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Para-Completion Questions
Q.18 There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: And probably much earlier, moving the documentation for kissing back 1,000 years compared to what was acknowledged in the scientific community.
Paragraph: Research has hypothesised that the earliest evidence of human lip kissing originated in a very specific geographical location in South Asia 3,500 years ago. ___(1)___. From there it may have spread to other regions, simultaneously accelerating the spread of the herpes simplex virus 1. According to Dr Troels Pank Arbøll and Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, who in a new article in the journal Science draw on a range of written sources from the earliest Mesopotamian societies, kissing was already a well-established practice 4,500 years ago in the Middle East. ___(2)___. In ancient Mesopotamia, people wrote in cuneiform script on clay tablets. ___(3)___. Many thousands of these clay tablets have survived to this day, and they contain clear examples that kissing was considered a part of romantic intimacy in ancient times. ___(4)___. âKissing could also have been part of friendships and family members' relations," says Dr Troels Pank Arbøll, an expert on the history of medicine in Mesopotamia.
âOptions:
1. Option 3
2. Option 4
3. Option 1
4. Option 2
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 4
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The sentence, âAnd probably much earlier, moving the documentation for kissing back 1,000 years compared to what was acknowledged in the scientific community,â suggests a revision to the timeline for the earliest evidence of kissing. This sentence would ideally provide a transition between the initial claim about kissing originating 3,500 years ago in South Asia and the new evidence pushing this practice back another 1,000 years in Mesopotamia.
Letâs examine each option:
- Option 1: This blank follows the introduction of the hypothesis about kissing originating 3,500 years ago. However, placing the sentence here would be abrupt because the new evidence about Mesopotamia has not been introduced yet.
- Option 2: This blank is an excellent fit because it directly follows the mention of Dr. Troels Pank Arbøll and Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussenâs article, which presents evidence of kissing being a well-established practice in Mesopotamia 4,500 years ago. Adding the sentence here seamlessly connects the new evidence from Mesopotamia, extending the timeline for kissing by an additional 1,000 years compared to previous scientific beliefs.
- Option 3: This blank follows a discussion about cuneiform script and doesnât logically connect with the idea of extending the timeline for kissing, making it an unsuitable placement.
- Option 4: This blank is also unsuitable because it comes too late in the paragraph, following a statement about clay tablets as evidence of romantic intimacy. Inserting the sentence here would disrupt the logical flow of ideas.
Based on these observations, Option 2 is the correct answer, as it effectively links the new evidence about Mesopotamia with the timeline extension for the practice of kissing, creating a coherent flow in the paragraph.
Word 1: Hypothesised
Context:
"Research has hypothesised that the earliest evidence of human lip kissing originated in a very specific geographical location in South Asia 3,500 years ago" - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Hypothesised" refers to the act of forming a hypothesisâan educated guess or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence. It is used especially in academic, scientific, and logical reasoning where something is suggested as a possible explanation for a phenomenon, waiting to be proven or disproven through further study or experimentation.
Meaning: Proposed an explanation based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation (Verb â past tense of "hypothesise")
Pronunciation: hai-poth-uh-sized
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *hypo* (under) + *thesis* (placing), originally meaning "a placing under" or "supposition"; entered English via Latin and French.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a classic academic verb often used in research-based writing and reading comprehension. Remember, to hypothesise is not to claim a factâit's to offer a possible explanation that still needs validation. Common in science, sociology, and humanities texts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: assumed, proposed, speculated, postulated, suggested
Antonyms: proved, demonstrated, confirmed, validated
Usage Examples:
- Scientists hypothesised that the disease was spread through contaminated water.
- She hypothesised a link between screen time and reduced attention span in children.
- Researchers hypothesised that ancient texts might hold clues to early trade routes.
- It was initially hypothesised that climate change would not affect polar currentsâthis has now been challenged.
Cultural Reference:
"I never guess. It is a shocking habitâdestructive to the logical faculty." â Sherlock Holmes in *The Sign of the Four* by Arthur Conan Doyle (a reminder that guessing is not hypothesising; the latter requires reasoning).
Think About It:
Why is it important to base decisions or conclusions on hypotheses rather than assumptions or beliefs?
Quick Activity:
Form a hypothesis for this question: "Why do people remember emotionally charged events more vividly?" Write one sentence starting with "I hypothesise that..."
Memory Tip:
Think of "hypothesis" as a *high possibility* â something you're not sure about but want to test or explore logically.
Real-World Application:
Forming hypotheses is essential in academic writing, scientific experiments, journalism, and even business strategy. It encourages critical thinking and a structured approach to solving problems or understanding phenomena.
Word 2: Geographical
Context:
"Research has hypothesised that the earliest evidence of human lip kissing originated in a very specific geographical location in South Asia 3,500 years ago" - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "geographical" relates to geography â the study of Earth's physical features, climates, and how humans interact with their environment. When something is described as geographical, it usually refers to a specific place or region, or characteristics associated with that location. In the context of research, a "geographical location" helps pinpoint the physical origin or setting of an event, discovery, or pattern.
Meaning: Related to the physical features, location, or characteristics of the Earth or a specific place (Adjective)
Pronunciation: jee-uh-graf-i-kuhl
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *geĹgraphia*, meaning "earth description"; from *gÄ* (earth) + *graphÄ* (writing)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This adjective is often seen in academic texts, especially those dealing with environment, history, culture, or demography. It helps anchor an idea in space â telling us *where* something happens. Youâll see it paired with terms like boundaries, distribution, factors, and diversity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: spatial, territorial, regional, locational
Antonyms: non-spatial, abstract, conceptual (context-dependent)
Usage Examples:
- The festival varies in style depending on the geographical region in which it's celebrated.
- Geographical features like mountains and rivers often influence political boundaries.
- Climate change will have different impacts depending on geographical location.
- The research mapped the geographical spread of early agricultural communities.
Cultural Reference:
"History is geography set in motion." â Dutch historian Pieter Geyl, emphasizing how historical events are tied to geographical realities.
Think About It:
How do geographical factors like climate, terrain, or natural resources shape the development of cultures and civilizations?
Quick Activity:
Choose your hometown. Write two sentences describing its key geographical features (e.g., climate, elevation, nearby rivers or hills).
Memory Tip:
Break it down: *Geo* = Earth, *graphical* = related to visuals or maps. "Geographical" = something shown or explained on the Earthâs surface.
Real-World Application:
Geographical understanding is crucial in fields like urban planning, disaster management, international relations, logistics, and marketing. It helps people and organizations make decisions based on location-based data.
Word 3: Accelerating
Context:
"From there it may have spread to other regions, simultaneously accelerating the spread of the herpes simplex virus 1." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Accelerating" refers to the act of increasing speed, pace, or intensity. While it originally comes from physics (where it means to increase velocity), it is widely used in everyday language to describe anything that happens faster or more intensely over time. In the context of this sentence, "accelerating" means causing the spread of a virus to happen more quickly, possibly due to new behaviors or conditions.
Meaning: Causing something to happen faster or at an increased rate (Verb â present participle of âaccelerateâ)
Pronunciation: ak-sel-uh-ray-ting
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *accelerare*, from *ad-* (toward) + *celer* (swift)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This verb shows up often in academic, scientific, and news-based passages, particularly when discussing change or trends. Keep in mind that âacceleratingâ does not always imply something positive â it can refer to worsening conditions too. Useful in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: quickening, speeding up, hastening, advancing, boosting
Antonyms: slowing down, decelerating, delaying, hindering
Usage Examples:
- Technological innovation is accelerating the pace of change in our lives.
- The company is accelerating production to meet growing demand.
- Pollution is accelerating the melting of glaciers worldwide.
- The athlete kept accelerating in the final lap to win the race.
Cultural Reference:
"The accelerating pace of change means that what we learn today may be outdated tomorrow." â Alvin Toffler, futurist and author of *Future Shock*
Think About It:
Are all forms of acceleration in society (e.g., technology, globalization) beneficial, or do they come with hidden costs?
Quick Activity:
Think of something in your life that is accelerating (a trend, a responsibility, a change). Write a sentence using âacceleratingâ to describe it.
Memory Tip:
Remember: "Accelerate" = "access speed" â it helps to associate the word with movement thatâs gaining speed quickly.
Real-World Application:
âAcceleratingâ is frequently used in reports, business meetings, and scientific studies to describe increasing rates of changeâwhether in technology, environmental shifts, or market trends. Recognizing this helps interpret the urgency or momentum of a situation.
Word 4: Intimacy
Context:
"Many thousands of these clay tablets have survived to this day, and they contain clear examples that kissing was considered a part of romantic intimacy in ancient times." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Intimacy" refers to a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving relationship between people. It involves emotional connection, trust, and a sense of closeness that can be physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. The word is often used to describe romantic relationships but can also apply to deep friendships or family bonds. In historical and cultural discussions, "intimacy" helps reveal how human relationships and expressions of love or closeness have evolved.
Meaning: A state of close familiarity, friendship, or emotional and physical closeness (Noun)
Pronunciation: in-tuh-muh-see
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *intimus*, meaning âinmostâ or âmost within,â which evolved into âintimateâ and then âintimacy.â
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Intimacy" is a nuanced term that can appear in literature, psychology, and social science readings. While it often refers to romance, its meaning extends to emotional and intellectual closeness. In comprehension passages, consider what kind of intimacy is being discussed â emotional, romantic, or physical.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: closeness, affection, connection, familiarity, bonding
Antonyms: distance, detachment, formality, aloofness, isolation
Usage Examples:
- The book explores the emotional intimacy between two lifelong friends.
- Intimacy in a relationship grows through honest communication and shared experiences.
- In ancient cultures, art often depicted physical intimacy as a sign of love and union.
- Therapists emphasize the importance of emotional intimacy in marriage counseling.
Cultural Reference:
"True intimacy is a sacred experience. It never exposes its secret trust and belonging to the voyeuristic eye of a neon culture." â John OâDonohue, *Anam Cara*
Think About It:
How has modern technology affected our understanding and experience of intimacy in relationships?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences describing different forms of intimacy: one romantic, one emotional. Try not to use the word "love."
Memory Tip:
Think of âintimacyâ as âinto-me-you-seeâ â itâs about letting someone see the real, vulnerable you.
Real-World Application:
Understanding intimacy is vital for healthy relationships â whether in therapy, communication, or cultural studies. It helps individuals navigate boundaries, emotional expression, and personal well-being in both personal and social contexts.
Word 5: Mesopotamia
Context:
"Kissing could also have been part of friendships and family members' relations," says Dr Troels Pank Arbøll, an expert on the history of medicine in Mesopotamia. - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
Mesopotamia is an ancient historical region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Often referred to as the "cradle of civilization," Mesopotamia is credited with many of the worldâs earliest innovations, such as writing, legal systems, urban planning, and medicine. The civilizations that flourished thereâincluding the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyriansâlaid the foundation for much of human society as we know it today.
Meaning: An ancient region in Western Asia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, considered one of the earliest centers of human civilization (Proper Noun)
Pronunciation: mes-uh-puh-tay-mee-uh
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *meso-* (middle) + *potamos* (river), meaning "between the rivers"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Mesopotamia often appears in historical, archaeological, and cultural contexts. It is essential to associate this word with major early developments in writing (cuneiform), city-building, and governance. In exam passages, it can appear in readings on civilization, medicine, or religion.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Cradle of Civilization, Ancient Near East (contextual equivalents)
Antonyms: Modern regions, contemporary cities (contextual opposites)
Usage Examples:
- Mesopotamia is often regarded as the birthplace of writing and the wheel.
- Many Mesopotamian tablets reveal early knowledge of medicine and law.
- Students studied the political systems of ancient Mesopotamia in their history class.
- Mesopotamiaâs irrigation techniques enabled agriculture to thrive in arid climates.
Cultural Reference:
"Mesopotamia is to history what the Big Bang is to physics â a beginning." â Paraphrased from historians of early civilization studies
Think About It:
What can the rise and fall of Mesopotamian civilizations teach us about sustainability and governance in the modern world?
Quick Activity:
Draw a quick timeline placing Mesopotamia in historical context. Label at least two major innovations that originated there.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: "Meso" = middle, "potamia" = rivers â Mesopotamia = the land between two rivers (Tigris and Euphrates).
Real-World Application:
Understanding Mesopotamia helps students appreciate the roots of modern society, including written language, legal systems, and city life. It is foundational in subjects like world history, archaeology, and cultural studies.
