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Q.24 The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Manipulating information was a feature of history long before modern journalism established rules of integrity. A record dates back to ancient Rome, when Antony met Cleopatra and his political enemy Octavian launched a smear campaign against him with âshort, sharp slogans written upon coins.â The perpetrator became the first Roman Emperor and âfake news had allowed Octavian to hack the republican system once and for allâ. But the 21st century has seen the weaponization of information on an unprecedented scale. Powerful new technology makes the fabrication of content simple, and social networks amplify falsehoods peddled by States, populist politicians, and dishonest corporate entities. The platforms have become fertile ground for computational propaganda, âtrollingâ and âtroll armiesâ.
1. Disinformation, which is mediated by technology today, is not new and has existed since ancient times.
2. People need to become critical of what they read, since historically, weaponization of information has led to corruption.
3. Octavian used fake news to manipulate people and attain power and influence, just as people do today.
4. Use of misinformation for attaining power, a practice that is as old as the Octavian era, is currently fueled by technology.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 4
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The passage highlights that manipulating information for power is an ancient practice, citing Octavianâs use of âfake newsâ to gain influence in Rome. It then describes how this practice has escalated in the 21st century with technology, amplifying the reach and impact of misinformation through social media and other platforms.
- Option 1 is too simplistic; while it notes the historical presence of disinformation, it does not capture the critical escalation brought by modern technology.
- Option 2 veers off-topic by suggesting the passage calls for critical reading, which is not the focus here.
- Option 3 overemphasizes Octavianâs manipulation, neglecting the passageâs broader theme of technological amplification in modern times.
- Option 4 accurately captures the essence by noting the continuity of misinformation from ancient times and the amplified effects of technology today.
Thus, Option 4 is the best summary, encapsulating both the historical origins and modern escalation of disinformation.
Word 1: Integrity
Context:
"Manipulating information was a feature of history long before modern journalism established rules of integrity." - Anonymous
Explanatory Paragraph:
Integrity refers to the quality of being honest and holding strong moral principles. It implies consistency between one's actions, values, methods, and outcomes. In the context of journalism or public service, integrity ensures that truth and accountability guide behavior, regardless of personal or professional gain. It is a cornerstone of trust in both personal and professional settings.
Meaning: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. (Noun)
Pronunciation: in-TEG-ri-tee
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *integritas* meaning "wholeness, completeness, purity," from *integer* meaning "whole."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of integrity as the glue that holds your values and actions together. A person with integrity won't do what is wrong even when no one is watching. It's the moral compass of human behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: honesty, probity, rectitude, uprightness, honor
Antonyms: dishonesty, corruption, deceit, duplicity, fraud
Usage Examples:
- The judge was known for her integrity and commitment to justice.
- He maintained his integrity by refusing to cheat, even under pressure.
- Corporate leaders must act with integrity to retain the trust of their employees and customers.
- True leadership is built on a foundation of transparency and integrity.
Cultural Reference:
"Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobodyâs going to know whether you did it or not." - Oprah Winfrey
Think About It:
Would you uphold your integrity if doing so cost you a major opportunity? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Write down three real-life situations where acting with integrity might be challenging. How would you handle them?
Memory Tip:
Think of "integrity" as someone who is âentirelyâ trustworthyâcomplete in their morals and consistent in their actions.
Real-World Application:
Integrity is vital in professions like journalism, law, medicine, and education, where ethical choices can significantly impact lives and societal trust.
Word 2: Perpetrator
Context:
"The perpetrator became the first Roman Emperor and 'fake news had allowed Octavian to hack the republican system once and for all'." - Anonymous
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âperpetratorâ refers to someone who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act. Often used in legal and criminal contexts, it points to the individual responsible for committing a crime or wrongdoing. In the sentence above, Octavian is described as the "perpetrator" of political manipulation, implying he used deceptive strategies to rise to power, altering the Roman political landscape forever.
Meaning: A person who commits an illegal, harmful, or immoral act. (Noun)
Pronunciation: PUR-puh-tray-tur
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *perpetratus*, past participle of *perpetrare*, meaning "to accomplish" or "to carry out".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of a perpetrator as the person âperformingâ a bad deed. Whenever you read about a crime, the term âperpetratorâ is often used for the doer. Itâs a formal way to say âthe one who did it.â
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: offender, criminal, wrongdoer, culprit, violator
Antonyms: victim, bystander, law-abider, innocent
Usage Examples:
- The police are still searching for the perpetrator of last night's robbery.
- She refused to believe that her friend could be the perpetrator of such a crime.
- Media coverage often focuses more on the perpetrator than on the victims.
- The documentary examined how the perpetrator was able to deceive so many people.
Cultural Reference:
In many crime dramas, such as *Law & Order* or *CSI*, the term âperpetratorâ or âperpâ is frequently used by investigators to identify the person responsible for the crime.
Think About It:
Why do you think the term "perpetrator" is used instead of more common words like "criminal" in legal or formal settings?
Quick Activity:
Create a short fictional news headline using the word âperpetrator.â Example: âThe perpetrator was finally brought to justice after years of investigation.â
Memory Tip:
Link âperpetratorâ to âperformâ â both start with âper-â and involve doing something. A perpetrator performs a wrongful act.
Real-World Application:
In legal reports, academic articles on criminology, and journalistic writing, âperpetratorâ is a precise term used to identify someone responsible for an offense, especially when the focus is on their actions rather than their identity.
Word 3: Weaponization
Context:
"But the 21st century has seen the weaponization of information on an unprecedented scale." - Anonymous
Explanatory Paragraph:
Weaponization refers to the act of turning something into a weaponâusually in a metaphorical or strategic sense. In recent times, it is often used to describe how ideas, information, or technologies are deliberately used to cause harm, manipulate, or control. In the given context, "weaponization of information" means using data or media as tools to influence opinions, spread propaganda, or destabilize societies, especially through digital platforms and social media.
Meaning: The act of using something as a weapon, especially for strategic or harmful purposes. (Noun)
Pronunciation: WEH-pun-eye-ZAY-shun
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from âweaponâ + â-izeâ (verb suffix) + â-ationâ (noun suffix); emerged prominently in late 20th-century political and military discourse.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a modern political wordâthink of how tools like media, culture, or even laws can be âweaponized.â It's not about guns or bombsâit's about using abstract tools as weapons in conflict, often subtly.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: militarization, exploitation, manipulation, armament
Antonyms: disarmament, neutralization, pacification
Usage Examples:
- The weaponization of social media has led to widespread misinformation and polarization.
- Critics accused the government of the weaponization of legal systems to suppress dissent.
- Data breaches highlight the dangers of the weaponization of personal information.
- The documentary explores the weaponization of history in shaping nationalist agendas.
Cultural Reference:
In 2016, the U.S. intelligence community warned about the âweaponization of informationâ by foreign actors during election campaigns, illustrating how misinformation can be used strategically to destabilize democratic systems.
Think About It:
In what ways can seemingly harmless tools like language, culture, or algorithms be weaponized in the digital age?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using the word "weaponization" in a non-military context. Then, explain what is being weaponized and how.
Memory Tip:
Think of âweaponizationâ as turning a âthingâ into a âweaponââwhether thatâs words, laws, or tweets. If something is used to harm or control, itâs been weaponized.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the weaponization of information is essential in media literacy, cybersecurity, and politics today. It equips people to critically analyze content, question sources, and resist manipulation.
Word 4: Fabrication
Context:
"Powerful new technology makes the fabrication of content simple, and social networks amplify falsehoods peddled by States, populist politicians, and dishonest corporate entities." - Anonymous
Explanatory Paragraph:
Fabrication refers to the act of making something, but it often carries a negative connotation when used to describe the creation of falsehoods or lies. While it can mean the physical creation of objects in manufacturing, in this context, it refers to the deliberate invention of false information or content. With modern technology, fabricating fake stories, images, or videos is easier than ever, raising serious concerns about truth, trust, and media manipulation.
Meaning: The act of inventing or making up something, typically a lie or falsehood. (Noun)
Pronunciation: fab-ri-KAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *fabricatio*, meaning âa making, a construction,â derived from *fabricare*ââto make, build.â
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Remember that âfabricationâ can mean two things: building something (neutral/positive) or making something up (negative). In today's digital world, it's mostly used for liesâfake news, false claims, and invented stories.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: falsehood, invention, lie, forgery, falsification
Antonyms: truth, reality, fact, authenticity, honesty
Usage Examples:
- The article was removed after the fabrication of quotes was revealed.
- He was accused of fabrication when no evidence supported his claims.
- Fabrication of content using AI tools has become a growing concern.
- Her story sounded too perfect, leading many to suspect it was a fabrication.
Cultural Reference:
The concept of âdeepfakesââAI-generated videos that manipulate real footageâis a modern example of content fabrication that poses ethical and political risks globally.
Think About It:
In an age of digital manipulation, how can we distinguish between authentic content and clever fabrication?
Quick Activity:
Think of a time when you encountered a fake news story online. Identify what made it a fabrication and how it could be verified or debunked.
Memory Tip:
âFabricationâ sounds like âfabricââsomething stitched together. Think of lies as words stitched into a fake storyâbeautiful on the outside but false inside.
Real-World Application:
Understanding fabrication is crucial in media literacy, especially for students, professionals, and citizens navigating misinformation and digital propaganda in daily life.
Word 5: Propaganda
Context:
"The platforms have become fertile ground for computational propaganda, âtrollingâ and âtroll armiesâ." - Anonymous
Explanatory Paragraph:
Propaganda refers to biased or misleading information used to promote a particular political cause or point of view. Unlike general communication, propaganda is strategic and often manipulative, aiming to influence public opinion through emotionally charged or distorted messages. In today's digital age, computational propaganda refers to the use of algorithms, bots, and data manipulation to spread such content widely and rapidly via social media and online platforms.
Meaning: Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or ideology. (Noun)
Pronunciation: prop-uh-GAN-duh
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *propagare*, meaning âto spread.â The term was formalized in 1622 by the Catholic Churchâs *Congregatio de Propaganda Fide* (Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Propaganda is not always obviousâit can be subtle, appealing to emotions rather than facts. Itâs important to be aware of it, especially in political or commercial messaging where truth is often twisted to serve an agenda.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: disinformation, misinformation, spin, publicity, indoctrination
Antonyms: truth, fact, transparency, objectivity, reality
Usage Examples:
- The regime used state media to spread propaganda and suppress dissent.
- During wartime, propaganda posters were used to boost morale and encourage enlistment.
- Social media has become a breeding ground for political propaganda.
- The film was criticized for being more propaganda than documentary.
Cultural Reference:
George Orwellâs *1984* features the Ministry of Truth, a fictional government department that spreads propaganda and rewrites historyâa chilling warning of how media can be weaponized.
Think About It:
How can we, as consumers of information, develop the skills to recognize propaganda in the content we see daily?
Quick Activity:
Choose a modern advertisement or political post. Identify one element that could be considered propaganda, and explain why.
Memory Tip:
Think of âpropagandaâ as âpropelling an agendaââitâs pushing ideas, often forcefully or deceptively, to make people believe something.
Real-World Application:
Understanding propaganda is essential for media literacy and critical thinking. It helps citizens make informed choices, especially in political processes, advertising, and public discourse.
