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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. The banning of Northern Lights could be considered a precursor to censoring books for âmoralâ, world view or religious reasons.
2. Attempts to ban books are attempts to silence authors who have summoned immense courage in telling their stories.
3. Now the banning and challenging of books in the US has escalated to an unprecedented level.
4. The widely acclaimed fantasy novel Northern Lights was banned in some parts of the US, and was the second most challenged book in the US.
5. The American Library Association documented an unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022, about 2,500 unique titles.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
The paragraph revolves around the theme of book banning and challenges, particularly in the context of the United States. It references specific instances, such as the banning of Northern Lights, and provides statistics on the recent escalation of book challenges.
- Sentence 1 discusses Northern Lights as a case that exemplifies censoring books for reasons related to morals or worldview.
- Sentence 3 mentions the rise in book banning and challenges in the US.
- Sentence 4 elaborates on Northern Lights, stating it was one of the most challenged books.
- Sentence 5 provides statistical context from the American Library Association about the number of book challenges in 2022.
Sentence 2 is the odd one out because, although it discusses banning, it generalizes the concept of banning as an act to silence authors rather than focusing on the specific instances and statistics related to book bans in the US, which the other sentences address.
Word-1: Precursor
Context:
"The banning of Northern Lights could be considered a precursor to censoring books for âmoralâ, world view or religious reasons." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
A "precursor" is something that comes before another thing and often serves as a sign or early version of what is to come. It can be an event, person, or thing that indicates or influences the development of future actions or ideas. In this context, the banning of a book is seen as a precursor â a warning signal â to wider censorship based on values or beliefs.
Meaning: Something that comes before another and may influence or signal its arrival (Noun)
Pronunciation: pree-kur-ser
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praecursor* â *prae-* (before) + *currere* (to run), meaning "forerunner"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Precursor" is a commonly used academic word. Itâs useful when analyzing cause-effect relationships. Look out for it in history, science, and philosophy contexts. Try to distinguish between a true precursor and something merely coincidental.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: forerunner, harbinger, predecessor, indicator, herald
Antonyms: result, successor, outcome, follower
Usage Examples:
- The invention of the telegraph was a precursor to modern communication systems.
- Political unrest is often a precursor to broader social movements.
- Dark clouds are a common precursor to a thunderstorm.
- His early work was a precursor to the theories he later became famous for.
Cultural Reference:
"The steam engine was the precursor to the Industrial Revolution, laying the groundwork for mechanized economies." â History textbooks
Think About It:
Can you identify a moment or decision in your life that served as a precursor to a major change or development?
Quick Activity:
Think of a modern invention and identify one or two precursors that helped lead to its development. Example: Smartphone â mobile phone, touchscreen tech.
Memory Tip:
âPreâ means before, and âcursorâ sounds like "runner" â so a precursor is someone or something that runs ahead or comes first.
Real-World Application:
In science, identifying precursors can help predict phenomena like earthquakes or disease outbreaks. In history and politics, recognizing precursors can help us learn from past trends to prevent negative outcomes.
Word-2: Censoring
Context:
"The banning of Northern Lights could be considered a precursor to censoring books for âmoralâ, world view or religious reasons." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Censoring" means suppressing, removing, or restricting parts of contentâsuch as books, films, or newsâdeemed objectionable, harmful, or offensive. It is usually done by authorities, governments, or institutions and can apply to anything from speech and art to social media posts. In this context, censoring refers to the act of removing or banning books based on moral or ideological objections. While sometimes argued as necessary for public protection, censoring is controversial for its potential to limit free expression and access to ideas.
Meaning: The act of examining and suppressing or removing content considered inappropriate or offensive (Verb â present participle of âcensorâ)
Pronunciation: sen-suhr-ing
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *censor*, referring to a Roman official who reviewed public morals; evolved into modern usage about content restriction
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Censoring" is a loaded term, often appearing in debates around freedom of speech, politics, and education. Pay attention to the motive behind censorshipâwhether itâs moral, political, or culturalâas it changes the tone of the discussion. A key word in both legal and social studies contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: suppressing, restricting, editing, silencing, expurgating
Antonyms: publishing, expressing, releasing, broadcasting, revealing
Usage Examples:
- The government was accused of censoring reports that criticized its policies.
- Some schools are censoring books that deal with controversial topics.
- The film was censored to remove scenes deemed inappropriate for younger viewers.
- Censoring artistic expression often stifles cultural growth and debate.
Cultural Reference:
âWhere they burn books, they will also ultimately burn people.â â Heinrich Heine (often quoted to warn against the dangers of censorship)
Think About It:
Should any content ever be censored for the public good, or does all censorship risk violating free speech?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence expressing your opinion on this: âCensoring books in schools is sometimes necessary.â Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Memory Tip:
Think of âcensoringâ as putting a âsensorâ on speechâmonitoring and removing anything not approved.
Real-World Application:
Censoring happens in media, politics, entertainment, and education. Being aware of censorship helps individuals critically evaluate the information they receive and understand the power structures that shape narratives in society.
Word-3: Unprecedented
Context:
"Now the banning and challenging of books in the US has escalated to an unprecedented level." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Unprecedented" is used to describe something that has never happened before or has no previous example. It suggests a situation, event, or condition that is extraordinary or without parallel in history. In this context, the level of book banning is being described as more extreme than anything seen before in the US, highlighting the seriousness and uniqueness of the current trend.
Meaning: Never done or known before; without previous example (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-press-uh-den-tid
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praecedere* (to go before); "precedent" means a prior example; *un-* + *precedented* = never before experienced
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âUnprecedentedâ is a popular word in editorials and academic writing, especially when describing crises, breakthroughs, or events of great significance. It often conveys urgency or uniqueness, so always link it with what exactly is being described as new or unmatched.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unmatched, extraordinary, unparalleled, exceptional, unheard-of
Antonyms: common, ordinary, routine, familiar, traditional
Usage Examples:
- The pandemic created an unprecedented demand for remote learning tools.
- She received an unprecedented number of scholarship offers from top universities.
- The athleteâs performance broke records and was considered unprecedented.
- The country is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis.
Cultural Reference:
âWe live in unprecedented timesâ became a global refrain during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the global scale and novelty of the crisis.
Think About It:
Does the overuse of the word âunprecedentedâ sometimes reduce its impact? When should we truly call something unprecedented?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using âunprecedentedâ to describe something positive and one to describe something negative.
Memory Tip:
Think of it as *un + precedent* â no precedent means no past example. Easy trick: "Never happened? Unprecedented!"
Real-World Application:
"Unprecedented" is widely used in media, business, science, and policy writing. Knowing how and when to use it adds power to your writing and helps in critical analysis of current events or research.
Word-4: Acclaimed
Context:
"The widely acclaimed fantasy novel Northern Lights was banned in some parts of the US, and was the second most challenged book in the US." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Acclaimed" is used to describe something or someone that has been praised publicly and enthusiastically, especially by critics or experts. It often refers to works of art, literature, or achievements that are recognized for their excellence. In this context, the word tells us that *Northern Lights* is not only popular but also admired and respected within literary or critical circles.
Meaning: Praised enthusiastically and publicly; highly admired (Adjective â past participle of "acclaim")
Pronunciation: uh-klaimd
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *acclamare* â *ad-* (to) + *clamare* (to shout), meaning âto shout at or to applaudâ
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âAcclaimedâ is most commonly seen in media and book/movie reviews. Itâs a go-to word for describing success in public and professional spheres. Watch for the phrase âcritically acclaimed,â which adds weight to the recognition.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: praised, celebrated, honored, lauded, applauded
Antonyms: criticized, condemned, ignored, dismissed
Usage Examples:
- The acclaimed director received a standing ovation at the film festival.
- Her acclaimed research changed how we understand mental health treatment.
- The museum features works by acclaimed artists from around the world.
- The novel was acclaimed for its vivid storytelling and deep characters.
Cultural Reference:
"Critically acclaimed" is a phrase often found in movie trailers and book covers to signal that a work has received positive reviews from professionals and critics.
Think About It:
Do you think critical acclaim is more important than popular opinion? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
List one book, film, or public figure you would describe as âacclaimed.â Write a short sentence explaining why.
Memory Tip:
Think of an âacclaimedâ actor walking off stage to loud applause â acclaim = public praise.
Real-World Application:
âAcclaimedâ is useful for reviews, formal descriptions, and academic essays. It helps convey value and reputation, especially when discussing literature, research, film, or achievements.
Word-5: Unparalleled
Context:
"The American Library Association documented an unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022, about 2,500 unique titles." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Unparalleled" describes something so exceptional or unique that it has no equal or comparison. It emphasizes how unmatched or one-of-a-kind a person, event, or situation is. In this sentence, the number of book challenges is said to be unparalleled, meaning such a high volume had never been recorded before, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the situation.
Meaning: Having no equal or match; exceptional or unmatched (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-par-uh-leld
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *par* (equal) + prefix *un-* (not) and *-ed* (past participle adjective), meaning "not having a parallel or equal"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is a strong adjective often used to describe excellence or scale â whether good or bad. It pairs well with statistics, achievements, or moments of crisis. Think about what makes the thing being described truly without comparison when using it.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unmatched, unequalled, extraordinary, singular, unique
Antonyms: ordinary, common, comparable, average, standard
Usage Examples:
- Her dedication to the cause was unparalleled in the organization.
- The team's performance this season was truly unparalleled.
- The museum houses an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art.
- The crisis led to an unparalleled level of public protest and activism.
Cultural Reference:
"An unparalleled power of expression was one of Shakespeareâs greatest gifts." â Literary historians often use the word to describe artists whose legacy remains unmatched.
Think About It:
What qualities or achievements make something or someone truly âunparalleledâ? Can you name a historical figure who fits this description?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using âunparalleledâ to describe a personal experience, performance, or achievement.
Memory Tip:
"Unparalleled" = "no parallel" â imagine a road with no side-by-side match, just one path so exceptional it stands alone.
Real-World Application:
âUnparalleledâ is commonly used in journalism, speeches, and formal writing to describe extraordinary records, leadership, innovations, or challenges. Mastering its use allows you to convey both praise and warning with powerful precision.
