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Para-jumble Sentences
Question 22: 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 creative element in product design has become of paramount importance as it is one of the few ways a firm or industry can sustain a competitive advantage over its rivals.
2. In fact, the creative element in the value of world industry would be larger still, if we added the contribution of the creative element in other industries, such as the design of tech accessories.
3. The creative industry is receiving a lot of attention today as its growth rate is faster than that of the world economy as a whole.
4. It is for this reason that today’s trade issues are increasingly involving intellectual property, as Western countries have an interest in protecting their revenues along with freeing trade in non-tangibles.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 3214
Solution by Wordpandit:
Upon initial review, the sentences in question appear to focus on the role and impact of the creative element in the global economy. Sentence 3 serves as the introductory statement by drawing a comparison between the growth rates of the world economy as a whole and the creative industry in particular. This comparison is not merely an isolated observation; rather, it establishes the groundwork for the deeper discussion that follows.
Following this introduction, Sentence 2 builds upon the concept introduced in Sentence 3 by positing that the observed disparity in growth rates would become even more pronounced if one were to factor in the creative contributions to other, non-creative industries. This argument adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, suggesting that the influence of creativity extends beyond traditional 'creative industries' into other sectors of the economy as well.
Subsequently, Sentence 1 furthers the argument by delving into specifics, illustrating how the infusion of creativity into product design can yield a sustained competitive advantage for companies. This point elaborates on Sentence 2's claim that the creative element has a broader influence, offering a concrete example of how this can manifest in a real-world context.
Finally, Sentence 4 wraps up the discussion by outlining the broader implications of the application of creative elements, specifically those mentioned in Sentence 1. It acts as the concluding remark, encapsulating the preceding points and emphasizing the far-reaching impact of creativity on economic competition and growth.
Final Logical Sequence: 3-2-1-4
Explanation Flow:
- 3: Introduces the topic and establishes the relevance of the creative industry.
- 2: Extends the influence of the creative element to broader industrial sectors.
- 1: Gives a specific example of how creativity is used strategically in product design.
- 4: Concludes with the global implications in terms of trade and intellectual property rights.
Hence, the correct sequence is: 3214.
Word-1: Paramount
Context:
"The creative element in product design has become of paramount importance as it is one of the few ways a firm or industry can sustain a competitive advantage over its rivals."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Paramount" is used to describe something that is more important than anything else—something that holds the highest rank in importance or priority. In the given context, the word stresses that creativity in product design is no longer optional but essential. It plays a crucial role in setting a company apart from its competition and maintaining long-term success in the marketplace.
Meaning: More important than anything else; supreme (Adjective)
Pronunciation: PAIR-uh-mount
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Anglo-French *paramont*, meaning "above" or "superior," from *par* (by) + *amont* (upward).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
When something is “paramount,” it must come first. This word adds weight—use it when describing priorities. For example: safety is paramount, education is paramount, or creativity is paramount in innovation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: supreme, primary, vital, chief, overriding
Antonyms: minor, secondary, trivial, negligible
Usage Examples:
- Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to our business model.
- In any emergency, ensuring people’s safety must be paramount.
- Trust is paramount in building long-term relationships.
- Environmental sustainability has become a paramount concern for modern corporations.
Cultural Reference:
“The freedom of speech is paramount in a democratic society.” – echoed in legal and political discourse across constitutions and debates globally.
Think About It:
What values or priorities are paramount in your personal or professional life, and how do they shape your decisions?
Quick Activity:
Write three things that are paramount to you in your career. Explain why each is critical.
Memory Tip:
“Paramount” sounds like a mountain — think of it as standing tall above all else in importance!
Real-World Application:
In business, education, politics, and healthcare, identifying what's paramount helps in prioritizing resources, goals, and decision-making strategies effectively.
Word-2: Sustain
Context:
"The creative element in product design has become of paramount importance as it is one of the few ways a firm or industry can sustain a competitive advantage over its rivals."
Explanatory Paragraph:
To "sustain" means to maintain or keep something going over time. It often refers to continuing a condition, effort, or advantage in the face of challenges. In the sentence, the word highlights how creativity in product design helps businesses preserve and prolong their lead over competitors. Without innovation, that advantage may quickly fade, making sustainability a critical goal in strategy and performance.
Meaning: To keep up, maintain, or continue over time (Verb)
Pronunciation: suh-STAYN
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *sustinere*, meaning "to hold up," from *sub-* (from below) + *tenere* (to hold).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Sustain” is a powerful action word. It shows consistency, resilience, and strength. Think of a bridge that sustains weight, or a company sustaining profits—it implies endurance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: maintain, uphold, preserve, continue, support
Antonyms: abandon, discontinue, weaken, exhaust
Usage Examples:
- To sustain growth, the company invested heavily in innovation.
- Healthy eating habits help sustain your energy throughout the day.
- The bridge was designed to sustain heavy traffic for decades.
- He couldn’t sustain his argument under pressure during the debate.
Cultural Reference:
"Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." – United Nations Brundtland Report
Think About It:
What strategies or habits do you use to sustain motivation in long-term projects or goals?
Quick Activity:
List three things in your personal or professional life that require effort to sustain. Describe one way you maintain each.
Memory Tip:
Think “sustain = stay + maintain” — something that stays because you keep maintaining it!
Real-World Application:
“Sustain” is a key concept in business, ecology, sports, and education—where long-term success depends on consistent effort, support, and planning to withstand changes and challenges.
Word-3: Competitive
Context:
"The creative element in product design has become of paramount importance as it is one of the few ways a firm or industry can sustain a competitive advantage over its rivals."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Competitive" describes a situation or mindset where individuals, companies, or products are striving to outperform others. In business, a competitive advantage means having an edge that makes a company more successful or effective than its rivals. In the given sentence, the term highlights how creativity in product design can set a company apart in a crowded market, helping it stay ahead of the competition.
Meaning: Involving or characterized by rivalry; having a strong desire to be more successful than others (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kuhm-PEH-tih-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *competere*, meaning “to strive together.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Competitive” is not just about winning—it’s about maintaining an edge, pushing boundaries, and staying relevant. Think of exams, sports, business, or job markets—being competitive means you're in the race and fighting to stay ahead.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ambitious, driven, rivalrous, challenging, aggressive
Antonyms: noncompetitive, passive, indifferent, cooperative (in some contexts)
Usage Examples:
- The job market is extremely competitive, especially for recent graduates.
- Apple maintains a competitive edge through innovation and branding.
- He’s highly competitive and always aims to be at the top of his class.
- To stay competitive, companies must adapt to changing technologies.
Cultural Reference:
"In a competitive world, continuous innovation is the only way to survive." – Business mindset echoed in Harvard Business Review articles and startup culture.
Think About It:
Is being competitive always a good thing? How do you balance healthy competition with collaboration?
Quick Activity:
Think of two industries that are highly competitive. Write one sentence explaining why competition is intense in each.
Memory Tip:
“Competitive” comes from “compete” — so when you hear it, think of striving to win or stand out!
Real-World Application:
Understanding competitiveness helps businesses develop strategies, students prepare for exams, and athletes train harder. It's key to goal-setting and long-term success across all fields.
Word-4: Intellectual
Context:
"It is for this reason that today’s trade issues are increasingly involving intellectual property, as Western countries have an interest in protecting their revenues along with freeing trade in non-tangibles."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Intellectual" refers to anything related to the use of the mind or intellect, especially in matters that involve critical thinking, creativity, or knowledge. In the given context, the phrase "intellectual property" means creations of the mind—such as inventions, artistic works, designs, and symbols—that are protected by law. These non-physical assets are of high value in modern economies, and countries seek to safeguard them to preserve their financial and creative interests.
Meaning: Related to the intellect or understanding; involving deep thought or reasoning (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-tuh-LEK-choo-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *intellectus* (understanding), from *intelligere* (to understand).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Intellectual” is often used to describe ideas, discussions, or people that rely on thought and analysis rather than emotion or physical action. In business and law, it links to “intellectual property”—a key concept in the modern knowledge economy.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cognitive, rational, mental, academic, cerebral
Antonyms: physical, emotional, instinctive, practical (in certain contexts)
Usage Examples:
- He enjoys engaging in intellectual debates about politics and philosophy.
- The university values intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.
- Intellectual property laws protect authors and inventors from theft of ideas.
- Her work is both intellectually rigorous and creatively bold.
Cultural Reference:
"The intellectual property revolution is shaping the global economy." – World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Think About It:
Should intellectual property be treated the same way as physical property? What challenges arise in protecting ideas globally?
Quick Activity:
List two examples of intellectual property and explain why they should be protected. Hint: Think about music, books, inventions, or logos.
Memory Tip:
“Intellectual” comes from “intellect”—so think of it as something powered by the mind or brain, not the body!
Real-World Application:
Understanding the value of intellectual property is crucial for entrepreneurs, artists, and tech developers. Patents, copyrights, and trademarks protect ideas and fuel innovation-driven economies.
Word-5: Non-tangibles
Context:
"It is for this reason that today’s trade issues are increasingly involving intellectual property, as Western countries have an interest in protecting their revenues along with freeing trade in non-tangibles."
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Non-tangibles” refers to things that cannot be touched or physically measured. These are abstract assets or concepts like ideas, trademarks, patents, copyrights, brand reputation, and goodwill. In the given sentence, non-tangibles are contrasted with physical goods in trade. As economies shift toward innovation and services, protecting and trading non-tangibles has become just as important—if not more—than dealing in physical products.
Meaning: Things that are not physical or touchable; intangible assets or concepts (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: non-TAN-juh-buhls
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *tangere* (to touch) with prefix *non-* (not); literally meaning “not touchable.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Non-tangibles” are the opposite of physical objects. In business, this term is crucial—think of a brand’s value, reputation, or intellectual property. These are assets you can’t hold, but they hold massive value.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intangibles, abstract assets, non-physical items, conceptual goods
Antonyms: tangibles, physical goods, concrete items, material assets
Usage Examples:
- Non-tangibles like brand loyalty and customer trust can significantly affect a company’s success.
- The company’s valuation includes both its physical inventory and non-tangibles like patents.
- Startups often possess more non-tangibles than physical infrastructure.
- Trade in non-tangibles has surged in the digital economy.
Cultural Reference:
"In today’s knowledge-driven world, the non-tangibles—like intellectual capital—are the true engines of innovation." – Harvard Business Review
Think About It:
Do you think non-tangibles can be more valuable than tangible products in today’s world? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
List three examples of non-tangibles in business or personal life. Write one sentence for each explaining its value.
Memory Tip:
“Non” = not, “tangible” = touchable → Non-tangibles = not touchable but still valuable!
Real-World Application:
Non-tangibles like intellectual property, software, data, and customer relationships are central to how tech companies and global businesses generate value and gain competitive advantage.
