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Para-jumble Sentences
23. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 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. The US has long maintained that the Northwest Passage is an international strait through which its commercial and military vessels have the right to pass without seeking Canada’s permission.
2. Canada, which officially acquired the group of islands forming the Northwest Passage in 1880, claims sovereignty over all the shipping routes through the Passage.
3. The dispute could be transitory, however, as scientists speculate that the entire Arctic Ocean will soon be ice-free in summer, so ship owners will not have to ask for permission to sail through any of the Northwest Passage routes.
4. The US and Canada have never legally settled the question of access through the Passage, but have an agreement whereby the US needs to seek Canada’s consent for any transit.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2143
Solution by Wordpandit:
Upon careful examination of the sentences, it becomes apparent that the central theme of the paragraph revolves around the ongoing territorial contention between the US and Canada over the Northwest Passage.
Statement 2 sets the context by highlighting Canada's claim of sovereignty over the route. It mentions Canada's historical acquisition of the islands forming the Northwest Passage and asserts that Canada sees the route as entirely within its control.
Statement 1 follows as a contrast, explaining the US's long-standing position that the Northwest Passage is an international strait where it has the right to navigate freely, opposing Canada’s claim of sovereignty.
Statement 4 provides additional context, explaining that the two nations have not legally resolved the matter but have reached a temporary diplomatic understanding requiring US consent for passage.
Statement 3 concludes the paragraph with a forward-looking note, suggesting that global climate changes (specifically, an ice-free Arctic summer) might render the dispute irrelevant in the near future, as passage would no longer depend on Canadian permission.
Thus, the most coherent and logically ordered sequence is: 2-1-4-3.
Word-1: Maintained
Context:
"The US has long maintained that the Northwest Passage is an international strait through which its commercial and military vessels have the right to pass without seeking Canada’s permission." - News Analysis on Arctic Policy
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "maintained" in this context refers to a long-held position or belief that the US has consistently supported or asserted over time. It implies persistence in holding a particular stance, regardless of whether others agree with it or not. The word can be used both in the sense of physical upkeep and in an abstract sense, like beliefs, claims, or arguments.
Meaning: To assert or uphold something firmly over time; to continue something in a certain condition. (Verb)
Pronunciation: main-TAYND
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *maintenir*, from Latin *manu tenere* meaning "to hold in the hand".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Maintained” is commonly used for both opinions and conditions. For example, you can maintain a road or maintain an argument. Watch for both meanings in context.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Asserted, Upheld, Sustained, Preserved, Supported
Antonyms: Abandoned, Denied, Rejected, Neglected
Usage Examples:
- He maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
- The building has been carefully maintained over the years.
- They maintained friendly relations despite the disagreements.
- The company maintained its market lead despite new competitors.
Cultural Reference:
"I have always maintained that the purpose of diplomacy is to speak softly but carry a big stick." - Adapted from Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy stance.
Think About It:
Why is it important for countries to maintain certain political positions, even when others disagree?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using "maintained" — one for a physical thing (like a machine) and one for a belief or opinion.
Memory Tip:
Think of "maintained" as “main + tain” — your “main” point you continue to “retain”.
Real-World Application:
In international diplomacy, governments often maintain positions or interpretations of treaties that align with their national interests — even if contested by others.
Word-2: Speculate
Context:
"The dispute could be transitory, however, as scientists speculate that the entire Arctic Ocean will soon be ice-free in summer, so ship owners will not have to ask for permission to sail through any of the Northwest Passage routes." - Arctic Environmental Policy Analysis
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "speculate" in this sentence refers to making an educated guess or forming a theory without conclusive evidence. Scientists are using current data and trends to anticipate a future event, but their prediction is not yet confirmed. The word often carries a tone of uncertainty or hypothesis, and is used in both academic and casual contexts when facts are incomplete.
Meaning: To form a theory or guess about something without firm evidence. (Verb)
Pronunciation: SPEK-yuh-layt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *speculatus*, past participle of *speculari*, meaning "to observe, watch".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Speculate” often involves thinking about possibilities when the facts are unclear. It’s different from "predict," which is more confident and evidence-based. Also, in finance, "speculate" has a different meaning related to risky investments.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Theorize, Hypothesize, Guess, Postulate, Wonder
Antonyms: Confirm, Know, Prove, Establish
Usage Examples:
- Scientists speculate that life might exist on other planets.
- Many fans speculated about the ending of the mystery novel.
- Economists speculated on the possible outcomes of the new policy.
- He speculated that she was unhappy, though she said nothing.
Cultural Reference:
"People love to speculate, especially in the absence of facts." - Paraphrased from media commentary on public reactions to celebrity news.
Think About It:
What are the risks and benefits of speculation in science and in finance?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph starting with “Scientists speculate that...” and complete it with your own imaginative idea.
Memory Tip:
Think of “speculate” as "specs" + "relate" — using your mental “specs” (glasses) to relate clues and imagine possibilities.
Real-World Application:
In the stock market, investors often speculate by buying stocks they believe will rise in value, even without solid evidence — making “speculation” a central concept in high-risk trading.
Word-3: Sovereignty
Context:
"Beginning with Statement 2, it sets the stage by introducing Canada's assertion of sovereignty over the passage." - Arctic Legal Review
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Sovereignty" refers to the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from outside sources. In the context of the sentence, Canada is claiming legal and political authority over the Northwest Passage. The term is central in international law, politics, and history, particularly in discussions about territory, autonomy, and national control.
Meaning: Supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself. (Noun)
Pronunciation: SOV-rin-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Old French *souveraineté*, based on Latin *superanus* meaning "chief" or "principal".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is frequently used in legal, political, and diplomatic contexts. It's not just about control — it's also about recognition of that control by others. Note its importance in issues like borders, independence, and self-rule.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Autonomy, Independence, Authority, Self-rule, Dominion
Antonyms: Subjugation, Dependence, Colonization, Subordination
Usage Examples:
- The country declared its sovereignty after years of foreign occupation.
- Sovereignty is a key issue in territorial disputes between nations.
- They fought to protect their sovereignty and national identity.
- Debates about internet sovereignty are growing in the digital age.
Cultural Reference:
"Sovereignty is not given, it is taken." — Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey
Think About It:
Can true sovereignty exist in a globally interconnected world? Where do we draw the line between cooperation and interference?
Quick Activity:
List two countries that gained sovereignty in the 20th century. Write a sentence describing how they asserted or declared it.
Memory Tip:
Think of “sovereignty” as “so very reign” — having the power to “reign” or rule completely, without interference.
Real-World Application:
Sovereignty plays a major role in international law, especially in issues related to disputed territories, declarations of independence, and decisions made by governments without external influence.
Word-4: Transitory
Context:
"The dispute could be transitory, however, as scientists speculate that the entire Arctic Ocean will soon be ice-free in summer, so ship owners will not have to ask for permission to sail through any of the Northwest Passage routes." - Arctic Policy Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Transitory" describes something that is temporary or short-lived. In this sentence, it suggests that the conflict or disagreement over control of the Northwest Passage may not last long. The use of the word implies that the current situation might soon be irrelevant due to changing environmental conditions. It’s often used to contrast with something permanent or enduring.
Meaning: Lasting only for a short time; not permanent. (Adjective)
Pronunciation: TRAN-zi-tor-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *transitorius*, from *transire* meaning "to go across or pass by".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Transitory” is a useful word to describe situations or phases that are passing or short-lived. It’s often seen in academic, economic, or policy writing — don’t confuse it with “transit,” which refers more to movement than duration.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Temporary, Brief, Fleeting, Passing, Ephemeral
Antonyms: Permanent, Lasting, Enduring, Perpetual
Usage Examples:
- The pain was intense but transitory.
- Economic experts argued that the inflation spike was only transitory.
- Her interest in painting turned out to be transitory.
- The committee believes the unrest is transitory and will subside soon.
Cultural Reference:
"All that is transitory is but a symbol." — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, in *Faust*, highlighting the fleeting nature of earthly things.
Think About It:
In a world where change is constant, how do we decide which things are transitory and which deserve long-term attention?
Quick Activity:
List three experiences in your life that were transitory. Reflect briefly on what you learned from each.
Memory Tip:
Think of "transitory" as something that “transits” or passes through quickly — not here to stay.
Real-World Application:
In economics, policymakers often debate whether inflation is transitory or structural, which influences major financial decisions and interest rate policies.
Word-5: Settled
Context:
"The US and Canada have never legally settled the question of access through the Passage, but have an agreement whereby the US needs to seek Canada’s consent for any transit." - Arctic Governance Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "settled" in this sentence means to formally resolve or come to an agreement on an issue. Here, it indicates that there is no definitive legal conclusion or resolution about the access rights through the Northwest Passage. While the countries may have temporary or informal arrangements, the matter remains unresolved in a legal sense. "Settled" is often used in contexts involving disputes, legal decisions, or longstanding issues.
Meaning: Resolved or agreed upon, especially after a dispute or uncertainty. (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: SET-uhld
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English *setlan*, meaning “to seat, place, establish”.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Settled” can apply to people (like settling in a new city), but here it’s used in a diplomatic/legal context. Always consider whether it refers to people, places, or problems when you encounter it.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Resolved, Concluded, Agreed, Decided, Finalized
Antonyms: Disputed, Unresolved, Contested, Ongoing
Usage Examples:
- The lawsuit was settled out of court.
- They finally settled their differences after years of arguments.
- The refugees settled in a new community across the border.
- The issue of ownership has not yet been legally settled.
Cultural Reference:
In the 1990s, many international border disputes were settled through the International Court of Justice, setting examples for peaceful conflict resolution.
Think About It:
Can an issue be considered settled if both parties continue to act as if the matter is still in question?
Quick Activity:
Use “settled” in two different contexts: one referring to a legal decision and one to a personal life situation.
Memory Tip:
Think of “settled” as when the dust finally settles — everything is calm and clear, just like a problem that’s resolved.
Real-World Application:
In international diplomacy, when two countries have “settled” a dispute, it often means a formal treaty or agreement has been signed, which reduces tensions and uncertainty.
