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Paragraph Summary Questions
Q.24 The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Heatwaves are becoming longer, frequent and intense due to climate change. The impacts of extreme heat are unevenly experienced; with older people and young children, those with pre-existing medical conditions and on low incomes significantly more vulnerable. Adaptation to heatwaves is a significant public policy concern.
Research conducted among at-risk people in the UK reveals that even vulnerable people do not perceive themselves as at risk of extreme heat; therefore, early warnings of extreme heat events do not perform as intended. This suggests that understanding how extreme heat is narrated is very important. The news media play a central role in this process and can help warn people about the potential danger, as well as about impacts on infrastructure and society.
1. People are vulnerable to heatwaves caused due to climate change, measures taken are ineffective.
2. Heatwaves pose an enormous risk; the media plays a pivotal role in alerting people to this danger.
3. Protection from heat waves is important but current reports and public policies seem ineffective.
4. News stories help in warning about heatwaves, but they have to become more effective.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 2
Explanation:
The passage discusses how climate change has intensified heatwaves, affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with medical conditions or low incomes. It highlights that many at-risk individuals do not perceive themselves as vulnerable, making early warnings ineffective. The passage concludes by emphasizing the media's crucial role in effectively communicating the risks of heatwaves and their societal impacts.
- Option 1 suggests that all measures are ineffective but fails to highlight the specific role of media in raising awareness.
- Option 2 is the best summary as it accurately emphasizes both the danger of heatwaves and the central role of media in alerting people to this threat.
- Option 3 implies that public policies and reports are ineffective without addressing the unique role of media.
- Option 4 mentions media but oversimplifies the broader message of media’s essential role in addressing the awareness gap.
Thus, Option 2 is the correct answer as it captures the dual focus on heatwave risks and the media's vital role in public alerting.
Word 1: Intense
Context:
"Heatwaves are becoming longer, frequent and intense due to climate change. The impacts of extreme heat are unevenly experienced" - Climate Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "intense" is used to describe something that is very strong, powerful, or extreme in degree. In the context of climate change, it conveys the increasing severity and harshness of heatwaves. Whether it's emotions, experiences, or physical phenomena, "intense" amplifies the usual level, pointing to something that is not mild or moderate but overwhelming in force or effect.
Meaning: Very strong in degree; extreme or severe (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-TENS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "intensus", past participle of "intendere" meaning "to stretch out".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Intense” is a versatile word used to describe anything that is felt or experienced in a very powerful way—be it pain, light, heat, or emotion. Always note the context to determine whether it implies physical intensity or emotional depth.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: severe, extreme, powerful, fierce, strong
Antonyms: mild, moderate, weak, gentle
Usage Examples:
- The debate became quite intense as both sides refused to back down.
- She felt an intense pain in her leg after the fall.
- The movie builds up to an intense climax that leaves viewers breathless.
- After hours of intense study, he finally understood the concept.
Cultural Reference:
"I am a very intense person. I don't want to be boring." – Chloë Grace Moretz, in an interview discussing her approach to acting and roles.
Think About It:
Why do you think people often associate "intensity" with both positive (passion, focus) and negative (anger, pain) experiences?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph about a moment you felt something intensely—be it joy, fear, or pressure. Use “intense” or its word family at least twice.
Memory Tip:
Think of “in-tense” as something that puts your senses “in tension”—you feel it deeply, like intense heat or intense focus.
Real-World Application:
“Intense” is commonly used in journalism, science, and everyday speech to describe strong phenomena—such as “intense workouts,” “intense negotiations,” or “intense light” in photography or astronomy.
Word 2: Vulnerable
Context:
"The impacts of extreme heat are unevenly experienced; with older people and young children, those with pre-existing medical conditions and on low incomes significantly more vulnerable." - Climate Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "vulnerable" describes a state of being exposed to the possibility of harm or danger—whether physical, emotional, or situational. In the sentence above, it refers to people who are more likely to suffer from the effects of extreme heat due to factors like age, health, or financial status. Being vulnerable doesn’t necessarily mean harm will occur, but that the risk is higher for certain individuals or groups.
Meaning: Susceptible to harm, injury, or attack (Adjective)
Pronunciation: VUL-ner-uh-bul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "vulnerabilis", from "vulnerare" meaning "to wound", and "vulnus" meaning "wound".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Vulnerable” is a critical word in both social and emotional contexts. It helps us understand who or what might be at risk. In reading passages or essays, look for the reasons why something is described as vulnerable—they often help explain key points in arguments or analysis.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: exposed, at risk, defenseless, unprotected, susceptible
Antonyms: protected, secure, invulnerable, strong, shielded
Usage Examples:
- Children are especially vulnerable during natural disasters.
- She felt emotionally vulnerable after sharing her story.
- Old buildings are vulnerable to earthquakes due to poor construction.
- The cybersecurity breach exposed many users to vulnerable situations.
Cultural Reference:
"To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength." – Criss Jami, from *Venus in Arms*
Think About It:
Can vulnerability ever be a source of strength in personal relationships or leadership? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of three groups in society that you think are vulnerable to climate change. Explain why, using the word “vulnerable” in your response.
Memory Tip:
Remember “vulnerable” from “vulnus” (Latin for wound). If something can be wounded, it is vulnerable.
Real-World Application:
The term “vulnerable” is frequently used in healthcare, disaster management, social work, and psychology to identify individuals or groups needing additional support or protection. It is vital for policymaking and ethical planning.
Word 3: Adaptation
Context:
"Adaptation to heatwaves is a significant public policy concern." - Climate Policy Discussion
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Adaptation" refers to the process of changing or adjusting to new conditions, environments, or situations. In the given context, it points to the efforts made by governments, institutions, and communities to respond effectively to heatwaves caused by climate change. This could include infrastructural changes, health systems preparedness, or awareness programs. Adaptation is a proactive response to lessen negative impacts or to function better under new challenges.
Meaning: The act or process of adjusting to new conditions or environments (Noun)
Pronunciation: a-dap-TAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "adaptatio", from "adaptare" meaning "to fit to, adjust".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Adaptation” is not just about survival but about strategic adjustment. It’s a critical concept in environmental studies, biology, literature, and even psychology. Try distinguishing it from “mitigation” — while mitigation reduces causes of a problem, adaptation deals with coping with its effects.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: adjustment, modification, acclimatization, transformation
Antonyms: resistance, rigidity, refusal to change, stagnation
Usage Examples:
- The adaptation of ancient buildings to modern safety standards is essential.
- Climate adaptation measures can save lives during extreme weather events.
- The movie was an adaptation of a bestselling novel.
- Successful adaptation to a new school takes time and support.
Cultural Reference:
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." – often attributed to Charles Darwin, highlighting the concept of adaptation in evolution.
Think About It:
Can you think of a situation where adaptation was more effective than resistance? What does that teach us about flexibility in life?
Quick Activity:
List two areas (e.g., education, business, environment) where adaptation has been necessary in the last five years. Explain how the changes helped or failed.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “tap” you adjust to control water temperature — just like adaptation, it changes based on your need!
Real-World Application:
Adaptation is a core principle in climate policy, helping communities build heat-resistant homes, improve public transport systems, and prepare healthcare systems for heat-related emergencies. It’s also key in technology, literature, and biology.
Word 4: Infrastructure
Context:
"The news media play a central role in this process and can help warn people about the potential danger, as well as about impacts on infrastructure and society." - Public Safety Communication Analysis
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Infrastructure" refers to the fundamental systems and physical structures needed for a society to function effectively. This includes transportation networks (like roads and railways), utilities (such as electricity and water supply), communication systems, and public institutions (like schools and hospitals). In the given context, infrastructure is discussed as something that can be affected by disasters or extreme weather events, underlining the need for awareness and preparedness.
Meaning: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society (Noun)
Pronunciation: IN-fruh-struhk-chur
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French "infrastructure", from Latin "infra" meaning "below" + "structure". Originally a military term referring to installations beneath or forming the base of operations.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Infrastructure” is one of those academic yet highly practical words you’ll see in newspapers, government reports, and exams. It’s closely tied to development and economics. Always relate it to the 'backbone' of a functioning society—the structures we often take for granted until something fails.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: framework, foundation, system, base, network
Antonyms: superstructure (in technical contrast), disorganization, breakdown
Usage Examples:
- The country invested heavily in its digital infrastructure to improve internet access.
- Flooding can cause serious damage to transportation infrastructure.
- Education infrastructure includes schools, libraries, and digital learning tools.
- Developing nations often struggle with poor infrastructure, limiting growth.
Cultural Reference:
“Build Back Better” – a slogan widely used in U.S. politics and global recovery planning post-COVID-19, emphasizes rebuilding infrastructure in a resilient and equitable way.
Think About It:
What part of your city’s infrastructure do you rely on most each day—and how would your life change if it stopped working?
Quick Activity:
List three types of infrastructure you think are most vulnerable during a natural disaster. Explain briefly how their failure could affect society.
Memory Tip:
Break the word down: “infra” (below) + “structure” = the structures that lie beneath and support everything else!
Real-World Application:
Infrastructure is a core concept in urban planning, civil engineering, economics, and governance. From water pipes to 5G networks, its quality determines a nation’s resilience and progress.
Word 5: Narrated
Context:
"This suggests that understanding how extreme heat is narrated is very important." - Environmental Communication Study
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Narrated" means told or described in words, usually in the form of a story or explanation. In the context provided, it refers to how the story or message of extreme heat is communicated to the public. This could include media articles, documentaries, or public speeches. The way something is narrated can influence how people perceive and respond to it, making the choice of words and framing crucial.
Meaning: Told or described in spoken or written words (Verb – past tense of "narrate")
Pronunciation: NAR-ray-ted
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "narratus", past participle of "narrare" meaning "to tell, relate, recount".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Narrated” is commonly used in literature, journalism, and media. It's not just about telling a story — it's about how the story is framed. In comprehension passages or editorial discussions, look for who's narrating and with what intention — that can reveal bias, tone, or perspective.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: told, recounted, described, related, explained
Antonyms: concealed, suppressed, ignored, kept secret
Usage Examples:
- The documentary was narrated by a famous environmentalist.
- He narrated his childhood experiences with vivid detail.
- The story is narrated from the perspective of a young refugee.
- She narrated how the events unfolded during the crisis.
Cultural Reference:
In the acclaimed TV series *Planet Earth*, scenes are narrated by Sir David Attenborough, whose voice and delivery became iconic in shaping public perception of the natural world.
Think About It:
How does the narrator's identity influence the way a story is received or interpreted by an audience?
Quick Activity:
Choose an event from your life and write two sentences narrating it: one as a neutral observer, and one with emotional involvement. Observe how narration changes perception.
Memory Tip:
Think of a "narrator" in a film or book — the one who *narrates* the story. If someone tells it, they’ve narrated it!
Real-World Application:
“Narrated” is widely used in media, documentaries, audiobooks, journalism, and personal storytelling. Understanding how something is narrated is key in critical thinking, especially in evaluating biased or persuasive content.
