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Para-jumble Sentences

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. A popular response is the exhortation to plant more trees.
2. It seems all but certain that global warming will go well above two degrees—quite how high no one knows yet.
3. Burning them releases it, which is why the scale of forest fires in the Amazon basin last year garnered headlines.
4. This is because trees sequester carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Solution with Explanation

Correct Answer: 2143

Detailed Explanation by Wordpandit

Upon a careful analysis of the provided statements, a clear thematic connection between trees and global warming emerges. Statements 4 and 3 align to form a cohesive conceptual block that underscores the crucial role of trees in addressing the issue of global warming. It is highlighted that trees play a pivotal dual role: they assist in mitigating global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, yet when trees are burned, they contribute to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In statement 3, the pronoun "it" references carbon dioxide, effectively conveying this dual role.

Moving on, statements 2 and 1 are closely interlinked, as they present a progression of ideas. Statement 2 introduces a widely held belief or perspective, whereas statement 1 addresses a common response associated with this belief. Specifically, when news surfaces about rising temperatures attributed to global warming, a common response advocated by many is the planting of more trees. This suggestion emerges as a direct reaction to the concerning increase in temperatures, underscoring the role that trees are perceived to play in counteracting global warming's adverse effects.

Following this logical sequence, statements 4 and 3 complement the previous pair. They provide a rational basis for the prevalent exhortation to plant more trees as a strategy for addressing global warming. The linkage is established through the dual effects of trees on carbon dioxide levels, thus solidifying the notion that planting trees can indeed contribute to the fight against global warming.

In summary:

  • Statement 2: Introduces a prevailing belief that planting more trees can address the issue of global warming.
  • Statement 1: Corresponds to a common response to the concern of rising temperatures caused by global warming, advocating for increased tree planting.
  • Statement 4: Emphasizes the dual role of trees, absorbing carbon dioxide to mitigate global warming.
  • Statement 3: Further elaborates on the dual role of trees by highlighting that burning trees releases carbon dioxide.

In accordance with the logical progression presented, the arrangement 2143 aptly captures the narrative flow, where the interplay of ideas between statements contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between trees and global warming.

Word-1: Exhortation

Context:

"A popular response is the exhortation to plant more trees." - Environmental Awareness Campaign

Explanatory Paragraph:

The word "exhortation" refers to a strong urging or advice intended to encourage someone to take action. It's more than a simple suggestion—it carries a tone of seriousness and moral weight, often aiming to inspire or compel people toward a particular behavior or cause. In the given context, it conveys a passionate appeal to individuals or communities to engage in tree planting as a remedy to environmental concerns.

Meaning: An emphatic urging to do something (Noun)

Pronunciation: egg-zor-TAY-shun

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Latin "exhortationem," meaning encouragement or incitement, derived from "exhortari" (to encourage).

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Exhortation” is a powerful word that elevates ordinary advice into motivational speech. It's often used in religious, political, and motivational contexts. Think of a passionate speech from a leader—it’s filled with exhortations to act, believe, and persist.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: urging, encouragement, appeal, admonition, persuasion

Antonyms: discouragement, dissuasion, deterrent, warning

Usage Examples:

  1. The teacher’s exhortation to study harder motivated the entire class before exams.
  2. Her heartfelt exhortation brought the crowd to its feet in support of the cause.
  3. Despite the CEO’s exhortation to innovate, the team stuck with traditional methods.
  4. The climate activist ended her speech with a final exhortation to protect the planet.

Cultural Reference:

"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." This famous exhortation from John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech remains one of the most stirring calls to civic duty in modern history. - U.S. Presidential Address

Think About It:

What makes an exhortation effective—emotional appeal, logical argument, or the credibility of the speaker?

Quick Activity:

Write a short exhortation (3-4 lines) encouraging your classmates to join a social cause of your choice. Use persuasive and motivational language.

Memory Tip:

Think: “Exhort = Extra + Heart” → when someone speaks with extra heart and passion, they are making an exhortation.

Real-World Application:

Exhortation is frequently used in speeches, sermons, campaigns, and motivational writing. Understanding how to identify or craft an exhortation helps in persuasive communication, especially in leadership and activism.

Word-2: Certain

Context:

"It seems all but certain that global warming will go well above two degrees—quite how high no one knows yet." - Climate Analysis Report

Explanatory Paragraph:

The word "certain" is used to indicate a high level of confidence or surety about something. It can refer to facts, outcomes, or people that are clearly known or definite. In the context above, "all but certain" means that the outcome (global warming exceeding two degrees) is nearly guaranteed, even though the exact extent is unknown. The phrase stresses the inevitability of a situation without making it an absolute.

Meaning: Known for sure; established beyond doubt (Adjective)

Pronunciation: SUR-tun

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic

Etymology: From Old French "certain," from Latin "certus," meaning fixed, settled, sure.

Prashant Sir's Notes:

"Certain" is one of those everyday words that can take on powerful shades of meaning based on context. Phrases like "for certain," "make certain," and "a certain someone" show how flexible and nuanced this word is. Also, note its importance in academic and scientific writing where levels of certainty matter a lot.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: sure, definite, positive, unquestionable, inevitable

Antonyms: uncertain, doubtful, unsure, ambiguous, questionable

Usage Examples:

  1. She was certain that she had locked the door before leaving.
  2. It is certain that hard work often leads to success.
  3. They made certain that every child received a gift.
  4. A certain tension could be felt in the room during the meeting.

Cultural Reference:

"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin. This famous quote highlights the idea that very few things in life are truly inevitable.

Think About It:

Is anything in life ever truly certain, or is all knowledge subject to change and reinterpretation?

Quick Activity:

List five things you believe are "certain" in your life. Then, evaluate how sure you are about each—rate them from 1 (somewhat sure) to 5 (absolutely sure).

Memory Tip:

Think: “Certain” contains “cert” like in “certificate”—and a certificate proves something is officially confirmed or sure.

Real-World Application:

Understanding how to express certainty is crucial in areas such as academic writing, scientific reporting, negotiations, and decision-making. Being able to distinguish between “certain,” “probable,” and “possible” helps communicate risk and assurance accurately.

Word-3: Releases

Context:

"Burning them releases it, which is why the scale of forest fires in the Amazon basin last year garnered headlines." - Environmental Report on Climate Change

Explanatory Paragraph:

The word "releases" here refers to the act of letting something go or emitting it into the environment. In scientific or environmental contexts, it often relates to substances—like carbon dioxide—being set free from a previously contained state. The sentence implies that burning forests leads to the release of stored carbon, contributing significantly to global warming and environmental degradation.

Meaning: To allow or enable something to escape or be set free (Verb)

Pronunciation: ri-LEES-iz

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic

Etymology: From Old French "relaisser" (to relinquish), based on Latin "relaxare," meaning to loosen or set free.

Prashant Sir's Notes:

"Releases" is a word with wide application—from science and technology to movies and emotions. In environmental science, it often relates to emissions, like greenhouse gases. The same word could describe releasing a book, a prisoner, or one’s feelings. Context always defines the exact meaning.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: emit, discharge, free, liberate, unleash

Antonyms: capture, confine, suppress, restrain, withhold

Usage Examples:

  1. The factory releases toxic chemicals into the nearby river.
  2. She released a sigh of relief after the exam ended.
  3. The new software update was officially released last week.
  4. Volcanoes release gases and ash into the atmosphere during eruptions.

Cultural Reference:

The phrase "release date" is widely used in the film and music industry, indicating the official public launch of a product. For example, "Taylor Swift's album release broke streaming records globally." - Billboard

Think About It:

Can "releasing" something always be considered positive, or are there instances where it causes more harm than good?

Quick Activity:

List 3 things that can be released (e.g., emotions, substances, information). For each, write whether its release is beneficial or harmful in context.

Memory Tip:

Think: "Re + lease" — when you re-lease something, you're giving it out again, setting it free or making it available.

Real-World Application:

"Releases" is a critical term in environmental discussions about pollution and carbon footprints, as well as in technology, where companies announce product releases. It’s essential in media literacy and scientific understanding alike.

Word-4: Garnered

Context:

"Burning them releases it, which is why the scale of forest fires in the Amazon basin last year garnered headlines." - Environmental Report on Amazon Fires

Explanatory Paragraph:

The verb "garnered" means to gather or collect something, especially information, attention, support, or praise. In the provided sentence, "garnered headlines" suggests that the scale of the Amazon forest fires attracted widespread media attention. The word implies an accumulation, often due to effort, significance, or public interest.

Meaning: To gather or gain something, especially attention or approval (Verb)

Pronunciation: GAR-nurd

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Middle English "gerner," from Old French "gerner," from Latin "granarium," meaning a storehouse for grain. The meaning shifted from storing grain to gathering or acquiring in general.

Prashant Sir's Notes:

"Garnered" is a great word to describe accumulation through effort or merit. You don't just get something—you earn it, attract it, or collect it meaningfully. Use it in both academic and creative writing to replace overused words like 'got' or 'received.'

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: collect, gather, accumulate, amass, attract

Antonyms: scatter, lose, ignore, overlook, forfeit

Usage Examples:

  1. Her research paper garnered praise from both peers and professors.
  2. The charity event garnered significant media attention.
  3. The startup’s innovative idea garnered support from investors.
  4. The movie garnered awards at several international film festivals.

Cultural Reference:

"Parasite garnered global acclaim after winning the Best Picture Oscar, breaking language barriers in cinema." - Variety Magazine

Think About It:

What’s more important—doing something valuable, or garnering recognition for it?

Quick Activity:

Use the word “garnered” in two sentences: one about personal achievement and one about a global event.

Memory Tip:

Think: "Garner = Gather with honor" → You don’t just get it—you earn it with impact or effort.

Real-World Application:

"Garnered" is frequently used in journalism, public relations, politics, and academia. Whether discussing media coverage, political support, or critical acclaim, it lends a sophisticated touch to expressions of success and recognition.

Word-5: Sequester

Context:

"This is because trees sequester carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide." - Environmental Science Text

Explanatory Paragraph:

The verb "sequester" in environmental contexts means to isolate or trap something, especially carbon dioxide, in order to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. When trees sequester carbon, they absorb and store CO₂ during photosynthesis, playing a vital role in climate regulation. The term can also be used in legal and financial contexts, where it means to set something apart or isolate it.

Meaning: To isolate, hide away, or remove something—especially carbon or a resource—from general use or circulation (Verb)

Pronunciation: si-KWES-ter

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced

Etymology: From Latin *sequestrare*, meaning to set aside or surrender, from *sequester*, a trustee or mediator.

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Sequester” is a formal and technical word commonly used in scientific, legal, and environmental discussions. In climate science, it’s essential—if we don’t sequester carbon effectively, emissions remain in the atmosphere, intensifying global warming. Think of it as capturing and storing away carbon safely.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: isolate, capture, absorb, confine, store

Antonyms: release, expose, emit, liberate, discharge

Usage Examples:

  1. Trees naturally sequester carbon, helping mitigate the effects of climate change.
  2. The jury was sequestered during the high-profile trial to avoid media influence.
  3. Scientists are developing technology to sequester carbon emissions from power plants.
  4. He chose to sequester himself in a cabin to finish writing his novel.

Cultural Reference:

"Carbon sequestration" has become a buzzword in climate action circles, representing efforts to capture and store atmospheric CO₂. Notably, reforestation and carbon capture technologies are central to the UN’s climate strategies. - UNFCCC Reports

Think About It:

Should more resources be invested in artificial carbon sequestration technologies, or should we focus on preserving natural methods like forests?

Quick Activity:

Write a short paragraph (3–4 lines) using “sequester” in both an environmental and legal context. Identify the shift in meaning.

Memory Tip:

Think: “Sequester = Secure quietly” → whether it's carbon or a person, you're tucking it away safely or silently.

Real-World Application:

“Sequester” is vital in climate discussions—understanding it helps interpret policies on forest conservation, carbon capture, and emission reduction. It's also useful in law and governance, especially when discussing jury isolation or budget sequestration.

Actual CAT VA-RC 2021 Slot 1: Question-wise Index

Reading ComprehensionWords from the Passage
RC Passage 1 (Q 1 to 4) Must-Learn Words (Passage 1)
RC Passage 2 (Q 5 to 8) Must-Learn Words (Passage 2)
RC Passage 3 (Q 9 to 12) Must-Learn Words (Passage 3)
RC Passage 4 (Q 13 to 16) Must-Learn Words (Passage 4)
Verbal Ability
Ques 17 (Paragraph Summary) Ques 18 (Misfit/Odd one out)
Ques 19 (Para-jumble) Ques 20 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 21 (Misfit/Odd one out) Ques 22 (Para-jumble)
Ques 23 (Paragraph Summary) Ques 24 (Misfit/Odd one out)
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