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Para-jumble Sentences
18. 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. If I wanted to sit indoors and read, or play Sonic the Hedgehog on a red-hot SegaMega Drive, I would often be made to feel guilty about not going outside to âenjoy it while it lastsâ.
2. My mum, quite reasonably, wanted me and my sister out of the house, in the sun.
3. Tales of my mumâs idyllic-sounding childhood in the Sussex countryside, where trees were climbed by 8 am and streams navigated by lunchtime, were passed down to us like folklore.
4. To an introverted kid, that felt like a threat - and the feeling has stayed with me.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2314
Explanation:
The paragraph unfolds as a personal reflection on childhood experiences with outdoor play and parental expectations. Sentence 2 introduces the motherâs intention: she wanted her children to spend time outdoors. Sentence 3 follows naturally, providing background on the motherâs own childhood experiences that shaped her beliefsâthese were used to encourage her kids. Sentence 1 presents the narratorâs reaction to this pressure, revealing the internal conflict and guilt felt when choosing indoor activities over the outdoors. Sentence 4 then elaborates on that emotional experience, expressing how this pressure felt threatening to the narrator as an introverted child and how the feeling lingered.
This makes 2-3-1-4 the most coherent and logically flowing sequence.
Word-1: Reasonably
Context:
"My mum, quite reasonably, wanted me and my sister out of the house, in the sun."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "reasonably" is used to describe actions, thoughts, or decisions that are fair, sensible, or based on good judgment. In the given context, the speaker acknowledges that their mother had a sound and sensible reason for wanting them to go outsideâit reflects a practical and justified concern for their well-being.
Meaning: In a fair and sensible way (Adverb)
Pronunciation: REE-zun-uh-blee
Difficulty Level: â Basic
Etymology: Derived from the word "reasonable," which originates from Old French *raisonnable* and Latin *rationabilis*, meaning logical or based on reason.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word to highlight sound thinking or justification. When someone acts âreasonably,â they act in a way that most people would consider logical. Think of this word as the opposite of extreme or impulsive behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sensibly, logically, fairly, judiciously
Antonyms: irrationally, foolishly, unreasonably
Usage Examples:
- She spoke reasonably and calmly during the debate.
- He was reasonably confident about passing the exam.
- The landlord was reasonably flexible about the move-in date.
- They offered a reasonably priced package for the tour.
Cultural Reference:
"A person who acts reasonably is often underestimated in a world that celebrates extremes." - Inspired by common social commentary
Think About It:
Why is acting âreasonablyâ sometimes perceived as being passive or unexciting, even when it may be the wisest choice?
Quick Activity:
Think of a recent decision you made. Was it a âreasonableâ decision? Write down your reasoning and evaluate whether others might agree with you.
Memory Tip:
Think of âreasonablyâ as *reason*-ablyâif thereâs a reason behind it, itâs likely to be done reasonably.
Real-World Application:
Use âreasonablyâ when describing fair or balanced actions in emails, debates, or negotiations to show logical and grounded thinking.
Word-2: Idyllic-sounding
Context:
"Tales of my mumâs idyllic-sounding childhood in the Sussex countryside, where trees were climbed by 8 am and streams navigated by lunchtime, were passed down to us like folklore."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The phrase "idyllic-sounding" is used to describe something that, when heard or described, gives the impression of being perfect, peaceful, and full of natural beauty. It combines the word âidyllicâ with the adjective âsoundingâ to emphasize how the situation may not just be ideal, but particularly *seem* that way in the telling. In the context, the speaker reflects on stories from their motherâs childhood that evoke a dreamy, picturesque image of life in the countryside.
Meaning: Appearing to be extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque when described (Adjective)
Pronunciation: eye-DIL-ik-sown-ding
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: âIdyllicâ comes from the Latin *idyllicus*, meaning a short poem about pastoral life. âSoundingâ is added to indicate perception based on what is heard or described, rather than what is known to be true.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This compound adjective is especially useful when you're skeptical or reflecting on idealized memories or presentations. It adds a subtle layer of doubt or emotional distance, acknowledging that something *seems* perfectâwhether or not it actually is.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dreamy, picture-perfect, utopian, romanticized, pastoral
Antonyms: grim-sounding, chaotic, harsh, unpleasant, dystopian
Usage Examples:
- Her idyllic-sounding weekend at the lakeside turned out to be cold and rainy.
- The travel brochure offered an idyllic-sounding escape to a remote island.
- He often spoke of an idyllic-sounding childhood filled with laughter and sunshine.
- The ad's idyllic-sounding promises didnât match the reality of the product.
Cultural Reference:
"Nostalgia is a dirty liar that insists things were better than they seemed." â Michelle K., reflecting on how idyllic-sounding pasts often mask complexity.
Think About It:
Why do we often remember or describe the past in idyllic-sounding ways, even if it wasnât perfect?
Quick Activity:
Think of a memory from your childhood that you describe fondly. Try to rewrite it once using idyllic-sounding language and once using factual, neutral language. Compare the two!
Memory Tip:
Think of âidyllic-soundingâ as a sound or story that paints an *ideal* sceneâwhether itâs real or just sweetly remembered.
Real-World Application:
Use âidyllic-soundingâ in essays or reviews when you want to highlight how something is portrayed as ideal or perfectâespecially when there's room for doubt or deeper analysis.
Word-3: Countryside
Context:
"Tales of my mumâs idyllic-sounding childhood in the Sussex countryside."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The term "countryside" refers to rural areas that are outside cities and towns, typically characterized by open spaces, nature, farms, and a slower pace of life. In the context provided, it conjures images of a scenic, peaceful region in Sussex where one's childhood might be filled with outdoor adventures and natural beauty. The countryside is often romanticized in literature and storytelling as a place of simplicity and harmony with nature.
Meaning: Land outside cities and towns; rural area (Noun)
Pronunciation: KUN-tree-syd
Difficulty Level: â Basic
Etymology: From Middle English *countrie* (country) + *side*, literally meaning the side or region belonging to the land or nation outside urban centers.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Countryside" is a foundational vocabulary word that evokes imagery and emotion. It's useful not just for physical description but also for discussing lifestyles, contrasts with urban life, and themes of nature versus modernity. Pay attention to how it's often paired with adjectives like "peaceful," "lush," or "remote."
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: rural area, farmland, backcountry, outback, hinterland
Antonyms: city, urban area, metropolis, downtown
Usage Examples:
- They bought a cottage in the countryside to escape the chaos of city life.
- Driving through the countryside, we saw endless green fields and grazing sheep.
- His novel is set in the English countryside and explores themes of solitude and nature.
- She grew up in the countryside and missed the fresh air after moving to the city.
Cultural Reference:
"The English countryside is perhaps the most gently beautiful landscape in the world." â Bill Bryson, *Notes from a Small Island*
Think About It:
What draws people to the countryside, and how does the pace of life there shape oneâs values and experiences?
Quick Activity:
Draw or describe your ideal countryside scene. Include sensory details: what would you see, hear, smell, and feel?
Memory Tip:
Break the word into "country + side"âitâs the side of the land that lies outside cities, filled with fields and farms.
Real-World Application:
Use "countryside" when describing travel destinations, environmental studies, or in contrast with urban development in essays or debates.
Word-4: Navigated
Context:
"Where trees were climbed by 8 am and streams navigated by lunchtime, were passed down to us like folklore."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Navigated" is the past tense of "navigate," and it refers to the act of finding oneâs way through or across a place, especially one that may be challenging or unfamiliar. In this context, it beautifully captures the childhood adventures of moving through natural landscapesâlike streamsâsuggesting exploration, curiosity, and a bit of daring. The word adds a touch of intentionality, as if the children were not just playing in the stream, but skillfully maneuvering their way through it.
Meaning: Found oneâs way through or across; managed to make a path through (Verb)
Pronunciation: NAV-ih-gay-tid
Difficulty Level: ââ Easy to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *navigatus*, past participle of *navigare*, meaning "to sail or steer a ship"; originally related to sea travel, now broadly used for movement or direction-finding.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Although ânavigateâ began as a word tied to ocean travel, it's now a versatile term we use for moving through spaces, situations, or even emotions. It's a wonderful metaphorical word to show deliberate movement or progress through something.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: steered, maneuvered, found one's way, traversed, crossed
Antonyms: got lost, wandered aimlessly, stalled, drifted
Usage Examples:
- The hikers navigated the dense forest using a compass and map.
- She navigated her way through the crowded market with ease.
- He navigated the challenges of his new job successfully.
- The children navigated the narrow stream like seasoned adventurers.
Cultural Reference:
"You cannot control the wind, but you can adjust your sails." â This sailing metaphor aligns with the idea of navigating through lifeâs uncertainties.
Think About It:
How does the concept of 'navigating' physical spaces compare to navigating emotional or life challenges?
Quick Activity:
Describe a moment in your life when you had to "navigate" a difficult situation. What tools or strategies helped you?
Memory Tip:
Think of a "navy" navigating the seasâif youâre steering your way through something, you're navigating it!
Real-World Application:
Use ânavigatedâ in both literal and metaphorical contextsâwhether describing movement through a maze or the process of overcoming a life obstacle in writing or conversation.
Word-5: Introverted
Context:
"To an introverted kid, that felt like a threat - and the feeling has stayed with me."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "introverted" refers to a personality type that tends to be inward-focused, reserved, and energized by spending time alone rather than in large social groups. In the context, the speaker reflects on how, as a child who preferred solitude and quiet, a particular social or external demand felt overwhelming or intimidating. The word helps us understand that for introverts, certain situations can feel more intense or invasive than they might for others.
Meaning: Characterized by a tendency to be quiet, reserved, and more focused on internal thoughts than external stimulation (Adjective)
Pronunciation: IN-troh-vur-tid
Difficulty Level: ââ Easy to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *intro-* meaning âinwardâ + *vertere* meaning âto turn.â The term was popularized in psychology by Carl Jung in the early 20th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âIntrovertedâ doesnât mean shy or antisocialâit means you recharge by being alone and prefer thoughtful, reflective environments. In vocabulary, be careful to distinguish it from âshy,â which is more fear-based, while âintrovertedâ is preference-based.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: reserved, inward-looking, reflective, introspective, quiet
Antonyms: extroverted, outgoing, gregarious, sociable, expressive
Usage Examples:
- She was naturally introverted and preferred reading to attending parties.
- As an introverted student, he found group discussions challenging at first.
- Many introverted people thrive in roles that require deep thinking and focus.
- His introverted demeanor often made others assume he was uninterested, though he was just reflective.
Cultural Reference:
In Susan Cainâs best-selling book *Quiet*, she argues that introverted people bring deep value to society by excelling in creativity, empathy, and thoughtfulnessâqualities often overlooked in noisy environments.
Think About It:
Why do modern workplaces and schools often reward extroverted behavior more than introverted traits?
Quick Activity:
Reflect on whether you identify more as an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert. List three situations where your personality type helped you succeed.
Memory Tip:
âIntrovertedâ starts with âintroâ â think âinto oneselfâ or âinternal world.â Thatâs where introverts thrive!
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term âintrovertedâ helps in personal development, team dynamics, and mental health conversations. It encourages empathy and better communication in diverse environments.
