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Paragraph Summary Questions
summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.Recent important scientific findings have emerged from crossing the boundaries of scientific fields. They stem from physicists collaborating with biologists, sociologists and others, to answer questions about our world. But physicists and their potential collaborators often find their cultures out of sync. For one, physicists often discard a lot of information while extracting broad patterns; for other scientists, information is not readily disposed. Further, many non-physicists are uncomfortable with mathematical models. Still, the desire to work on something new and different is real, and there are clear benefits from the collision of views.
A. Despite differences in their research styles, physicists' research collaborations with scholars from other disciplines have yielded important research findings.
B. Large data sets and mathematical models in physics research combined with the research methods of non-physicist collaborators have yielded important scientific findings.
C. The desire to diversify their research and answer important questions has led to several collaborations between physicists and other social scientists.
D. Physicists have successfully buried their differences on research methods applied in other fields in their desire to find answers to baffling scientific questions.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The passage discusses how some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs today arise from interdisciplinary collaboration—particularly when physicists team up with professionals from other domains like biology and sociology. Despite differences in research culture and methods, such as physicists relying on abstraction and mathematical models while others may prefer detailed, context-rich data, these collaborations continue because they offer fresh perspectives and tangible benefits. The core message is that even with methodological mismatches, working together across disciplines has produced meaningful results.
Option-wise Analysis
- Option A: This is the best summary. It concisely captures both the central tension—differences in research styles—and the main outcome—valuable findings from collaboration. It reflects the balance of challenge and benefit present in the original passage.
- Option B: Misleading emphasis. It highlights “large data sets and mathematical models” as the drivers of success, which the passage does not present as the main cause. The focus is on collaboration across differing methodologies, not on any specific tool or data type.
- Option C: Too narrow and slightly inaccurate. The passage doesn't stress a “desire to diversify” as the main driver, nor does it focus exclusively on social scientists. It talks more broadly about scientists from multiple disciplines, including biology and sociology.
- Option D: Overstates the case. The passage does not say physicists have overcome or “buried” their methodological differences. It emphasizes that such differences persist, but collaborations are pursued nonetheless due to the value they offer. This option distorts the nuance.
Word 1: Collaborating
Context:
"They stem from physicists collaborating with biologists, sociologists and others, to answer questions about our world." – Interdisciplinary Research Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Collaborating” means working together with one or more people to achieve a common goal. In academic and scientific contexts, it often refers to professionals from different fields joining efforts to solve complex problems. In this sentence, it highlights how physicists are teaming up with experts in biology and sociology, combining their knowledge to better understand the world. Collaboration often leads to innovation, as it brings diverse perspectives and strengths into a unified process.
Meaning: Working jointly with others to achieve a shared goal. (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: kuh-lab-uh-ray-ting
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *collaborare* (to work together), from *com-* (together) + *laborare* (to work).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Collaboration is the foundation of all teamwork, whether in science, business, or education. The present participle “collaborating” suggests ongoing teamwork. Use this word when describing projects, research, or group efforts across disciplines or cultures.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cooperating, teaming up, partnering, working together, joining forces
Antonyms: competing, opposing, resisting, working alone, conflicting
Usage Examples:
- Scientists are collaborating across countries to develop a universal vaccine.
- The students are collaborating on a group project about climate change.
- Collaborating with artists gave the campaign a creative edge.
- Physicists and sociologists are collaborating to explore the social impact of AI.
Cultural Reference:
"True innovation comes from collaborating across disciplines." – *MIT Media Lab Motto*
Think About It:
What makes collaboration successful? Can people with very different ideas truly collaborate, or does it lead to conflict?
Quick Activity:
Think of a recent time you collaborated with someone. What was the goal, and what did each person contribute?
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “co-” (together) + “labor” (work) → Collaborating = working together.
Real-World Application:
“Collaborating” is a key skill in today’s workplace, academic research, and even global diplomacy. Being able to collaborate effectively can lead to smarter solutions, better results, and stronger relationships.
Word 2: Cultures
Context:
"But physicists and their potential collaborators often find their cultures out of sync." – Interdisciplinary Collaboration Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Cultures” in this context refers not to national or ethnic traditions, but to the shared values, norms, behaviors, and communication styles within different professional or academic fields. When the sentence says that physicists and collaborators have cultures that are “out of sync,” it means that the way they approach work, define problems, or communicate can be very different, leading to misunderstandings or friction. Recognizing these professional “cultures” is crucial for effective teamwork across disciplines.
Meaning: The shared beliefs, behaviors, practices, and values of a group, profession, or community. (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: kuhl-churz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *cultura* (growing, cultivation), from *colere* (to tend, inhabit, cultivate). The term evolved to describe the way of life of a group.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Don’t think of “cultures” only in terms of countries. In workplaces and disciplines, different “cultures” can mean different expectations, methods, and styles. For example, the “culture” of engineers may differ significantly from that of sociologists or artists. This word is highly versatile and very useful in academic writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: traditions, norms, practices, mindsets, communities
Antonyms: uniformity, sameness, conformity, monoculture
Usage Examples:
- Different academic cultures often lead to communication gaps in interdisciplinary projects.
- The merger failed because the company cultures didn’t align.
- Classroom cultures vary widely across countries and educational systems.
- Learning to navigate different work cultures is a vital professional skill.
Cultural Reference:
"Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit." – Jawaharlal Nehru
Think About It:
Have you ever experienced a “culture clash” in a team or group project? What did you learn from it?
Quick Activity:
List two different professional or academic “cultures” you’ve encountered. What was different about how they worked or communicated?
Memory Tip:
Think of “culture” as the invisible glue that holds a group together—values, habits, and unspoken rules. “Cultures” = many such groups.
Real-World Application:
Understanding multiple “cultures” is essential in global business, academia, healthcare, and team leadership. It helps reduce conflict and fosters better collaboration and innovation.
Word 3: Discard
Context:
"For one, physicists often discard a lot of information while extracting broad patterns; for other scientists, information is not readily disposed." – Methodology in Scientific Disciplines
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Discard” means to throw something away or reject it as unnecessary or irrelevant. In the context of the sentence, it refers to how physicists often simplify data by removing or ignoring details to focus on large patterns or general rules. In contrast, scientists in other fields might value that detailed information. “Discard” can be used for physical objects, ideas, or data—anything deemed no longer useful or needed.
Meaning: To get rid of something that is no longer useful or needed. (Verb)
Pronunciation: dis-kard
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *descarter*, from Latin *dis-* (apart) + *cardare* (from Latin *charta*, meaning card or paper), originally referring to discarding cards in games.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Discard” is a practical, action-based word—perfect for describing simplification, cleanup, or elimination in any setting. It can be used in both literal (throwing away trash) and abstract (discarding an idea or theory) contexts. Use it wisely in essays where you want to highlight removal or simplification.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: eliminate, reject, abandon, dump, dispose of
Antonyms: retain, keep, preserve, maintain, accept
Usage Examples:
- The old files were discarded to make room for updated records.
- He discarded the first draft of his essay because it lacked focus.
- Some researchers discard outliers to avoid skewing their data.
- The policy was discarded after widespread criticism from experts.
Cultural Reference:
"Do not discard your dreams just because others can't see them." — A motivational quote often shared in personal growth circles
Think About It:
What’s one idea, belief, or habit you've discarded recently—and why?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of five things—physical or mental—you think are worth discarding this week. What might improve if you did?
Memory Tip:
Think of a card game—when a card is useless, you discard it. “Discard” = to throw out what no longer serves.
Real-World Application:
“Discard” is relevant in science (data analysis), design (editing ideas), environmental studies (waste disposal), and personal development (letting go of unhelpful thoughts). It’s a versatile and impactful word.
Word 4: Disposed
Context:
"For one, physicists often discard a lot of information while extracting broad patterns; for other scientists, information is not readily disposed." – Methodology in Scientific Disciplines
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Disposed” in this context refers to the act of getting rid of or discarding something. Specifically, it describes how some scientists are not quick to eliminate data, preferring to retain more information for analysis. While “disposed” can also refer to personal attitudes (as in "well-disposed"), here it is used in the sense of “disposed of” — meaning “thrown away” or “eliminated.” It is commonly used in scientific, environmental, and everyday settings when referring to how things (like waste, data, or resources) are handled or removed.
Meaning: Removed, discarded, or gotten rid of. (Verb – past participle)
Pronunciation: dih-spohzd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *disposer*, from Latin *disponere* (to arrange), composed of *dis-* (apart) + *ponere* (to put or place). The sense of “get rid of” evolved from the idea of arranging or dealing with something.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Disposed” is a word with dual meanings. When used with “of” (as in “disposed of”), it means “got rid of.” But when used with an adverb (like “well-disposed”), it refers to a person’s attitude or tendency. Be clear about the context when using this word. In academic and scientific contexts, “disposed” often relates to data or waste handling.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: discarded, removed, eliminated, cleared, rejected
Antonyms: retained, kept, preserved, stored, saved
Usage Examples:
- All hazardous materials must be properly disposed of to avoid contamination.
- The old records were disposed of after digital copies were created.
- Some scientists are cautious about how data is disposed, fearing the loss of useful insights.
- Once the files were disposed, they could not be retrieved.
Cultural Reference:
"The manner in which information is disposed often reflects the values of a discipline—what is deemed important or irrelevant." — *Nature Scientific Methods Journal*
Think About It:
In what contexts should we be more cautious about what we dispose of—whether in science, history, or everyday life?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “disposed” to describe how something (data, waste, information) was handled in a careful or careless way.
Memory Tip:
“Disposed” = “placed away” → to dispose of something is to remove or throw it out of your way.
Real-World Application:
“Disposed” is commonly used in environmental regulations, lab protocols, and digital data handling. Understanding its proper use ensures clarity when writing or speaking about removal processes—especially in technical and formal settings.
Word 5: Collision
Context:
"Still, the desire to work on something new and different is real, and there are clear benefits from the collision of views." – Interdisciplinary Collaboration Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Collision” usually refers to a forceful impact between two objects. However, in this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the meeting or clash of different ideas, perspectives, or approaches. The sentence suggests that when different viewpoints come together—sometimes in conflict—it can lead to valuable insights and creative breakthroughs. This figurative use of “collision” is common in academic and intellectual discussions, where contrasting views can spark innovation.
Meaning: A forceful impact or clash between two entities, either physical or metaphorical. (Noun)
Pronunciation: kuh-li-zhun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *collisio*, from *collidere* (to strike together), from *com-* (together) + *laedere* (to strike, hurt).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Collision” is a versatile word with both literal (cars, particles) and figurative (opinions, cultures) uses. In intellectual or creative work, collisions of ideas can be energizing, not destructive. Use this word when emphasizing dynamic encounters that may lead to new understanding or innovation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: clash, conflict, impact, confrontation, encounter
Antonyms: harmony, agreement, alignment, accord, unity
Usage Examples:
- The collision of science and art often produces fascinating results.
- A head-on collision between the cars caused a traffic jam for hours.
- The debate led to a productive collision of opposing viewpoints.
- The collision between tradition and modernity is central to the novel’s theme.
Cultural Reference:
"In science, a collision of ideas can be more powerful than a collision of particles." — *Popular Science Magazine*
Think About It:
Can conflict or disagreement (a kind of “collision”) be beneficial in learning or creative work? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “collision” to describe either a literal event (e.g., car crash) or a figurative one (e.g., a clash of opinions).
Memory Tip:
“Collision” sounds like “collide”—imagine two things hitting each other. Whether they’re cars or concepts, that’s a collision.
Real-World Application:
“Collision” is used in physics, transportation, politics, psychology, and team dynamics. Understanding both literal and metaphorical collisions helps describe moments of tension, change, or creativity.
