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Para-jumble Sentences
Question 21: 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. Some company leaders are basing their decisions on locating offices to foster innovation and growth, as their best-performing inventors suffered the greatest productivity losses when their commutes grew longer.
2. Shorter commutes support innovation by giving employees more time in the office and greater opportunities for in-person collaboration, while removing the physical strain of a long commute.
3. This is not always the case: remote work does not automatically lead to greater creativity and productivity as office water-cooler conversations are also very important for innovation.
4. Some see the link between long commutes and productivity as support for work-from-home scenarios, as many workers have grown accustomed to their commute-free arrangements during the pandemic.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2143
Solution by Wordpandit:
The given set of statements explores the intricate relationship between commuting distances and overall employee productivity, emphasizing how this relationship can ultimately influence workplace innovation. The text argues that shorter commutes are beneficial as they enable employees to spend more time at the office, thereby providing increased opportunities for face-to-face interactions and collaboration. Conversely, longer commutes can have the opposite effect, causing physical and mental fatigue that can lead to diminished productivity.
Statement 2 serves as the introductory context for this discussion, outlining the general idea that commuting has a direct impact on productivity and innovation. It essentially sets the stage for the points that follow.
Statements 4 and 3 function as a coherent logical block, presenting a nuanced perspective. Statement 4 proposes an alternative, suggesting that work-from-home arrangements could enhance productivity. Statement 3 then elaborates on this by explaining why this solution might not be as effective as it initially seems. These two statements are closely tied through their common theme of discussing alternatives to traditional office work for improving productivity.
The word "some" in statement 4 creates a textual link to statement 1. Statement 1 introduces the views of a specific group of company leaders who have their own take on the situation. Thus, statement 4 offers a contrasting viewpoint held by another subset of company leaders.
Final arrangement: 2-1-4-3
Explanation of flow:
- 2 introduces the key topic: commuting and its impact on innovation.
- 1 builds on this by showing how companies are making decisions based on commute-productivity links.
- 4 introduces an alternative solution—remote work—as a counterpoint.
- 3 complicates this counterpoint by suggesting remote work has its own limitations.
Therefore, the correct sequence is: 2143.
Word-1: Innovation
Context:
"Some company leaders are basing their decisions on locating offices to foster innovation and growth, as their best-performing inventors suffered the greatest productivity losses when their commutes grew longer."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Innovation" refers to the process of creating new ideas, methods, products, or ways of doing things—especially in ways that improve efficiency, effectiveness, or value. It’s often linked to technological advancement, creative thinking, and problem-solving. In the context of the sentence, companies are considering innovation when deciding where to place offices, recognizing that proximity and ease of access can significantly impact the creativity and productivity of their top minds.
Meaning: The process of introducing new ideas, methods, or products (Noun)
Pronunciation: in-uh-VAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *innovare*, meaning "to renew or change," from *in-* (into) + *novus* (new).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Innovation” isn’t just about inventions—it's about doing something differently and better. Whether it's redesigning a process, updating a product, or rethinking a business model, innovation drives progress and relevance in any field.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: invention, creativity, modernization, breakthrough, originality
Antonyms: stagnation, tradition, routine, imitation
Usage Examples:
- Innovation is key to staying ahead in the technology industry.
- The startup won an award for its innovation in green energy solutions.
- Workplaces that encourage innovation tend to attract top talent.
- Continuous innovation has helped the company stay relevant for decades.
Cultural Reference:
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." – Steve Jobs
Think About It:
Can innovation be taught, or is it something that only certain individuals or cultures naturally excel at?
Quick Activity:
Think of one recent innovation you’ve seen or used (e.g., a new app, gadget, or system). Describe in one sentence how it changed your behavior or made something easier.
Memory Tip:
“Innovation” has “nova” in it—like a star going supernova, it’s about creating something explosively new!
Real-World Application:
Innovation is vital in business, healthcare, education, and government—whether it’s new technologies, creative policies, or smarter workflows, it leads to growth, competitiveness, and societal progress.
Word-2: Productivity
Context:
"Some company leaders are basing their decisions on locating offices to foster innovation and growth, as their best-performing inventors suffered the greatest productivity losses when their commutes grew longer."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Productivity" refers to how efficiently work is done—specifically, the amount of output produced in relation to the input of time, effort, or resources. High productivity means more is accomplished with less effort or time. In this context, longer commutes negatively affected inventors' productivity, likely due to fatigue, stress, and less time spent on focused work. Productivity is essential in both individual performance and the overall success of a company or economy.
Meaning: The rate at which work is completed or output is produced (Noun)
Pronunciation: proh-duhk-TIV-ih-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *productivus* meaning "fit for production"; from *producere* (to bring forth or yield).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of productivity as the "output per effort" ratio. It's not just about working hard—it's about working smart. Improving productivity often means eliminating distractions, improving systems, and managing time better.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: efficiency, output, performance, work rate, yield
Antonyms: inefficiency, idleness, sluggishness, underperformance
Usage Examples:
- Flexible work hours have improved employee productivity across the board.
- High productivity is essential for achieving profitability in any business.
- Distractions like constant notifications can drastically reduce your productivity.
- The factory increased its productivity by upgrading to modern machinery.
Cultural Reference:
"Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about creating more impact with less effort." – Tim Ferriss, author of *The 4-Hour Workweek*
Think About It:
What habits or environmental changes have the biggest impact on your productivity—and how can you control them?
Quick Activity:
Track how you spend your next 2 hours. Note how much time goes to productive tasks vs. distractions. Reflect on one way to improve that balance.
Memory Tip:
“Productivity” contains “produce”—so it’s all about how much you produce in a given time!
Real-World Application:
Productivity is a key metric in business, economics, and personal development. It helps companies grow, nations advance, and individuals achieve more in less time with better results.
Word-3: Collaboration
Context:
"Shorter commutes support innovation by giving employees more time in the office and greater opportunities for in-person collaboration, while removing the physical strain of a long commute."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Collaboration" refers to the act of working together with others to achieve a common goal or create something. It involves sharing ideas, responsibilities, and efforts. In this context, collaboration becomes easier and more effective when people are physically present in the same space. This helps foster creativity, solve problems faster, and build stronger working relationships, all of which are essential for innovation and productivity in the workplace.
Meaning: The process of working jointly with others, especially in an intellectual or creative endeavor (Noun)
Pronunciation: kuh-lab-uh-RAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *collaborare*, meaning “to work together,” from *com-* (together) + *laborare* (to work).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Collaboration” is a key concept in team settings. Remember: it’s not just dividing tasks, but creating something better *together*. Think of group projects, brainstorming sessions, or innovation hubs—it thrives where minds meet.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: teamwork, cooperation, partnership, alliance, joint effort
Antonyms: isolation, competition, resistance, individualism
Usage Examples:
- The marketing and product teams are in close collaboration to launch the new campaign.
- Effective collaboration often leads to more creative and practical solutions.
- International collaboration is key in tackling global issues like climate change.
- Software tools like shared docs and video conferencing enhance virtual collaboration.
Cultural Reference:
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller, speaking to the power of collaboration.
Think About It:
Why do you think collaboration sometimes produces better results than working alone—even for highly skilled individuals?
Quick Activity:
Think of a time you worked with someone on a project. What made the collaboration successful or challenging? Write 2–3 sentences about it.
Memory Tip:
“Co” means together + “labor” means work → collaboration = working together!
Real-World Application:
Collaboration is essential in business, science, education, and the arts. Whether it's cross-functional teams, research partnerships, or co-authored content, collaboration drives innovation and builds community.
Word-4: Creativity
Context:
"This is not always the case: remote work does not automatically lead to greater creativity and productivity as office water-cooler conversations are also very important for innovation."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Creativity" refers to the ability to generate new and original ideas, approaches, or solutions. It involves imagination, curiosity, and the willingness to think beyond conventional boundaries. In the context provided, creativity is linked to the unexpected moments of inspiration that can come from informal, spontaneous interactions—like casual conversations in an office setting—which may be lacking in remote work environments. This highlights that creativity is not only an individual trait but can also be nurtured by a collaborative and stimulating atmosphere.
Meaning: The use of imagination or original ideas to create something new or valuable (Noun)
Pronunciation: kree-ay-TIV-ih-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *creare* meaning "to create," with the suffix *-ity* denoting a quality or state.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Creativity is not limited to the arts—it thrives in business, science, and everyday problem-solving. It’s about connecting the dots in new ways. Even casual conversations or a change in environment can spark creative thinking.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: originality, inventiveness, imagination, innovation, ingenuity
Antonyms: dullness, routine, rigidity, unoriginality
Usage Examples:
- Creativity often emerges when people from different backgrounds share ideas.
- The designer’s creativity was evident in every detail of the product.
- Many companies now focus on cultivating a workplace that supports creativity.
- Children naturally express creativity through play and storytelling.
Cultural Reference:
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – A quote often attributed to Albert Einstein, highlighting the joyful, playful nature of creative thinking.
Think About It:
Is creativity a natural talent, or can it be cultivated through environment and habits? What helps you feel most creative?
Quick Activity:
Set a timer for 3 minutes. Try to list 5 unusual uses for a paperclip. This classic exercise helps jump-start creative thinking!
Memory Tip:
“Create” is at the heart of “creativity”—it’s all about making something new from what you know!
Real-World Application:
Creativity drives breakthroughs in art, science, marketing, technology, and education. Whether designing a product, solving a crisis, or writing a story, it is a core skill in today’s innovation-based world.
Word-5: Scenarios
Context:
"Some see the link between long commutes and productivity as support for work-from-home scenarios, as many workers have grown accustomed to their commute-free arrangements during the pandemic."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Scenarios" refers to possible or imagined situations, especially those that are projected or hypothesized for discussion, planning, or problem-solving. In the context of the sentence, "work-from-home scenarios" means different arrangements or models where employees continue to work remotely rather than commuting to an office. The use of "scenarios" here captures the idea of different possible setups or futures being considered based on workers' changing preferences and productivity patterns.
Meaning: Possible situations or imagined sequences of events (Noun – plural of scenario)
Pronunciation: suh-NAIR-ee-ohz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Italian *scenario*, meaning "a stage or scene," originally referring to a theatrical outline, and now used more broadly for hypothetical situations.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Scenarios” are mental models we use to imagine different outcomes. In business, policy-making, and writing, we use them to test plans and prepare for possible futures. Always think of them as ‘what-if’ frames.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: situations, cases, possibilities, projections, outcomes
Antonyms: certainties, realities, facts (in some contexts)
Usage Examples:
- The company prepared multiple scenarios to navigate the uncertain economic future.
- In worst-case scenarios, the power grid could fail during extreme weather events.
- Work-from-home scenarios have become a standard part of corporate planning post-pandemic.
- Writers often imagine alternate scenarios to explore “what if” questions in fiction.
Cultural Reference:
"Scenario planning" became a key strategic tool in global corporations like Shell during the 1970s oil crisis, helping them prepare for multiple futures.
Think About It:
Why is it important to consider multiple scenarios when making decisions in business, government, or even personal life?
Quick Activity:
Write down two possible scenarios for how your daily routine would change if you had to permanently work from home. Consider both pros and cons.
Memory Tip:
“Scenario” sounds like “scene”—think of each scenario as a different scene in a play or movie, showing a different version of events.
Real-World Application:
Scenarios are widely used in strategic planning, risk assessment, climate modeling, education, and even crisis management—helping people and organizations plan for the future.
