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Para-Completion Questions
24. There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: This was years in the making but fast-tracked during the pandemic, when "people started being more mindful about their food", he explained.
Paragraph: For millennia, ghee has been a venerated staple of the subcontinental diet, but it fell out of favour a few decades ago when saturated fats were largely considered to be unhealthy. ___(1)___ But more recently, as the thinking around saturated fats is shifting globally, Indians are finding their own way back to this ingredient that is so integral to their cuisine. ___(2)___ For Karmakar, a renewed interest in ghee is emblematic of a return-to-basics movement in India. ___(3)___ This movement is also part of an overall trend towards "slow food". In keeping with the movement's philosophy, ghee can be produced locally (even at home) and has inextricable cultural ties. ___(4)___ At a basic level, ghee is a type of clarified butter believed to have originated in India as a way to preserve butter from going rancid in the hot climate.
A. Option 1
B. Option 2
C. Option 3
D. Option 4
Solution with Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation by Wordpandit:
Options A and B can be immediately ruled out as they are inconsistent with the original passage's context. The sentence in question, "This was years in the making but fast-tracked during the pandemic, when 'people started being more mindful about their food,' he explained," contains the pronoun "he," which clearly refers back to "Karmakar," mentioned earlier in the text.
The optimal position for this sentence is in blank 3. Inserting it here complements the discussion around ghee being part of a "return-to-basics movement in India." The sentence helps to elaborate on this by indicating that this renewed enthusiasm for ghee has not been an overnight sensation. Rather, it has been evolving over years and received a significant boost during the pandemic when public consciousness about food choices heightened. This notion ties seamlessly into the broader theme of a shift towards "slow food" in India, as the sentence specifically points out how people became more 'mindful' about their dietary selections during this period.
In contrast, situating the sentence in any other blank would disrupt the flow and coherency of the paragraph, as it would introduce information that is not directly related to the core ideas being articulated in those specific segments of the text.
Therefore, considering all these factors, Option C emerges as the most logical and fitting choice for placement of the given sentence.
Word 1: Venerated
Context:
"For millennia, ghee has been a venerated staple of the subcontinental diet, but it fell out of favour a few decades ago when saturated fats were largely considered to be unhealthy." - Source: General reference to South Asian dietary history
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âveneratedâ is used to describe something or someone that is deeply respected, honored, or revered, often due to age, wisdom, cultural significance, or longstanding tradition. In the given sentence, ghee is described as a âvenerated staple,â suggesting that it has been highly respected and held in cultural or culinary esteem for centuries in the Indian subcontinent.
Meaning: Highly respected and revered (Verb - past participle)
Pronunciation: VEN-uh-ray-tid
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *veneratus*, past participle of *venerari*, meaning "to revere or worship."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âVeneratedâ is a classic example of formal, academic vocabulary that pops up frequently in history, culture, and religion-related texts. It implies not just respect, but a deep-seated reverence, often earned over time. Think of "venerated" as âdeeply honored over ages.â
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: revered, respected, esteemed, honored, admired
Antonyms: despised, disrespected, dishonored, disregarded
Usage Examples:
- She is venerated by the local community for her decades of selfless service.
- The ancient temple is venerated as a sacred site by pilgrims.
- Einstein is venerated in the world of physics for his groundbreaking theories.
- Over time, the writer came to be venerated as a literary genius.
Cultural Reference:
"In many Asian cultures, elders are venerated for their wisdom and life experience." - Cultural observation across East and South Asian societies
Think About It:
What qualities or actions make someone worthy of being venerated in society, and how does this differ across cultures?
Quick Activity:
List three people or traditions you personally venerate and explain why.
Memory Tip:
Think âvenerateâ sounds like âgenerate respectââvenerated things generate deep respect in people over time.
Real-World Application:
Understanding âveneratedâ is especially useful when reading historical or religious texts, or discussing cultural practices where certain traditions, people, or institutions are highly respected.
Word 2: Saturated
Context:
"For millennia, ghee has been a venerated staple of the subcontinental diet, but it fell out of favour a few decades ago when saturated fats were largely considered to be unhealthy." - Source: General reference to South Asian dietary history
Explanatory Paragraph:
âSaturatedâ in this context refers to a specific type of fat that is "saturated" with hydrogen atoms. These fats are typically solid at room temperature and are found in animal products like butter, ghee, and fatty meats. The term can also be used more broadly to describe anything filled to capacity. In nutrition, however, saturated fats have been linked with higher cholesterol levels, which is why they were historically viewed as unhealthy, though modern research provides a more nuanced view.
Meaning: Containing the maximum amount of hydrogen atoms and no double bonds (Adjective)
Pronunciation: SA-chuh-ray-tid
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *saturatus*, meaning "to fill, sate or satisfy fully."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is highly versatileâused in chemistry, everyday conversation, and nutrition. For our purpose, focus on its dietary meaning, but remember it can also refer to colors, solutions, or even markets being "saturated." Keep context in mind when interpreting!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: soaked, filled, full, laden
Antonyms: unsaturated, empty, dry, lean
Usage Examples:
- Saturated fats are often found in dairy and red meat products.
- The sponge was saturated with water after cleaning the spill.
- The color on the wall was so saturated it almost glowed.
- The market was saturated with similar products, making competition fierce.
Cultural Reference:
"Public health campaigns in the 1980s strongly warned against consuming saturated fats, changing dietary habits worldwide." - Nutritional policy history
Think About It:
How do changing scientific perspectives influence our understanding of what is healthy or unhealthy in our diets?
Quick Activity:
List three foods you eat regularly. Use a food label or online search to find out if they contain saturated fat.
Memory Tip:
Think of a sponge âsaturatedâ with waterâcompletely soaked. In fats, saturated means fully packed with hydrogen, no room for more.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term âsaturatedâ is essential when reading nutritional labels, dietary guidelines, or health-related articles about fat intake and cholesterol.
Word 3: Emblematic
Context:
"For Karmakar, a renewed interest in ghee is emblematic of a return-to-basics movement in India." - Source: General commentary on Indian culinary trends
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âemblematicâ is used to describe something that symbolically represents a larger idea, movement, or quality. In the sentence, ghee is not just a cooking ingredientâitâs symbolic of a broader return-to-traditional-roots trend in India. When something is emblematic, it stands as a sign or emblem of something bigger, often conveying deeper meaning or values attached to culture, identity, or thought.
Meaning: Serving as a symbol or emblem of something (Adjective)
Pronunciation: em-bleh-MA-tik
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *emblĂ©matique*, derived from Latin *emblema* (an inlaid work or ornament), originally from Greek *emblema* meaning âsomething inserted.â
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âEmblematicâ is a rich, abstract word often used in journalism, literature, and academic essays. Itâs a great way to connect a specific example to a general idea or trend. Try using it when you want to express that something âstands forâ more than just itself.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: symbolic, representative, indicative, suggestive
Antonyms: literal, insignificant, meaningless, irrelevant
Usage Examples:
- The statue is emblematic of the nationâs struggle for freedom.
- Her leadership style is emblematic of a new generation of politicians.
- The lotus flower is emblematic of spiritual enlightenment in many cultures.
- The collapse of the company was emblematic of deeper issues in the tech industry.
Cultural Reference:
"The bald eagle is emblematic of American freedom and strength." - U.S. National Symbol Reference
Think About It:
Can you identify something in your daily life that is emblematic of your personal values or beliefs?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing something from your culture or region that is emblematic of its traditions.
Memory Tip:
Think âemblemâ = âsymbol.â So âemblematicâ = symbolic of something greater.
Real-World Application:
Use âemblematicâ in essays, social commentary, or discussions where you need to convey that something small or specific symbolizes a broader idea, especially in cultural or political contexts.
Word 4: Philosophy
Context:
"This movement is also part of an overall trend towards 'slow food'. In keeping with the movement's philosophy, ghee can be produced locally (even at home) and has inextricable cultural ties." - Source: Commentary on the slow food movement in India
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âphilosophyâ in this context doesnât refer to abstract theories or ancient thinkers, but rather the guiding principles or core beliefs of a movement or idea. Here, it means the set of values behind the "slow food" movementâemphasizing sustainability, locality, and cultural preservation. More generally, âphilosophyâ can refer both to academic study of existence and ethics, and to personal or collective belief systems that guide decisions and behavior.
Meaning: A set of beliefs, values, or guiding principles (Noun)
Pronunciation: fi-LOSS-uh-fee
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *philosophia*, meaning âlove of wisdom,â from *philo-* (loving) + *sophia* (wisdom)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is a beautiful blend of deep academic roots and everyday usage. Donât limit it to professors or ancient textsâitâs also about your life approach. Your âwork philosophyâ or âdiet philosophyâ reveals how you think and act. Notice how the slow food movement has a âphilosophyâ behind itâitâs not just about food, but the thinking behind how it's made and enjoyed.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: belief system, worldview, ideology, doctrine, thinking
Antonyms: inconsistency, irrationality, arbitrariness
Usage Examples:
- Her philosophy of life emphasizes kindness and mindfulness.
- The companyâs philosophy centers on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- In college, he studied Western philosophy and its historical evolution.
- The yoga teacher shared her philosophy on balance between mind and body.
Cultural Reference:
"Gandhiâs philosophy of non-violence inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world." - Historical context
Think About It:
What is your personal philosophy on how to live a good life? What beliefs guide your daily choices?
Quick Activity:
Write down three core beliefs that define your personal philosophy. How do they influence your actions?
Memory Tip:
Break it down: *philo* (love) + *sophy* (wisdom) = philosophy = âlove of wisdom or guiding thoughts.â
Real-World Application:
Understanding the âphilosophyâ behind actionsâwhether in business, food, education, or politicsâhelps you better evaluate the purpose and impact of decisions and movements.
Word 5: Inextricable
Context:
"This movement is also part of an overall trend towards 'slow food'. In keeping with the movement's philosophy, ghee can be produced locally (even at home) and has inextricable cultural ties." - Source: Commentary on the slow food movement in India
Explanatory Paragraph:
âInextricableâ refers to something so closely linked or entangled that it cannot be separated or untangled. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that ghee is so deeply embedded in cultural practices and identity that separating it from cultural significance is nearly impossible. The word carries a strong emotional and conceptual weight, emphasizing profound connections that are both complex and permanent.
Meaning: Impossible to disentangle or separate; strongly bound or linked (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-EK-strik-uh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ââââ Advanced
Etymology: From Latin *inextricabilis*, meaning ânot able to be disentangled,â from *in-* (not) + *extricabilis* (able to be freed)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a rich, formal word that works beautifully in essays, especially when describing complex relationshipsâbetween culture and tradition, people and history, or ideas and institutions. It often conveys emotional depth and permanence. Think of it as the opposite of something that can be easily unknotted or undone.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: inseparable, entangled, bound, intertwined, enmeshed
Antonyms: separable, detached, extricable, independent
Usage Examples:
- His identity is inextricable from his cultural heritage.
- The two events are inextricably linked in the publicâs memory.
- She felt an inextricable connection to the land where she was born.
- Technology and daily life have become inextricable in the modern world.
Cultural Reference:
"In Indian society, food is often inextricable from rituals, festivals, and family traditions." - Cultural observation
Think About It:
What are some things in your life or culture that feel inextricably connected to your identity or values?
Quick Activity:
Complete the sentence: â________ is inextricable from __________.â Write three such examples using your own experiences.
Memory Tip:
Think: *in* (not) + *extricate* (to untangle) = inextricable = not able to be untangled.
Real-World Application:
Use âinextricableâ to describe deep relationships, such as culture and identity, emotions and memories, or even causes and effects in analytical writing or formal discussions.
