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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
Q.20 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. In English, there is no systematic rule for the naming of numbers; after ten, we have "eleven" and "twelve" and then the teens: "thirteen", "fourteen", "fifteen" and so on.
2. Even more confusingly, some English words invert the numbers they refer to: the word "fourteen" puts the four first, even though it appears last.
3. It can take children a while to learn all these words, and understand that "fourteen" is different from "forty".
4. For multiples of 10, English speakers switch to a different pattern: "twenty", "thirty", "forty" and so on.
5. If you didn't know the word for "eleven", you would be unable to just guess it – you might come up with something like "one-teen".
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 3
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
The paragraph discusses the irregularities in the naming conventions of numbers in English, particularly focusing on how these names lack a systematic pattern, making them unpredictable.
- Sentence 1 introduces the lack of systematic rules in English number naming after ten.
- Sentence 2 highlights the inconsistency with numbers like "fourteen," which places four first.
- Sentence 4 discusses a different pattern for multiples of 10, like "twenty," "thirty," and so on.
- Sentence 5 illustrates that if someone didn't know specific words like "eleven," it would be challenging to guess due to the lack of predictable patterns.
Sentence 3, however, discusses children's learning process and the confusion between "fourteen" and "forty," which diverges from the central theme of irregular naming patterns and predictability in English numbers. Therefore, 3 is the odd one out.
Word-1: Systematic
Context:
"In English, there is no systematic rule for the naming of numbers; after ten, we have 'eleven' and 'twelve' and then the teens: 'thirteen', 'fourteen', 'fifteen' and so on." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Systematic” means something that is done according to a fixed plan or system — it's organized, methodical, and often logical in structure. In the context above, the word refers to the lack of a consistent pattern in how English names numbers after ten. Unlike some languages where number names follow a predictable structure, English is more irregular here, highlighting the absence of a systematic naming scheme.
Meaning: Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical (Adjective)
Pronunciation: sis-tuh-mat-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Late Latin *systematicus*, from Greek *systēmatikos*, meaning “combined in an organized whole.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Systematic” is a very useful word when writing essays or giving presentations — use it to show that something follows a structure or is done step-by-step. It contrasts with words like “random” or “disorganized.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: organized, methodical, structured, logical, orderly
Antonyms: random, chaotic, unplanned, disorganized, haphazard
Usage Examples:
- The scientist took a systematic approach to collecting and analyzing the data.
- There is a systematic pattern of growth in the early stages of language development.
- She cleaned the entire house in a systematic way, starting from the top floor and working down.
- A systematic review of the research revealed several consistent findings.
Cultural Reference:
"In education, systematic phonics instruction is proven to be effective in helping young children learn to read by building a clear, structured understanding of sound-letter relationships." - Educational Psychology Journal
Think About It:
What areas of your life or work could benefit from a more systematic approach — and how might that change your results?
Quick Activity:
Pick a daily task you often do (e.g., studying, cleaning, working out). Write 3 steps that would make your approach to it more systematic.
Memory Tip:
Think of “systematic” as related to a *system* — if you follow a system or method, you're being systematic!
Real-World Application:
Use “systematic” when discussing plans, strategies, scientific research, learning methods, or problem-solving techniques that follow an orderly process.
Word-2: Invert
Context:
"Even more confusingly, some English words invert the numbers they refer to: the word 'fourteen' puts the four first, even though it appears last." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
To “invert” means to reverse the order, position, or direction of something. In the sentence above, it refers to how the structure of English number words like “fourteen” switches the natural numerical order — instead of saying “ten-four,” the word puts “four” first. This reversal can create confusion for learners or non-native speakers, especially when the language structure doesn’t follow expected numerical logic.
Meaning: To turn something upside down or reverse its position, order, or direction (Verb)
Pronunciation: in-vurt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *invertere*, from *in-* (into) + *vertere* (to turn)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Invert” is a great word for both literal and abstract uses — whether flipping a bottle upside down or reversing a rule, structure, or expectation. In writing or analysis, it’s especially useful when highlighting shifts in normal order or perspective.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: reverse, flip, turn around, transpose, overturn
Antonyms: maintain, preserve, retain, keep the same
Usage Examples:
- To solve the equation, she had to invert both sides.
- In some cultures, colors invert their meanings — white is for mourning, not celebration.
- The camera automatically inverts the image when you turn it upside down.
- Poets often invert word order to maintain rhyme or rhythm.
Cultural Reference:
"In music theory, to invert an interval means to flip its pitch order, creating a complementary relationship." – Music Education Text
Think About It:
Can you think of a belief or social norm that has been inverted in your lifetime — something that was once considered normal, but now seems reversed?
Quick Activity:
Take a short sentence and try inverting the subject and object. How does that change the meaning or tone?
Memory Tip:
Think of “invert” like turning something *inward* and *reversing* it. Imagine flipping a pancake or switching directions — that’s what “invert” means!
Real-World Application:
“Invert” is used in mathematics, physics, design, language, and social theory. It’s especially useful when explaining reversals or flips in order, structure, or expectation.
Word-3: Confusingly
Context:
"Even more confusingly, some English words invert the numbers they refer to: the word 'fourteen' puts the four first, even though it appears last." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Confusingly” is an adverb that describes an action or situation in a way that causes confusion or misunderstanding. In this example, it highlights how the unusual word order in English number names — like “fourteen” putting “four” first — makes things harder to grasp for learners. The word signals that what follows is unexpected or difficult to logically follow.
Meaning: In a way that causes confusion; unclearly or puzzlingly (Adverb)
Pronunciation: kun-fyoo-zing-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *confundere* (to mix together), through Old French *confus*, with the adverbial suffix *-ly* added to the adjective *confusing*.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “confusingly” when describing situations, instructions, or behaviors that don’t follow a clear or expected pattern. It’s a helpful word for expressing frustration or pointing out irregularities, especially in logic, language, or systems.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unclearly, puzzlingly, ambiguously, disorderly
Antonyms: clearly, plainly, logically, understandably
Usage Examples:
- Confusingly, the exit signs led in opposite directions.
- The instructions were written confusingly, making the task harder than necessary.
- Confusingly, the twins wore identical outfits to avoid being told apart.
- Some grammar rules are confusingly inconsistent across different languages.
Cultural Reference:
"Confusingly vague language in legal contracts has led to numerous courtroom disputes and reinterpretations." – Legal Studies Review
Think About It:
What’s something you've recently found confusing — and do you think the confusion was due to the content itself or how it was explained?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “confusingly” to describe something in your daily life (e.g., a schedule, instruction manual, or online form).
Memory Tip:
Think of “confusingly” as a signal that the brain is going, “Wait, what?” It tells you that something’s not making sense — at least not easily!
Real-World Application:
Use “confusingly” in writing or speech to identify flaws in explanations, irregular systems, or frustrating user experiences. It’s especially helpful in feedback, reviews, or analytical writing.
Word-4: Pattern
Context:
"For multiples of 10, English speakers switch to a different pattern: 'twenty', 'thirty', 'forty' and so on." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Pattern” refers to a repeated or predictable arrangement of elements — whether in language, behavior, design, or numbers. In this context, it refers to the way English number names change in structure when counting by tens. Instead of following a continuous logic, the language introduces a new naming system — a “pattern” — for multiples like twenty, thirty, and so on. This shift in structure helps speakers anticipate and recognize regularities in how numbers are formed.
Meaning: A repeated or predictable arrangement, structure, or sequence (Noun)
Pronunciation: pat-urn
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Middle English *patron* (model or example), influenced by Old French *patron* and Latin *patronus* (protector or model).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pattern” is an extremely versatile and high-frequency word. Use it to discuss trends, habits, routines, or structures. It’s especially important in mathematics, language learning, and critical thinking.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: design, sequence, structure, arrangement, trend
Antonyms: randomness, disorder, chaos, irregularity
Usage Examples:
- The artist used a repeating floral pattern in the fabric design.
- There’s a clear pattern in his behavior whenever he’s under stress.
- In math class, we studied number patterns and sequences.
- The data showed a worrying pattern of absenteeism in the workplace.
Cultural Reference:
"Detective stories often revolve around recognizing a pattern in crimes to catch the criminal — a theme made famous in Sherlock Holmes stories." – Literary Insight
Think About It:
What are some patterns in your daily life — in habits, thinking, or communication — that help or hinder your growth?
Quick Activity:
List 3 things you do every morning. Is there a pattern? Try changing one step and observe how it affects your routine.
Memory Tip:
“Pattern” sounds like “pat + turn” — think of a path turning in the same way again and again. That’s a pattern: something that repeats!
Real-World Application:
Use “pattern” when discussing trends in data, repetitive behavior, design work, learning strategies, or even psychological observations. It’s a key term across disciplines.
Word-5: Unable
Context:
"If you didn't know the word for 'eleven', you would be unable to just guess it – you might come up with something like 'one-teen'." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Unable” is used to describe the state of not being capable of doing something. It expresses a lack of ability, opportunity, or possibility. In this context, it emphasizes that, without prior knowledge of the irregular word “eleven,” a person would not be able to guess the correct form logically. It shows a barrier to action due to limitations in knowledge or predictability.
Meaning: Not having the ability, means, or opportunity to do something (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-ay-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Middle English, combining the prefix *un-* (not) with *able* (having the power or skill to do something).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a foundational word in English — useful across all types of speech and writing. Combine it with action verbs to clearly express inability, whether physical, mental, or situational.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: incapable, powerless, helpless, unfit, unqualified
Antonyms: able, capable, competent, skilled, empowered
Usage Examples:
- She was unable to attend the meeting due to a last-minute emergency.
- The child is unable to tie his shoes yet, but he’s learning quickly.
- He was unable to answer the question because it was outside his field.
- Without internet access, I was unable to complete the online form.
Cultural Reference:
"In literature, characters who are 'unable' to act — due to fear, fate, or social constraints — often face internal conflict, as seen in Hamlet’s famous indecision." – Literary Analysis
Think About It:
Can you recall a time when you felt unable to do something — and what eventually helped you overcome that feeling or barrier?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one starting with “I am unable to…” and one with “I am able to…” Compare how they feel emotionally or mentally.
Memory Tip:
“Unable” = “un” (not) + “able” (capable) → just remember: *not able* to do something. Simple and direct!
Real-World Application:
“Unable” is common in emails, applications, conversations, and formal writing — often used to politely express limitations or explain why something can’t be done.
