to companies or individuals) related to space resources, even though it may lack the international legal authority to do so. The act of conferring implies a position of power, which is exactly what critics are questioning in this context.
Meaning: Granting or officially giving something (such as a right, degree, or benefit) to someone (Verb â present participle)
Pronunciation: kun-FUR-ing
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "conferre" meaning "to bring together, bestow," from "com-" (together) + "ferre" (to bring)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a formal and precise word often used in institutional or legal language. Use it in essays when discussing authority, governance, or legitimacy. Also appears in award ceremonies ("confer a degree"). It's not used in casual settings.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: grant, bestow, award, assign, authorize
Antonyms: revoke, withhold, deny, rescind, retract
Usage Examples:
- The university is conferring honorary doctorates on several distinguished scholars.
- Critics argue that the government is conferring legal rights without proper jurisdiction.
- The Constitution does not support conferring such powers to a single branch of government.
- She felt that the title conferred more responsibility than actual authority.
Cultural Reference:
"The President is hereby authorized to confer the Medal of Honor in the name of Congress..." â U.S. Military Code, illustrating the formal process of bestowing honors
Think About It:
Should a nation be allowed to confer rights over global or shared resources? Who gets to decide the legitimacy of such actions?
Quick Activity:
Use the word âconferringâ in a sentence related to education, and another in a sentence related to politics or international affairs.
Memory Tip:
Think of âconferâ as âconfirm + offerââyouâre formally offering something and making it official.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the concept of "conferring" is vital in international law, academia, and leadershipâwhere power, rights, and honors are granted with lasting implications.
Word-5: Activity
Context:
"At issue now is commercial activity, as private firmsârather than nation statesâlook to space for profit." - Space Industry Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Activity" refers to any action or series of actions taken to achieve a specific goal. Itâs a broad term that can be applied to work, movement, business, or any form of organized effort. In this context, "commercial activity" specifically refers to economic actions undertaken by private companies in spaceâsuch as mining, satellite deployment, tourism, or resource extraction. The word emphasizes the shift from government-led exploration to business-driven ventures, raising new questions about regulation, profit motives, and international space law.
Meaning: Actions or behavior aimed at achieving a specific purpose, often used in the context of work or business (Noun)
Pronunciation: ak-TIV-i-tee
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: From Latin "activitas," from "activus" meaning âactive,â based on "agere" meaning âto doâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Activity" is a versatile word. Its meaning changes depending on the prefix (e.g., commercial activity, criminal activity, political activity). In formal writing, specify the type of activity to give clarity. Here, it signals the rise of private-sector actions in space.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: operation, pursuit, endeavor, action, enterprise
Antonyms: inactivity, idleness, rest, dormancy, stagnation
Usage Examples:
- The government is monitoring all foreign activity in the region.
- SpaceX is leading commercial activity in low Earth orbit.
- Illegal activity on the internet has increased with anonymous networks.
- After years of dormancy, volcanic activity resumed in the area.
Cultural Reference:
"Economic activity in outer space is expected to reach trillions by 2040, driven by advances in private aerospace technology." â Morgan Stanley Space Industry Forecast
Think About It:
What are the benefits and risks of allowing commercial activity in regions considered global commons, like outer space or the deep sea?
Quick Activity:
List three types of commercial activity that companies might engage in while operating in space. Briefly describe the purpose of each.
Memory Tip:
Think âactivityâ = âact + motiveââany deliberate action done for a purpose, like business or movement.
Real-World Application:
The term "activity" is key in legal, business, environmental, and political documents to define responsibility, monitor behavior, and regulate practices. Understanding its use helps clarify debates on commerce, governance, and ethics in new frontiers like space.
