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Para-jumble Sentences
Q.22 The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.
1. Contemporary African writing like âThe Bottled Leopardâ voices this theme using two children and two backgrounds to juxtapose two varying cultures.
2. Chukwuemeka Ike explores the conflict, and casts the Western tradition as condescending, enveloping and unaccommodating towards local African practice.
3. However, their views contradict the reality, for a rich and sustaining local African cultural ethos exists for all who care, to see and experience.
4. Western Christian concepts tend to deny or feign ignorance about the existence of a genuine and enduring indigenous African tradition.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 4321
Detailed Explanation by Wordpandit
The sentences discuss the contrast between Western and African cultural perspectives, particularly in the context of contemporary African writing, and how these writings depict the richness of indigenous African traditions despite Western dismissiveness.
- Sentence 4 serves as the best opening sentence, introducing the notion that Western Christian concepts tend to ignore or deny the authenticity of African traditions. This sets up the cultural conflict that is central to the paragraph.
- Sentence 3 logically follows, countering the Western perspective with the reality of a rich African cultural ethos that is available for those willing to recognize it.
- Sentence 2 then introduces Chukwuemeka Ike's work, which explores this cultural conflict and critiques the Western tradition as being unaccommodating to African practices.
- Sentence 1 concludes the paragraph by mentioning Ikeâs work, âThe Bottled Leopard,â which illustrates this cultural conflict through the experiences of two children from different backgrounds.
The most coherent sequence for the paragraph is 4-3-2-1.
Word-1: Juxtapose
Context:
"Contemporary African writing like âThe Bottled Leopardâ voices this theme using two children and two backgrounds to juxtapose two varying cultures." - Source unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
To "juxtapose" means to place things side by side, especially for the purpose of comparing or contrasting them. This technique is often used in literature, art, and film to highlight differences or unexpected similarities. For example, by placing two very different characters, settings, or ideas next to each other, an author can emphasize the contrast between them or provoke thought in the reader.
Meaning: To place two or more things side by side, especially for comparison or contrast (Verb)
Pronunciation: juhk-stuh-pohz
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from the French word "juxtaposer", based on Latin roots: "juxta" (next to) + "poser" (to place).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a commonly tested academic and literary word. Itâs used frequently in analytical writing and essays. Remember: "juxta" means beside â so juxtapose means putting beside to compare or highlight.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: contrast, compare, collocate, align
Antonyms: separate, isolate, disconnect, divide
Usage Examples:
- The film cleverly juxtaposes scenes of war and peace to underline the futility of conflict.
- In her painting, she juxtaposed bright colors with muted tones to draw attention to the central figure.
- The author juxtaposes rural and urban life to highlight cultural differences.
- By juxtaposing traditional and modern architecture, the cityscape tells a story of its evolving identity.
Cultural Reference:
"In 'The Great Gatsby', Fitzgerald often juxtaposes wealth and moral decay to critique the American Dream." - Literature Commentary
Think About It:
What deeper understanding can be gained by juxtaposing opposing ideas or images in your own writing or thinking?
Quick Activity:
Think of two contrasting elements from your culture (e.g., old vs. new, rural vs. urban). Write a 2-sentence paragraph juxtaposing them.
Memory Tip:
Think of "juxta" as "just next to" â so âjuxtaposeâ means placing things just next to each other to compare them.
Real-World Application:
Writers, designers, and filmmakers use juxtaposition to create strong visual or thematic effects. For instance, an ad might juxtapose a childâs laughter with scenes of pollution to emotionally engage viewers in an environmental message.
Word-2: Condescending
Context:
"Chukwuemeka Ike explores the conflict, and casts the Western tradition as condescending, enveloping and unaccommodating towards local African practice." - Source unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Condescending" describes an attitude of superiority where someone talks down to others or treats them as if they are less intelligent or less important. It often appears in interactions where one party assumes they know better or are more civilized, informed, or capable than the other. This behavior can be subtle or overt, and it often leaves the recipient feeling belittled or disrespected.
Meaning: Having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kon-duh-send-ing
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "condescendere", meaning "to stoop together", later evolving in usage to mean talking down to someone from a position of perceived superiority.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a tone wordâcommonly asked in tone and attitude questions in reading comprehension passages. Be careful: "condescending" doesn't always mean outwardly rude; it can be subtle or passive-aggressive. Watch out for it in speeches, articles, and dialogues.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: patronizing, snobbish, disdainful, superior
Antonyms: respectful, humble, considerate, egalitarian
Usage Examples:
- The manager's condescending tone made the staff feel undervalued and insulted.
- She spoke to me in a condescending way, as if I didnât understand the basics of my own job.
- The articleâs condescending remarks about the rural population sparked widespread backlash.
- His condescending smile revealed his true thoughts about the groupâs abilities.
Cultural Reference:
"In many colonial narratives, the European characters adopt a condescending attitude towards the natives, assuming moral and intellectual superiority." - Postcolonial Literature Studies
Think About It:
Why do people often fail to notice when they are being condescending, and how can we become more aware of the tone we use in everyday interactions?
Quick Activity:
Rewrite the following sentence to remove its condescending tone: "Oh, I didnât expect you to understand that." Make it sound more respectful while conveying the same idea.
Memory Tip:
Think: *Condescending = Coming down from a higher place* â Imagine someone looking down from a ladder, thinking theyâre better than you.
Real-World Application:
In professional settings, a condescending tone can damage relationships, reduce team morale, and create communication barriers. Being mindful of tone and word choice helps foster respect and collaboration in workplaces and classrooms.
Word-3: Unaccommodating
Context:
"Chukwuemeka Ike explores the conflict, and casts the Western tradition as condescending, enveloping and unaccommodating towards local African practice." - Source unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Unaccommodating" describes a person, system, or attitude that is unwilling or unable to adapt, help, or make room for others. In this context, it refers to the Western tradition being rigid and inflexible, showing no effort to understand or include the values and practices of local African cultures. The term often implies a lack of hospitality, empathy, or openness to change.
Meaning: Not willing to adjust, help, or be flexible; unhelpful or inflexible (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-uh-kom-uh-day-ting
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: Formed by adding the prefix "un-" (meaning "not") to "accommodating", which comes from the Latin word *accommodare* meaning "to make fit" or "adapt".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word helps build strong negative tone identification. Pair it with similar adjectives like "rigid", "inflexible", or "indifferent". It's often used in social, cultural, and institutional critiques.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: inflexible, unhelpful, rigid, indifferent
Antonyms: flexible, helpful, accommodating, cooperative
Usage Examples:
- The schoolâs unaccommodating schedule made it hard for working parents to attend meetings.
- His unaccommodating nature made collaboration almost impossible.
- Many feel that government policies remain unaccommodating to the needs of marginalized communities.
- The landlord was unaccommodating and refused to make any repairs despite repeated requests.
Cultural Reference:
"In discussions of globalization, Western economic models are often criticized for being unaccommodating to local traditions and social structures." - Cultural Studies Discourse
Think About It:
How does being unaccommodating affect relationships between cultures, and what can societies do to become more inclusive?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph describing a time when a system (school, workplace, etc.) was unaccommodating. How did it affect the people involved?
Memory Tip:
Remember: *Unaccommodating = not making room* â Imagine someone refusing to shift even an inch on a crowded bench. Thatâs being unaccommodating!
Real-World Application:
This word is frequently used in critiques of systems that fail to adapt to diversity â in education, policy, work environments, and cross-cultural interactions. Understanding and using it helps articulate problems of exclusion and rigidity.
Word-4: Ethos
Context:
"However, their views contradict the reality, for a rich and sustaining local African cultural ethos exists for all who care, to see and experience." - Source unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
âEthosâ refers to the characteristic spirit, values, or beliefs of a person, group, culture, or era. It is what defines the moral code or guiding principles of a society or institution. In the given context, the term points to the deep-rooted cultural essence and way of life that shapes and sustains local African communitiesâoften overlooked or misunderstood by outsiders.
Meaning: The characteristic spirit, moral values, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or culture (Noun)
Pronunciation: ee-thos or ay-thos
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *Äthos*, meaning âcharacterâ or âcustomâ. It entered English through Latin, retaining its philosophical connotation.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a high-utility academic word. Often used in essays, particularly when analyzing the cultural or moral framework of a society or institution. It also forms one of Aristotle's rhetorical appeals: Ethos (credibility), Pathos (emotion), and Logos (logic).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: spirit, character, philosophy, mindset, culture
Antonyms: lawlessness, immorality, disunity, chaos (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The ethos of the company emphasizes transparency, teamwork, and innovation.
- The revolutionary movement was driven by a strong nationalistic ethos.
- The ethos of non-violence shaped Mahatma Gandhiâs approach to resistance.
- A schoolâs ethos deeply affects how students interact with each other and the wider world.
Cultural Reference:
"The American ethos of individualism and freedom plays a dominant role in shaping its political and social policies." - Cultural Analysis Journal
Think About It:
How does the ethos of your culture influence the way you make decisions or interact with people from other backgrounds?
Quick Activity:
Identify a group, organization, or culture you belong to. Write 3 words that capture its ethos and explain why.
Memory Tip:
Think: *Ethos = Ethics + Character* â Itâs what defines the soul or guiding values of a group or person.
Real-World Application:
Understanding "ethos" is crucial in leadership, branding, and communication. Whether shaping an organizationâs identity or delivering a persuasive speech, aligning with the ethos of your audience ensures resonance and trust.
Word-5: Indigenous
Context:
"Western Christian concepts tend to deny or feign ignorance about the existence of a genuine and enduring indigenous African tradition." - Source unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âindigenousâ refers to people, cultures, or things that originate in and are naturally found in a particular place. It highlights something native to a specific geographical regionâespecially in contrast to foreign or colonial elements. In the context provided, it signifies traditional African customs and systems that have existed long before outside influences like Western religion or education arrived.
Meaning: Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-dij-uh-nuhs
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *indigena* meaning ânativeâ, formed from *indi-* (in, within) and *gignere* (to beget, produce).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a critical word for postcolonial and cultural studies. Always associate it with authenticity, originality, and native identity. Be cautiousâit's often used in political and historical contexts and requires sensitivity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: native, original, aboriginal, local, ethnic
Antonyms: foreign, nonnative, colonial, imported
Usage Examples:
- Indigenous tribes of the Amazon have lived sustainably in the forest for thousands of years.
- The indigenous art of the region reflects deep spiritual and environmental connections.
- Many schools are now incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into their curricula.
- Governments worldwide are beginning to recognize the rights of indigenous communities.
Cultural Reference:
"The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirms the right of these communities to maintain their cultures, traditions, and self-governance." - United Nations
Think About It:
What responsibilities do modern societies have toward preserving and respecting indigenous cultures and knowledge systems?
Quick Activity:
List three indigenous traditions, foods, or art forms from your region. Research their origins and how theyâve been preserved or changed over time.
Memory Tip:
Think: *Indigenous = In + Origin* â It refers to what belongs "in" the place originally.
Real-World Application:
The term âindigenousâ is widely used in environmental, political, and social discourses. Understanding its meaning is key when discussing land rights, cultural preservation, climate justice, and postcolonial history.
