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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
Q.19 Five jumbled up sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd sentence and key in the number of that sentence as your answer.
1. Having an appreciation for the workings of another person’s mind is considered a prerequisite for natural language acquisition, strategic social interaction, reflexive thought, and moral judgment.
2. It is a ‘theory of mind’ though some scholars prefer to call it ‘mentalizing’ or ‘mindreading’, which is important for the development of one's cognitive abilities.
3. Though we must speculate about its evolutionary origin, we do have indications that the capacity evolved sometime in the last few million years.
4. This capacity develops from early beginnings in the first year of life to the adult’s fast and often effortless understanding of others’ thoughts, feelings, and intentions.
5. One of the most fascinating human capacities is the ability to perceive and interpret other people’s behaviour in terms of their mental states.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 3
Explanation:
The coherent paragraph discusses the human capacity to understand others' mental states, known as "theory of mind," its significance, and how it develops from infancy to adulthood.
- Sentence 5 introduces the concept of interpreting others' behavior in terms of their mental states.
- Sentence 1 explains why this ability is essential for various cognitive functions.
- Sentence 2 introduces the term "theory of mind" and alternative terms.
- Sentence 4 describes the developmental progression of this ability.
However, sentence 3 diverges by discussing the speculative evolutionary origins of this capacity, which is not central to the other sentences focusing on the capacity itself and its role in cognitive and social development.
Word-1: Evolutionary
Context:
"Though we must speculate about its evolutionary origin, we do have indications that the capacity evolved sometime in the last few million years." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Evolutionary” refers to anything related to the process of evolution — the gradual development of species, traits, or ideas over time. In biology, it often describes how physical or mental capacities came to exist through natural selection. In this context, it highlights a trait or ability whose origins lie in deep time, shaped through millions of years of biological change.
Meaning: Relating to the gradual development of something, especially of species through natural selection (Adjective)
Pronunciation: eh-vuh-loo-shuh-nair-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *evolutio* (an unrolling or unfolding), evolved into its modern scientific use in the 19th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is vital for discussing growth — not just in biology, but in technology, society, and even ideas. “Evolutionary” shows how something changes step by step, often over long periods.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: developmental, progressive, adaptive, gradual
Antonyms: static, unchanged, fixed, sudden (in contrast to gradual)
Usage Examples:
- The evolutionary changes in primates eventually led to modern humans.
- Her theory offers an evolutionary explanation for language development.
- Technology follows an evolutionary path as new versions build on older ones.
- Birds’ wings are believed to be the result of a long evolutionary process.
Cultural Reference:
"Charles Darwin’s *On the Origin of Species* is the cornerstone of evolutionary biology, introducing the idea of natural selection." - Scientific History
Think About It:
What traits — physical, mental, or social — do you think are part of our evolutionary legacy, and how do they affect us today?
Quick Activity:
Name one modern human trait or behavior and research or guess how it might have served an evolutionary purpose in the past.
Memory Tip:
“Evolutionary” comes from “evolve,” which means to gradually unfold or develop — think of a flower slowly blooming or species slowly changing.
Real-World Application:
“Evolutionary” is used in science, tech, psychology, and even philosophy to describe gradual development. It helps frame change not as instant, but as part of a long, ongoing process.
Word-2: Reflexive
Context:
"Having an appreciation for the workings of another person’s mind is considered a prerequisite for natural language acquisition, strategic social interaction, reflexive thought, and moral judgment." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Reflexive” generally refers to something directed back on itself. In grammar, it involves a subject and object being the same (like “he hurt himself”). In philosophy and psychology, however, reflexive thought is the ability to think about one’s own thinking — to reflect on one’s thoughts, motives, and actions. In this context, it points to the capacity for self-awareness and internal reflection, which is crucial for deep social and moral understanding.
Meaning: Directed or turned back on itself; involving self-reference or self-awareness (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ri-flek-siv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *reflectere* (to bend back), with the form *reflexivus* meaning “bending back on itself.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Reflexive” is a subtle and layered word — important in both language and thought. When writing essays or philosophical arguments, use it to signal internal awareness or self-reference. It’s especially powerful in critical thinking contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: self-aware, introspective, self-referential, thoughtful
Antonyms: unthinking, unaware, impulsive, unconscious
Usage Examples:
- Her writing shows a high degree of reflexive awareness about social identity.
- The philosopher emphasized reflexive thought as the key to moral development.
- In grammar, “myself” is a reflexive pronoun used when the subject and object are the same.
- Good leaders practice reflexive thinking before making difficult decisions.
Cultural Reference:
"In sociology, reflexivity refers to the researcher’s awareness of their own influence on the research process." - Social Science Methodology
Think About It:
Why is the ability to think about your own thoughts — to be reflexive — so important in making ethical or social decisions?
Quick Activity:
Write 2–3 sentences about a recent decision you made. Then, write a reflexive sentence analyzing *why* you made that choice.
Memory Tip:
“Reflexive” comes from “reflect” — so think of it as your mind holding up a mirror to itself. It’s thought that looks back at thought.
Real-World Application:
“Reflexive” is key in philosophy, psychology, sociology, and writing. It signals an ability to examine one’s own position, biases, and thought processes — crucial for ethical reasoning, teaching, and leadership.
Word-3: Mentalizing
Context:
"At 35 years and 342 days, Roger Federer became the oldest man to win the singles title in the Open Era – a full 14 years after he first claimed the title as a scruffy, pony-tailed upstart." – Sports Feature Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
An "upstart" is someone who has risen suddenly to fame, power, or prominence—often in a way that surprises or annoys others. In this context, the word paints a vivid picture of a young Federer, full of raw talent and confidence, bursting onto the tennis scene. The term can sometimes carry a slightly negative or cheeky tone, suggesting that the newcomer may be a little bold or unpolished. It’s often used to describe disruptive newcomers in any field—from sports to business to politics.
Meaning: A person who has risen suddenly to a position of power or fame, often seen as presumptuous (Noun)
Pronunciation: UP-start
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Middle English *upstarten* (to jump up suddenly), combining “up” + “start”; later used as a noun to describe those who rise quickly and unexpectedly
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Upstart" is a vivid word that often carries a tone of rebellion, ambition, or sudden success. It’s great for storytelling—especially when describing someone who defies expectations or breaks into an established scene. Use it carefully—it can be admiring, critical, or ironic depending on tone.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: newcomer, novice, challenger, rebel, disruptor
Antonyms: veteran, established figure, elder, traditionalist
Usage Examples:
- He arrived on the political scene as a brash upstart, challenging old ideas.
- The tech upstart disrupted the industry with its innovative model.
- Federer was once seen as a flashy upstart but grew into a revered legend.
- Many under
Context:
"It is a ‘theory of mind’ though some scholars prefer to call it ‘mentalizing’ or ‘mindreading’, which is important for the development of one's cognitive abilities." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Mentalizing” refers to the cognitive ability to understand and interpret the mental states of oneself and others — including thoughts, beliefs, desires, and emotions. It's closely linked to empathy and social cognition. When we mentalize, we imagine what others are thinking or feeling, which helps us interact effectively in social settings. In psychology, it’s a core component of what’s known as “theory of mind.”
Meaning: The ability to understand or predict the mental states of others (Verb/Noun — gerund form of “mentalize”)
Pronunciation: men-tuh-ly-zing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the root *mental* (of the mind) + suffix *-ize* (to make/do) + *-ing*. Developed as a psychological term in the late 20th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word may sound technical, but it's key for understanding empathy, child development, and communication. It’s also used in therapy and cognitive psychology to assess how individuals perceive and relate to others’ inner worlds.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mindreading, empathizing, perspective-taking, theory of mind
Antonyms: misunderstanding, misinterpreting, egocentrism
Usage Examples:
- Children typically begin mentalizing around the age of four, recognizing that others can have different beliefs.
- Good teachers often excel at mentalizing — anticipating how students might think or feel.
- Mentalizing is impaired in certain psychological conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders.
- Effective storytelling depends on the audience’s ability to mentalize with the characters.
Cultural Reference:
"Mentalizing is central to understanding characters in literature and film — it’s how we step into their shoes and grasp their motives." - Literary Psychology
Think About It:
How often do you stop to consider what someone else might be thinking — and how might developing this habit improve your relationships?
Quick Activity:
Think of a recent social interaction. Write one sentence about what you were thinking and one about what the other person might have been thinking. Did your guesses influence your behavior?
Memory Tip:
“Mentalizing” = making sense of the *mental* states of others. Just like “visualizing” is seeing with your mind, “mentalizing” is thinking about someone else’s thoughts.
Real-World Application:
“Mentalizing” is critical in psychology, education, parenting, leadership, and emotional intelligence training. It underlies empathy, conflict resolution, and moral judgment.
Word-4: Speculate
Context:
"Though we must speculate about its evolutionary origin, we do have indications that the capacity evolved sometime in the last few million years." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Speculate” means to form a theory or assumption without firm evidence — essentially, to guess intelligently. In academic and scientific contexts, it involves using existing clues to propose possible explanations. In this sentence, the writer acknowledges that the exact evolutionary origin is unknown, so any conclusions must be tentative or hypothetical, based on the best available data.
Meaning: To form a theory or conjecture without firm evidence; to hypothesize (Verb)
Pronunciation: spek-yuh-layt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *speculari* (to observe), from *specere* (to look). Originally meant “to observe from a lookout.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Speculate” is very useful in essays and analytical writing when you want to propose an idea but recognize it isn’t proven. It shows both curiosity and caution. It’s also common in financial and philosophical discussions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: hypothesize, guess, theorize, suppose, surmise
Antonyms: prove, confirm, verify, demonstrate, establish
Usage Examples:
- Scientists speculate that the planet may once have supported life.
- We can only speculate about the reasons behind her sudden resignation.
- Historians often speculate on what might have happened if major events had gone differently.
- The investor speculated on tech stocks and made a fortune — or lost one.
Cultural Reference:
"In economics, to speculate means to take risky financial decisions based on predictions of future market behavior." - Financial Literacy Guide
Think About It:
When is it helpful to speculate — and when might it lead to mistaken assumptions or poor decisions?
Quick Activity:
Pick a scientific or historical mystery (e.g., how the pyramids were built). Write 1–2 sentences where you speculate about the answer.
Memory Tip:
“Speculate” comes from “spectacles” — imagine you're putting on glasses to look into the unknown, trying to see what’s not fully visible yet.
Real-World Application:
“Speculate” is commonly used in science, journalism, history, philosophy, and finance — especially when proposing ideas that are insightful but unconfirmed.
Word-5: Capacity
Context:
"This capacity develops from early beginnings in the first year of life to the adult’s fast and often effortless understanding of others’ thoughts, feelings, and intentions." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Capacity” refers to the ability or potential to do something. It can be physical, mental, emotional, or even organizational. In this context, it highlights a cognitive or psychological ability — the human potential to understand the minds of others. The sentence traces the gradual development of this capacity from infancy to adulthood, emphasizing how complex and essential it becomes in everyday life.
Meaning: The ability, power, or potential to do, experience, or understand something (Noun)
Pronunciation: kuh-pa-suh-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *capacitas* (ability, aptitude), from *capax* (able to hold or contain).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Capacity” is a flexible and essential word in academic writing and daily conversation. Whether you're referring to a machine, a brain, or a heart, it describes *how much* can be held, understood, or done — making it a go-to word for discussions of potential.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ability, potential, aptitude, competence, power
Antonyms: incapacity, inability, weakness, incompetence
Usage Examples:
- Children have a remarkable capacity to learn new languages quickly.
- Her emotional capacity to forgive amazed everyone around her.
- The theater has a seating capacity of 500 people.
- As AI improves, machines are developing a greater capacity for pattern recognition.
Cultural Reference:
"Nelson Mandela once said, ‘There is no passion to be found playing small... in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’" – Quotation on human capacity and potential
Think About It:
What is one capacity you believe is undervalued in society — and how could recognizing it change the way we live or educate?
Quick Activity:
List three capacities you’ve developed in the past year. Then write one sentence on how each has helped you grow or adapt.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “capacity” like a container — it defines how much something can hold or do. Your brain, heart, and even your schedule all have capacities!
Real-World Application:
“Capacity” is used in psychology, education, engineering, and management. Whether assessing human abilities or system limits, it’s central to evaluating growth, performance, and readiness.
