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Para-jumble Sentences
19. 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. Women may prioritize cooking because they feel they alone are responsible for mediating a toxic and unhealthy food system.
2. Food is commonly framed through the lens of individual choice: you can choose to eat healthily.
3. This is particularly so in a neoliberal context where the state has transferred the responsibility for food onto individual consumers.
4. The individualized framing of choice appeals to a popular desire to experience agency, but draws away from the structural obstacles that stratify individual food choices.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 2431
Explanation by Wordpandit:
In this set of statements, the focus is on how societal perceptions about food are primarily framed through the lens of individual choice, neglecting the broader structural factors that influence what people eat. The statements delve into the role that neoliberal ideology plays in this framing, especially by shifting the burden of responsibility onto individuals. They also discuss the specific impact this has on women, who often find themselves shouldering the burden of making food choices within this complex system.
Sentences 2 and 4 form a coherent block: Sentence 2 brings into focus the idea that food is commonly seen through the prism of individual choice, while Sentence 4 elaborates on the consequences of this viewpoint, stating that it may create a false sense of agency but distracts from underlying structural issues affecting food choices.
The term "This" in Sentence 3 refers back to the outcomes mentioned in Sentence 4, making it logical to pair these two sentences together to form the sequence [2-4-3]. This block of sentences effectively outlines how the individualistic framing impacts broader understandings and experiences related to food choices.
Lastly, Sentence 1 can be positioned at the end of this sequence to bring into focus the particular burden placed on women within this ideological framework. This serves to underscore how women are perhaps even more disproportionately affected by this individual-centric approach, further amplifying the inequalities discussed in Sentences 2, 4, and 3.
Therefore, when considering the logical progression and coherence of these statements, the most fitting arrangement would be 2431.
Word-1: Mediating
Context:
"Women may prioritize cooking because they feel they alone are responsible for mediating a toxic and unhealthy food system." - Article Context
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âmediatingâ refers to the act of intervening or playing an active role in resolving, managing, or balancing between two opposing forces, issues, or systems. In this context, women are seen as actively engaging with a flawed food system, perhaps by trying to create healthier meals or make better choices, acting as a bridge between harmful systems and their family's well-being.
Meaning: Intervening in a dispute or situation to bring about an agreement or resolution (Verb)
Pronunciation: MEE-dee-ay-ting
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *mediare* ("to be in the middle"), from *medius* meaning "middle".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of âmediatingâ as standing in the middle and trying to resolve or manage tension. Whether itâs family conflict or societal systems, this word implies action and responsibilityâsomeone stepping up to improve or settle a situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Intervening, arbitrating, resolving, negotiating, facilitating
Antonyms: Aggravating, ignoring, provoking, escalating
Usage Examples:
- The teacher was skilled at mediating arguments between students during group projects.
- She spent years mediating between different community organizations to foster unity.
- Parents often find themselves mediating conflicts between siblings.
- Activists are mediating between corporate practices and environmental needs.
Cultural Reference:
"The United Nations plays a key role in mediating international conflicts and promoting peace worldwide." - Global Affairs Digest
Think About It:
In what areas of your own life do you find yourself mediating between conflicting values or expectations?
Quick Activity:
List three situations in your life where youâve had to mediate. Describe the two sides and how you handled the conflict.
Memory Tip:
Think of âmediaâ as the middle ground in communicationâso to âmediateâ is to be the one in the middle trying to resolve or facilitate.
Real-World Application:
Mediating is a vital skill in careers such as counseling, diplomacy, law, management, and even parentingâany role that requires resolving differences and promoting understanding.
Word-2: Neoliberal
Context:
"This is particularly so in a neoliberal context where the state has transferred the responsibility for food onto individual consumers." - Article Context
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âneoliberalâ refers to a political and economic ideology that emphasizes free-market capitalism, deregulation, privatization, and a reduction in government spending. In a neoliberal context, systems and responsibilities that were once managed or supported by the stateâsuch as food provision, healthcare, or educationâare increasingly placed in the hands of individuals or private entities. The sentence highlights how the burden of navigating a flawed food system is now seen as a personal, not governmental, responsibility.
Meaning: Relating to a modified form of liberalism favoring free-market capitalism and minimal state intervention (Adjective)
Pronunciation: NEE-oh-libb-uh-ruhl
Difficulty Level: ââââ Advanced
Etymology: From *neo-* meaning "new" and *liberal*, originally from Latin *liber* meaning "free", referencing classical liberal ideas reimagined for modern capitalism.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âNeoliberalâ is often used in critical discussions about modern economics and policy. It reflects a shift from collective or state-based solutions to individual responsibility and market-driven outcomes. Think of it as the world where âyouâre on your ownâ becomes a policy mantra.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Free-market, pro-capitalist, laissez-faire
Antonyms: Socialist, collectivist, interventionist
Usage Examples:
- The neoliberal policies of the 1980s prioritized privatization and deregulation.
- Critics argue that neoliberal systems widen the gap between rich and poor.
- In a neoliberal framework, public services are often managed like private businesses.
- Education reforms have been influenced by neoliberal thinking, focusing on market competition and efficiency.
Cultural Reference:
"Neoliberalism has tricked us into believing we owe everything to the market and nothing to each other." - George Monbiot, *The Guardian*
Think About It:
How has the shift toward neoliberal policies affected your access to education, healthcare, or other essential services?
Quick Activity:
List three aspects of daily life (e.g., housing, healthcare, transportation) and reflect on how they might be influenced by neoliberal policies.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: "Neo" = new, "liberal" = market freedom. So âneoliberalâ = new form of free-market thinking. Imagine a vending machine for every public serviceâyou pay, you get.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term âneoliberalâ is vital in subjects like economics, political science, sociology, and policy debates, especially when analyzing modern governance, inequality, and social justice issues.
Word-3: Responsibility
Context:
"This is particularly so in a neoliberal context where the state has transferred the responsibility for food onto individual consumers." - Article Context
Explanatory Paragraph:
âResponsibilityâ refers to the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or being accountable for someone or something. In the provided context, it means that instead of the government taking charge of food security or nutrition policies, individual consumers are now expected to manage their food choices and health outcomes on their own. It conveys a shift in accountability from collective or state-led systems to personal, often burdensome, obligation.
Meaning: The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something; a duty or task that one is required or expected to do (Noun)
Pronunciation: rih-spon-suh-BIH-luh-tee
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *responsus* ("to respond"), past participle of *respondÄre* ("to answer"), reflecting the idea of answering or being accountable.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âResponsibilityâ is a foundational word in both moral and practical contexts. It reflects not just the burden but the empowerment of being trusted with something important. Think of it as the weight you carry when others expect you to act or decide correctly.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Duty, obligation, accountability, charge, burden
Antonyms: Irresponsibility, neglect, avoidance, denial
Usage Examples:
- It is your responsibility to submit the project on time.
- Parents have a responsibility to care for and guide their children.
- In a democracy, voting is both a right and a responsibility.
- He accepted full responsibility for the error in the financial report.
Cultural Reference:
"With great power comes great responsibility." - Popularized by Spider-Man comics and films
Think About It:
Do you think placing more responsibility on individuals in modern society is empowering or overwhelming? Why?
Quick Activity:
Write down five responsibilities you handle each week. Reflect on which one is the most meaningful and why.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: âResponseâ + âabilityâ = your ability to respond. If you're responsible, you're able to respond to duties and challenges.
Real-World Application:
Responsibility is a crucial concept in leadership, education, family life, and citizenship. Understanding and managing responsibilities effectively leads to trust, success, and personal growth.
Word-4: Individualized
Context:
"The individualized framing of choice appeals to a popular desire to experience agency." - Article Context
Explanatory Paragraph:
âIndividualizedâ refers to something that is tailored or customized to suit a specific person, rather than a group. In the context provided, it means that choices are presented as personal, unique to each person, and not shaped by broader systems or collective norms. This framing appeals to peopleâs desire to feel in control of their own livesâwhatâs often referred to as âagency.â It emphasizes personal freedom and self-determination, even when societal structures might still heavily influence outcomes.
Meaning: Made or designed to suit the needs of a particular individual (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-duh-VIH-joo-uh-lyzd
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from âindividualâ (from Latin *individuus*, meaning "indivisible") + the suffix â-izeâ (to make) + â-edâ (past participle/adjective form)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âIndividualizedâ is a modern buzzword across education, marketing, and healthcare. When something is individualized, it feels personal and attentiveâyet it's important to question whether these choices are truly independent or subtly shaped by external forces.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Personalized, customized, tailored, bespoke
Antonyms: Standardized, uniform, generalized, collective
Usage Examples:
- The school offers an individualized learning plan for each student.
- Healthcare is becoming increasingly individualized with advances in genetic testing.
- Marketing strategies are now highly individualized, based on user behavior and preferences.
- The therapy sessions were individualized to address each patient's specific concerns.
Cultural Reference:
"We live in an era where even mass-produced goods try to sell us on the illusion of the individualized experience." - Modern Consumer Culture Analysis
Think About It:
Do you believe individualized choice always reflects true freedom, or can it sometimes mask systemic influences?
Quick Activity:
Pick a product or service you use (like your phone or a streaming app). Note how it has been individualized for you. Now reflect on how much of that personalization was based on your actual choice versus data collected about you.
Memory Tip:
Remember: "Individualized" means âmade for the individual.â Just think of getting a custom-fit suitâdesigned just for you!
Real-World Application:
âIndividualizedâ approaches are central to fields like education, marketing, healthcare, and technology. They aim to enhance user experience and effectiveness by catering to unique needs, preferences, or traits.
Word-5: Stratify
Context:
"...but draws away from the structural obstacles that stratify individual food choices." - Article Context
Explanatory Paragraph:
âStratifyâ means to arrange or classify something into different layers, levels, or social classes. In this context, it refers to how structural obstaclesâsuch as income, education, geography, or systemic inequalityâcreate different layers or tiers in society that influence what food choices people can realistically make. While some may have access to organic and nutritious foods, others may be limited to processed or fast foods, not because of personal choice but because of socioeconomic stratification.
Meaning: To arrange or divide into layers, levels, or classes (Verb)
Pronunciation: STRA-tuh-fy
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *stratum* meaning âlayerâ + suffix *-fy* meaning âto make or cause to be.â
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of a cake with many layersâthat's a good image for âstratify.â Society can be stratified by income, education, or even access to resources. When you see layers of privilege or deprivation, that's stratification at work. It reminds us that choice is often shaped by structure.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Layer, categorize, classify, segment, rank
Antonyms: Unify, merge, equalize, blend
Usage Examples:
- The education system often stratifies students based on test scores and socio-economic background.
- We need to address the policies that stratify access to healthcare in rural communities.
- The company's pay structure clearly stratifies employees into distinct classes.
- Food deserts in urban areas stratify peopleâs access to fresh produce.
Cultural Reference:
"Societies tend to stratify along economic lines, reinforcing cycles of privilege and poverty." - Sociological Perspectives Journal
Think About It:
How do seemingly personal decisionsâlike what to eatâget shaped by larger structures that stratify society?
Quick Activity:
Pick one everyday activity (like commuting or shopping) and analyze how it might be stratified across different social groups.
Memory Tip:
Think of âstrataâ in geographyâlayers of rock. To stratify is to create layers or levels in society or systems too.
Real-World Application:
Understanding how systems stratify individuals is essential in social policy, education, healthcare, and equity work. It reveals why some people face more barriers than others and helps design better, fairer solutions.
