Practice Verbal Ability questions on Ordering of Sentences, covering jumbled sentences, paragraph sequencing, logical flow, connecting ideas, and identifying the correct order of sentences to form a coherent paragraph. Takes about 20–25 minutes and is useful for placement tests, TCS NQT, SSC, banking and MBA entrance exams.
Question 1
Rearrange the following parts (1, 2, 3 and 4) in proper sequence to obtain a correct sentence.
1. be, not what
2. always be
3. whom you want to
4. others want to see
1. be, not what
2. always be
3. whom you want to
4. others want to see
Explanation
The sentence reads "Always be whom you want to be, not what others want to see". So the order is 2, 3, 1, 4.
Option A is wrong because 1, 2, 4, 3 starts with "be, not what", which does not begin the sentence.
Option B is wrong because 3, 4, 2, 1 starts with "whom you want to", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 4, 3, 1, 2 starts with "others want to see", which does not begin the sentence.
Option A is wrong because 1, 2, 4, 3 starts with "be, not what", which does not begin the sentence.
Option B is wrong because 3, 4, 2, 1 starts with "whom you want to", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 4, 3, 1, 2 starts with "others want to see", which does not begin the sentence.
Question 2
Rearrange the following parts (1, 2, 3 and 4) in proper sequence to obtain a correct sentence.
1. of their passions
2. is a knowledge
3. the knowledge
4. of mankind
1. of their passions
2. is a knowledge
3. the knowledge
4. of mankind
Explanation
The sentence reads "The knowledge of mankind is a knowledge of their passions". So the order is 3, 4, 2, 1.
Option A is wrong because 3, 2, 4, 1 gives "the knowledge is a knowledge of mankind of their passions", which is illogical.
Option C is wrong because 1, 3, 4, 2 starts with "of their passions", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 4, 3, 2, 1 starts with "of mankind", which does not begin the sentence.
Option A is wrong because 3, 2, 4, 1 gives "the knowledge is a knowledge of mankind of their passions", which is illogical.
Option C is wrong because 1, 3, 4, 2 starts with "of their passions", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 4, 3, 2, 1 starts with "of mankind", which does not begin the sentence.
Question 3
Rearrange the following parts (1, 2, 3 and 4) in proper sequence to obtain a correct sentence.
1. held on all India basis
2. appear the SSC examination
3. every year many students from
4. all over the country
1. held on all India basis
2. appear the SSC examination
3. every year many students from
4. all over the country
Explanation
The sentence reads "Every year many students from all over the country appear the SSC examination held on all India basis". So the order is 3, 4, 2, 1.
Option A is wrong because 1, 2, 4, 3 starts with "held on all India basis", which does not begin the sentence.
Option C is wrong because 2, 3, 1, 4 starts with "appear the SSC examination", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 2, 4, 1, 3 starts with "appear the SSC examination", which does not begin the sentence.
Option A is wrong because 1, 2, 4, 3 starts with "held on all India basis", which does not begin the sentence.
Option C is wrong because 2, 3, 1, 4 starts with "appear the SSC examination", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 2, 4, 1, 3 starts with "appear the SSC examination", which does not begin the sentence.
Question 4
Rearrange the following parts (1, 2, 3 and 4) in proper sequence to obtain a correct sentence.
1. our country
2. following greater than some
3. Salman Khan has a fan
4. of the best paid sports person in
1. our country
2. following greater than some
3. Salman Khan has a fan
4. of the best paid sports person in
Explanation
The sentence reads "Salman Khan has a following greater than some of the best paid sports person in our country". So the order is 3, 2, 4, 1.
Option A is wrong because 1, 3, 4, 2 starts with "our country", which does not begin the sentence.
Option B is wrong because 3, 4, 2, 1 puts "of the best paid" before "following greater than some", which breaks the sentence.
Option C is wrong because 4, 1, 3, 2 starts with "of the best paid", which does not begin the sentence.
Option A is wrong because 1, 3, 4, 2 starts with "our country", which does not begin the sentence.
Option B is wrong because 3, 4, 2, 1 puts "of the best paid" before "following greater than some", which breaks the sentence.
Option C is wrong because 4, 1, 3, 2 starts with "of the best paid", which does not begin the sentence.
Question 5
Rearrange the following parts (1, 2, 3 and 4) in proper sequence to obtain a correct sentence.
1. pending because it wasn’t
2. Too many cases still lie
3. is the convict
4. confirmed that the accused really
1. pending because it wasn’t
2. Too many cases still lie
3. is the convict
4. confirmed that the accused really
Explanation
The sentence reads "Too many cases still lie pending because it wasn't confirmed that the accused really is the convict". So the order is 2, 1, 4, 3.
Option B is wrong because 2, 3, 4, 1 puts "is the convict" before "confirmed", which breaks the sentence.
Option C is wrong because 1, 4, 3, 2 starts with "pending because", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 4, 2, 1, 3 starts with "confirmed that the accused", which does not begin the sentence.
Option B is wrong because 2, 3, 4, 1 puts "is the convict" before "confirmed", which breaks the sentence.
Option C is wrong because 1, 4, 3, 2 starts with "pending because", which does not begin the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 4, 2, 1, 3 starts with "confirmed that the accused", which does not begin the sentence.
Question 6
Rearrange the following parts (1, 2, 3 and 4) in proper sequence to obtain a correct sentence.
1) Karan is one of those boys
2) their willingness for
3) joining the INDIAN ARMY.
4) who have expressed
1) Karan is one of those boys
2) their willingness for
3) joining the INDIAN ARMY.
4) who have expressed
Explanation
The sentence reads "Karan is one of those boys who have expressed their willingness for joining the Indian Army". So the order is 1, 4, 2, 3.
Option A is wrong because 4, 3, 2, 1 starts with "who have expressed", which does not begin the sentence.
Option B is wrong because 1, 3, 4, 2 puts "joining the army" before "who have expressed", which breaks the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 2, 4, 1, 3 starts with "their willingness", which does not begin the sentence.
Option A is wrong because 4, 3, 2, 1 starts with "who have expressed", which does not begin the sentence.
Option B is wrong because 1, 3, 4, 2 puts "joining the army" before "who have expressed", which breaks the sentence.
Option D is wrong because 2, 4, 1, 3 starts with "their willingness", which does not begin the sentence.
Question 7
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: In a quiet corner of the market there is a small tea stall.
P: Even so, he never spills a drop as he fills the glasses for a little girl waiting with a tray.
Q: His hands are thin and shaky.
R: Behind its counter stands an old man in a faded shirt.
S: She lifts them carefully, one by one, onto the tray.
S6: Then she carries them to the shops across the road.
S1: In a quiet corner of the market there is a small tea stall.
P: Even so, he never spills a drop as he fills the glasses for a little girl waiting with a tray.
Q: His hands are thin and shaky.
R: Behind its counter stands an old man in a faded shirt.
S: She lifts them carefully, one by one, onto the tray.
S6: Then she carries them to the shops across the road.
Explanation
The correct order is RQPS.
R comes first, because 'its counter' refers to the tea stall mentioned in S1.
Q follows R, because 'His hands' refers to the old man introduced in R.
P follows Q, because 'Even so' contrasts with the shaky hands described in Q.
S comes last, because 'She' and 'them' refer to the little girl and the glasses mentioned in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) QRSP is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'His hands' refers to the old man introduced in R.
Option (C) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'Even so' contrasts with the shaky hands described in Q.
Option (D) SPQR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'His hands' refers to the old man introduced in R.
R comes first, because 'its counter' refers to the tea stall mentioned in S1.
Q follows R, because 'His hands' refers to the old man introduced in R.
P follows Q, because 'Even so' contrasts with the shaky hands described in Q.
S comes last, because 'She' and 'them' refer to the little girl and the glasses mentioned in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) QRSP is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'His hands' refers to the old man introduced in R.
Option (C) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'Even so' contrasts with the shaky hands described in Q.
Option (D) SPQR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'His hands' refers to the old man introduced in R.
Question 8
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Deep in the forest there is a lonely wooden hut.
P: She looks tired, for she has been cooking since dawn.
Q: Yet her eyes light up when a small boy runs in and sits by the fire.
R: He is shivering, so she wraps a warm blanket around him.
S: Through its only window I can see an old woman stirring a pot.
S6: Soon he is sipping hot soup and smiling happily.
S1: Deep in the forest there is a lonely wooden hut.
P: She looks tired, for she has been cooking since dawn.
Q: Yet her eyes light up when a small boy runs in and sits by the fire.
R: He is shivering, so she wraps a warm blanket around him.
S: Through its only window I can see an old woman stirring a pot.
S6: Soon he is sipping hot soup and smiling happily.
Explanation
The correct order is SPQR.
S comes first, because 'its only window' refers to the hut in S1.
P follows S, because 'She' refers to the old woman introduced in S.
Q follows P, because 'Yet her eyes' contrasts with the woman being tired in P, and it introduces the boy.
R comes last, because 'He' refers to the boy introduced in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PQSR is wrong: P cannot come before S, because 'She' refers to the old woman introduced in S.
Option (B) QSPR is wrong: Q cannot come before P, because 'Yet her eyes' contrasts with the woman being tired in P, and it introduces the boy.
Option (C) SQRP is wrong: Q cannot come before P, because 'Yet her eyes' contrasts with the woman being tired in P, and it introduces the boy.
S comes first, because 'its only window' refers to the hut in S1.
P follows S, because 'She' refers to the old woman introduced in S.
Q follows P, because 'Yet her eyes' contrasts with the woman being tired in P, and it introduces the boy.
R comes last, because 'He' refers to the boy introduced in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PQSR is wrong: P cannot come before S, because 'She' refers to the old woman introduced in S.
Option (B) QSPR is wrong: Q cannot come before P, because 'Yet her eyes' contrasts with the woman being tired in P, and it introduces the boy.
Option (C) SQRP is wrong: Q cannot come before P, because 'Yet her eyes' contrasts with the woman being tired in P, and it introduces the boy.
Question 9
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: The siren rang loudly across the factory floor.
P: For, within minutes, smoke filled the entire hall.
Q: Most workers thought it was only a practice drill.
R: Carrying on like that was a serious mistake.
S: So they carried on with their work.
S6: Luckily the guards managed to bring everyone out safely.
S1: The siren rang loudly across the factory floor.
P: For, within minutes, smoke filled the entire hall.
Q: Most workers thought it was only a practice drill.
R: Carrying on like that was a serious mistake.
S: So they carried on with their work.
S6: Luckily the guards managed to bring everyone out safely.
Explanation
The correct order is QSRP.
Q comes first, because it gives the workers' first reaction to the siren in S1.
S follows Q, because 'So they' refers to the workers and follows their belief in Q.
R follows S, because 'like that' refers to carrying on with work, described in S.
P comes last, because 'For' explains why it was a mistake - smoke filled the hall within minutes - and it leads into S6.
Option (B) PQSR is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'For' explains why it was a mistake - smoke filled the hall within minutes - and it leads into S6.
Option (C) SPQR is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'So they' refers to the workers and follows their belief in Q.
Option (D) RSQP is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'So they' refers to the workers and follows their belief in Q.
Q comes first, because it gives the workers' first reaction to the siren in S1.
S follows Q, because 'So they' refers to the workers and follows their belief in Q.
R follows S, because 'like that' refers to carrying on with work, described in S.
P comes last, because 'For' explains why it was a mistake - smoke filled the hall within minutes - and it leads into S6.
Option (B) PQSR is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'For' explains why it was a mistake - smoke filled the hall within minutes - and it leads into S6.
Option (C) SPQR is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'So they' refers to the workers and follows their belief in Q.
Option (D) RSQP is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'So they' refers to the workers and follows their belief in Q.
Question 10
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: A strange sound came from the engine of the bus.
P: The driver ignored it and drove on.
Q: Only then did he stop the bus and ask everyone to get down.
R: Driving on like that was risky, for the engine might fail at any moment.
S: Within minutes the engine did fail and began to smoke heavily.
S6: A few minutes later the entire bus was on fire.
S1: A strange sound came from the engine of the bus.
P: The driver ignored it and drove on.
Q: Only then did he stop the bus and ask everyone to get down.
R: Driving on like that was risky, for the engine might fail at any moment.
S: Within minutes the engine did fail and began to smoke heavily.
S6: A few minutes later the entire bus was on fire.
Explanation
The correct order is PRSQ.
P comes first, because it gives the driver's reaction to the sound in S1.
R follows P, because 'like that' refers to ignoring the sound and driving on, described in P.
S follows R, because 'did fail' refers to the risk of failure mentioned in R.
Q comes last, because 'Only then' comes after the smoke began in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PQRS is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'Only then' comes after the smoke began in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) QPSR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'did fail' refers to the risk of failure mentioned in R.
Option (D) SPQR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'did fail' refers to the risk of failure mentioned in R.
P comes first, because it gives the driver's reaction to the sound in S1.
R follows P, because 'like that' refers to ignoring the sound and driving on, described in P.
S follows R, because 'did fail' refers to the risk of failure mentioned in R.
Q comes last, because 'Only then' comes after the smoke began in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PQRS is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'Only then' comes after the smoke began in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) QPSR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'did fail' refers to the risk of failure mentioned in R.
Option (D) SPQR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'did fail' refers to the risk of failure mentioned in R.
Question 11
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Indian roads may look chaotic to a visitor.
P: Her car broke down on a highway late one night.
Q: The generosity of ordinary people, however, impressed a German tourist.
R: Within minutes three strangers stopped to help, and they would not accept any money.
S: Such help, she said, would be hard to find in Berlin.
S6: She left India with a heavy heart and many warm memories.
S1: Indian roads may look chaotic to a visitor.
P: Her car broke down on a highway late one night.
Q: The generosity of ordinary people, however, impressed a German tourist.
R: Within minutes three strangers stopped to help, and they would not accept any money.
S: Such help, she said, would be hard to find in Berlin.
S6: She left India with a heavy heart and many warm memories.
Explanation
The correct order is QPRS.
Q comes first, because 'however' contrasts with the chaotic roads in S1 and introduces a German tourist.
P follows Q, because 'Her car' refers to the tourist introduced in Q.
R follows P, because 'Within minutes' follows the breakdown described in P.
S comes last, because 'Such help' refers to the strangers' help described in R, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'Her car' refers to the tourist introduced in Q.
Option (C) PQRS is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'Her car' refers to the tourist introduced in Q.
Option (D) QRPS is wrong: R cannot come before P, because 'Within minutes' follows the breakdown described in P.
Q comes first, because 'however' contrasts with the chaotic roads in S1 and introduces a German tourist.
P follows Q, because 'Her car' refers to the tourist introduced in Q.
R follows P, because 'Within minutes' follows the breakdown described in P.
S comes last, because 'Such help' refers to the strangers' help described in R, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'Her car' refers to the tourist introduced in Q.
Option (C) PQRS is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'Her car' refers to the tourist introduced in Q.
Option (D) QRPS is wrong: R cannot come before P, because 'Within minutes' follows the breakdown described in P.
Question 12
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Teenagers are often accused of being careless with money.
P: By the end of the year, these small deposits had grown into a handsome sum.
Q: They deposited a little every month, though it was never much.
R: Many students opened small savings accounts with their pocket money.
S: A banker in Mumbai, however, noticed a surprising trend.
S6: Clearly, the young are wiser than we think.
S1: Teenagers are often accused of being careless with money.
P: By the end of the year, these small deposits had grown into a handsome sum.
Q: They deposited a little every month, though it was never much.
R: Many students opened small savings accounts with their pocket money.
S: A banker in Mumbai, however, noticed a surprising trend.
S6: Clearly, the young are wiser than we think.
Explanation
The correct order is SRQP.
S comes first, because 'however' contrasts with the accusation in S1 and introduces the banker's observation.
R follows S, because it explains the trend that the banker noticed.
Q follows R, because 'They' refers to the students mentioned in R.
P comes last, because 'these small deposits' refers to the deposits described in Q, and it leads into the conclusion in S6.
Option (B) SRPQ is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'these small deposits' refers to the deposits described in Q, and it leads into the conclusion in S6.
Option (C) RSPQ is wrong: R cannot come before S, because it explains the trend that the banker noticed.
Option (D) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'They' refers to the students mentioned in R.
S comes first, because 'however' contrasts with the accusation in S1 and introduces the banker's observation.
R follows S, because it explains the trend that the banker noticed.
Q follows R, because 'They' refers to the students mentioned in R.
P comes last, because 'these small deposits' refers to the deposits described in Q, and it leads into the conclusion in S6.
Option (B) SRPQ is wrong: P cannot come before Q, because 'these small deposits' refers to the deposits described in Q, and it leads into the conclusion in S6.
Option (C) RSPQ is wrong: R cannot come before S, because it explains the trend that the banker noticed.
Option (D) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'They' refers to the students mentioned in R.
Question 13
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: The Moon travels around the Earth in an oval path.
P: At its nearest point, it is about 363,000 kilometres away.
Q: The difference between these two distances is about 42,000 kilometres.
R: That is why the Moon looks bigger on some nights than on others.
S: At its farthest point, on the other hand, it is about 405,000 kilometres away.
S6: The biggest and brightest full Moon is called a supermoon.
S1: The Moon travels around the Earth in an oval path.
P: At its nearest point, it is about 363,000 kilometres away.
Q: The difference between these two distances is about 42,000 kilometres.
R: That is why the Moon looks bigger on some nights than on others.
S: At its farthest point, on the other hand, it is about 405,000 kilometres away.
S6: The biggest and brightest full Moon is called a supermoon.
Explanation
The correct order is PSQR.
P comes first, because it gives the nearest distance, which is the natural start after S1.
S follows P, because 'on the other hand' contrasts the farthest distance with the nearest distance in P.
Q follows S, because 'these two distances' refers to the distances given in P and S.
R comes last, because 'That is why' gives the result of the difference described in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) RQSP is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'on the other hand' contrasts the farthest distance with the nearest distance in P.
Option (B) SQPR is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'on the other hand' contrasts the farthest distance with the nearest distance in P.
Option (C) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'these two distances' refers to the distances given in P and S.
P comes first, because it gives the nearest distance, which is the natural start after S1.
S follows P, because 'on the other hand' contrasts the farthest distance with the nearest distance in P.
Q follows S, because 'these two distances' refers to the distances given in P and S.
R comes last, because 'That is why' gives the result of the difference described in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) RQSP is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'on the other hand' contrasts the farthest distance with the nearest distance in P.
Option (B) SQPR is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'on the other hand' contrasts the farthest distance with the nearest distance in P.
Option (C) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'these two distances' refers to the distances given in P and S.
Question 14
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: The Ganga rises high in the Himalayas.
P: As it flows down to the plains, many rivers join it.
Q: By the time it reaches the sea, it is one of the largest rivers in the world.
R: At first it is only a small, icy stream.
S: These tributaries make it wider and deeper.
S6: Millions of people depend on its water for their living.
S1: The Ganga rises high in the Himalayas.
P: As it flows down to the plains, many rivers join it.
Q: By the time it reaches the sea, it is one of the largest rivers in the world.
R: At first it is only a small, icy stream.
S: These tributaries make it wider and deeper.
S6: Millions of people depend on its water for their living.
Explanation
The correct order is RPSQ.
R comes first, because 'At first' begins the river's journey from the source mentioned in S1.
P follows R, because 'As it flows down' continues the journey that began in R.
S follows P, because 'These tributaries' refers to the rivers that join the Ganga in P.
Q comes last, because 'By the time it reaches the sea' ends the journey, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) RSQP is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'These tributaries' refers to the rivers that join the Ganga in P.
Option (B) QRPS is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'By the time it reaches the sea' ends the journey, and it leads into S6.
Option (D) PQRS is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'As it flows down' continues the journey that began in R.
R comes first, because 'At first' begins the river's journey from the source mentioned in S1.
P follows R, because 'As it flows down' continues the journey that began in R.
S follows P, because 'These tributaries' refers to the rivers that join the Ganga in P.
Q comes last, because 'By the time it reaches the sea' ends the journey, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) RSQP is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'These tributaries' refers to the rivers that join the Ganga in P.
Option (B) QRPS is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'By the time it reaches the sea' ends the journey, and it leads into S6.
Option (D) PQRS is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'As it flows down' continues the journey that began in R.
Question 15
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: In many Indian families, young people are expected to choose the career their parents approve of.
P: Some, however, dislike this idea.
Q: Most young people accept this arrangement.
R: They believe their parents have more experience of life.
S: Rohit was like that.
S6: He felt he was an adult and should decide his own future.
S1: In many Indian families, young people are expected to choose the career their parents approve of.
P: Some, however, dislike this idea.
Q: Most young people accept this arrangement.
R: They believe their parents have more experience of life.
S: Rohit was like that.
S6: He felt he was an adult and should decide his own future.
Explanation
The correct order is QRPS.
Q comes first, because 'this arrangement' refers to the expectation described in S1.
R follows Q, because 'They' refers to the young people in Q.
P follows R, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in Q and R.
S comes last, because 'like that' refers to the people who dislike the idea in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) PRQS is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'They' refers to the young people in Q.
Option (C) QSRP is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'like that' refers to the people who dislike the idea in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (D) SQPR is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in Q and R.
Q comes first, because 'this arrangement' refers to the expectation described in S1.
R follows Q, because 'They' refers to the young people in Q.
P follows R, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in Q and R.
S comes last, because 'like that' refers to the people who dislike the idea in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) PRQS is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'They' refers to the young people in Q.
Option (C) QSRP is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'like that' refers to the people who dislike the idea in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (D) SQPR is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in Q and R.
Question 16
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: In most offices, new employees are trained by a senior colleague.
P: Anjali was like that.
Q: They believe that experienced people know the best way to work.
R: A few, however, prefer to find their own way.
S: Most young recruits accept this arrangement happily.
S6: She felt she learned more by making her own mistakes.
S1: In most offices, new employees are trained by a senior colleague.
P: Anjali was like that.
Q: They believe that experienced people know the best way to work.
R: A few, however, prefer to find their own way.
S: Most young recruits accept this arrangement happily.
S6: She felt she learned more by making her own mistakes.
Explanation
The correct order is SQRP.
S comes first, because 'this arrangement' refers to the training by a senior colleague in S1.
Q follows S, because 'They' refers to the young recruits in S.
R follows Q, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in S and Q.
P comes last, because 'like that' refers to the people who prefer their own way in R, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) RSPQ is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in S and Q.
Option (C) QPRS is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'They' refers to the young recruits in S.
Option (D) QSRP is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'They' refers to the young recruits in S.
S comes first, because 'this arrangement' refers to the training by a senior colleague in S1.
Q follows S, because 'They' refers to the young recruits in S.
R follows Q, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in S and Q.
P comes last, because 'like that' refers to the people who prefer their own way in R, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) RSPQ is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'however' contrasts with the acceptance described in S and Q.
Option (C) QPRS is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'They' refers to the young recruits in S.
Option (D) QSRP is wrong: Q cannot come before S, because 'They' refers to the young recruits in S.
Question 17
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Environmentalists are fighting for two aims: clean air and clean water.
P: Over the last decade, some progress has been made on both fronts.
Q: But new threats have appeared.
R: Being so different, they endanger both our air and our water.
S: These threats are different in form from the pollution of the past.
S6: Unless people act together now, our children will inherit neither.
S1: Environmentalists are fighting for two aims: clean air and clean water.
P: Over the last decade, some progress has been made on both fronts.
Q: But new threats have appeared.
R: Being so different, they endanger both our air and our water.
S: These threats are different in form from the pollution of the past.
S6: Unless people act together now, our children will inherit neither.
Explanation
The correct order is PQSR.
P comes first, because 'both fronts' refers to the two aims in S1.
Q follows P, because 'But' contrasts with the progress described in P.
S follows Q, because 'These threats' refers to the new threats in Q.
R comes last, because 'Being so different' refers to the difference described in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PSQR is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'These threats' refers to the new threats in Q.
Option (B) PQRS is wrong: R cannot come before S, because 'Being so different' refers to the difference described in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (D) QPRS is wrong: Q cannot come before P, because 'But' contrasts with the progress described in P.
P comes first, because 'both fronts' refers to the two aims in S1.
Q follows P, because 'But' contrasts with the progress described in P.
S follows Q, because 'These threats' refers to the new threats in Q.
R comes last, because 'Being so different' refers to the difference described in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PSQR is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'These threats' refers to the new threats in Q.
Option (B) PQRS is wrong: R cannot come before S, because 'Being so different' refers to the difference described in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (D) QPRS is wrong: Q cannot come before P, because 'But' contrasts with the progress described in P.
Question 18
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: A good teacher should help students in two ways: by sharpening the mind and by building character.
P: For example, marks are praised, while honesty and kindness are seldom noticed.
Q: That is a serious loss for the whole society.
R: In the first respect, schools have improved a great deal.
S: In the second, however, there has been little progress.
S6: Unless schools restore the balance, we will produce clever students but poor citizens.
S1: A good teacher should help students in two ways: by sharpening the mind and by building character.
P: For example, marks are praised, while honesty and kindness are seldom noticed.
Q: That is a serious loss for the whole society.
R: In the first respect, schools have improved a great deal.
S: In the second, however, there has been little progress.
S6: Unless schools restore the balance, we will produce clever students but poor citizens.
Explanation
The correct order is RSPQ.
R comes first, because 'In the first respect' refers to sharpening the mind, the first way mentioned in S1.
S follows R, because 'In the second' refers to building character, the second way in S1, and 'however' contrasts it with R.
P follows S, because 'For example' illustrates the little progress mentioned in S.
Q comes last, because 'That' refers to the neglect of honesty and kindness in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PQRS is wrong: P cannot come before S, because 'For example' illustrates the little progress mentioned in S.
Option (B) QPSR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'In the second' refers to building character, the second way in S1, and 'however' contrasts it with R.
Option (C) SPRQ is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'In the second' refers to building character, the second way in S1, and 'however' contrasts it with R.
R comes first, because 'In the first respect' refers to sharpening the mind, the first way mentioned in S1.
S follows R, because 'In the second' refers to building character, the second way in S1, and 'however' contrasts it with R.
P follows S, because 'For example' illustrates the little progress mentioned in S.
Q comes last, because 'That' refers to the neglect of honesty and kindness in P, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PQRS is wrong: P cannot come before S, because 'For example' illustrates the little progress mentioned in S.
Option (B) QPSR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'In the second' refers to building character, the second way in S1, and 'however' contrasts it with R.
Option (C) SPRQ is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'In the second' refers to building character, the second way in S1, and 'however' contrasts it with R.
Question 19
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Studies of children with hearing loss suggest that the brain can think without having adequate control over spoken language.
P: Yet they can solve puzzles quickly.
Q: Some children, for example, cannot follow spoken instructions.
R: They can even copy complex patterns drawn on a board, though they cannot describe them in words.
S: They even find it hard to join in simple group games.
S6: Scientists are still trying to understand how they manage this.
S1: Studies of children with hearing loss suggest that the brain can think without having adequate control over spoken language.
P: Yet they can solve puzzles quickly.
Q: Some children, for example, cannot follow spoken instructions.
R: They can even copy complex patterns drawn on a board, though they cannot describe them in words.
S: They even find it hard to join in simple group games.
S6: Scientists are still trying to understand how they manage this.
Explanation
The correct order is QSPR.
Q comes first, because 'for example' illustrates the language problem mentioned in S1.
S follows Q, because 'They even' adds a further difficulty to the one in Q.
P follows S, because 'Yet' contrasts with the difficulties described in Q and S.
R comes last, because 'this' in S6 refers to copying patterns without words, as described in R.
Option (A) PQSR is wrong: Q must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the language problem mentioned in S1.
Option (C) QPRS is wrong: R must come last, because 'this' in S6 refers to copying patterns without words, as described in R.
Option (D) RQSP is wrong: Q must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the language problem mentioned in S1.
Q comes first, because 'for example' illustrates the language problem mentioned in S1.
S follows Q, because 'They even' adds a further difficulty to the one in Q.
P follows S, because 'Yet' contrasts with the difficulties described in Q and S.
R comes last, because 'this' in S6 refers to copying patterns without words, as described in R.
Option (A) PQSR is wrong: Q must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the language problem mentioned in S1.
Option (C) QPRS is wrong: R must come last, because 'this' in S6 refers to copying patterns without words, as described in R.
Option (D) RQSP is wrong: Q must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the language problem mentioned in S1.
Question 20
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Studies of blind musicians suggest that people can perform well without seeing their instruments.
P: They even find it hard to follow a conductor.
Q: They can even join a new group after hearing a song just twice.
R: Yet they play long pieces without a single mistake.
S: Some of them, for example, cannot read ordinary printed music.
S6: Researchers are still trying to find out how they manage this.
S1: Studies of blind musicians suggest that people can perform well without seeing their instruments.
P: They even find it hard to follow a conductor.
Q: They can even join a new group after hearing a song just twice.
R: Yet they play long pieces without a single mistake.
S: Some of them, for example, cannot read ordinary printed music.
S6: Researchers are still trying to find out how they manage this.
Explanation
The correct order is SPRQ.
S comes first, because 'for example' illustrates the difficulty mentioned in S1.
P follows S, because 'They even' adds a further difficulty to the one in S.
R follows P, because 'Yet' contrasts with the difficulties described in S and P.
Q comes last, because 'this' in S6 refers to joining a new group after hearing a song twice, as described in Q.
Option (B) PQSR is wrong: S must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the difficulty mentioned in S1.
Option (C) RPSQ is wrong: S must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the difficulty mentioned in S1.
Option (D) SQPR is wrong: Q must come last, because 'this' in S6 refers to joining a new group after hearing a song twice, as described in Q.
S comes first, because 'for example' illustrates the difficulty mentioned in S1.
P follows S, because 'They even' adds a further difficulty to the one in S.
R follows P, because 'Yet' contrasts with the difficulties described in S and P.
Q comes last, because 'this' in S6 refers to joining a new group after hearing a song twice, as described in Q.
Option (B) PQSR is wrong: S must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the difficulty mentioned in S1.
Option (C) RPSQ is wrong: S must come first, because 'for example' illustrates the difficulty mentioned in S1.
Option (D) SQPR is wrong: Q must come last, because 'this' in S6 refers to joining a new group after hearing a song twice, as described in Q.
Question 21
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: A tall, bearded man came walking along the beach.
P: He gave it back, and the girl clapped her hands and laughed loudly.
Q: A strong wind lifted her straw hat from her head.
R: He was holding the hand of a small girl in a red frock.
S: The man ran after it and caught it near the water.
S6: Then both of them walked on towards the pier.
S1: A tall, bearded man came walking along the beach.
P: He gave it back, and the girl clapped her hands and laughed loudly.
Q: A strong wind lifted her straw hat from her head.
R: He was holding the hand of a small girl in a red frock.
S: The man ran after it and caught it near the water.
S6: Then both of them walked on towards the pier.
Explanation
The correct order is RQSP.
R comes first, because 'He' refers to the tall, bearded man in S1.
Q follows R, because 'her straw hat' refers to the girl introduced in R.
S follows Q, because 'it' refers to the hat that the wind lifted in Q.
P comes last, because 'gave it back' follows the man catching the hat in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PRSQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'it' refers to the hat that the wind lifted in Q.
Option (B) SRPQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'it' refers to the hat that the wind lifted in Q.
Option (C) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'her straw hat' refers to the girl introduced in R.
R comes first, because 'He' refers to the tall, bearded man in S1.
Q follows R, because 'her straw hat' refers to the girl introduced in R.
S follows Q, because 'it' refers to the hat that the wind lifted in Q.
P comes last, because 'gave it back' follows the man catching the hat in S, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PRSQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'it' refers to the hat that the wind lifted in Q.
Option (B) SRPQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'it' refers to the hat that the wind lifted in Q.
Option (C) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'her straw hat' refers to the girl introduced in R.
Question 22
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: A young girl in a blue uniform ran into the school yard.
P: She was carrying a kite made of newspaper.
Q: He handed it back with a big smile.
R: The boy standing near the gate jumped up and caught the string.
S: A sudden gust pulled it out of her hands.
S6: Both of them then walked to the class together.
S1: A young girl in a blue uniform ran into the school yard.
P: She was carrying a kite made of newspaper.
Q: He handed it back with a big smile.
R: The boy standing near the gate jumped up and caught the string.
S: A sudden gust pulled it out of her hands.
S6: Both of them then walked to the class together.
Explanation
The correct order is PSRQ.
P comes first, because 'She' refers to the girl in S1.
S follows P, because 'it' refers to the kite introduced in P.
R follows S, because 'the string' refers to the kite that the gust pulled away in S.
Q comes last, because 'He handed it back' follows the boy catching the string in R, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) SPRQ is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'it' refers to the kite introduced in P.
Option (B) PRSQ is wrong: R cannot come before S, because 'the string' refers to the kite that the gust pulled away in S.
Option (D) PSQR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'He handed it back' follows the boy catching the string in R, and it leads into S6.
P comes first, because 'She' refers to the girl in S1.
S follows P, because 'it' refers to the kite introduced in P.
R follows S, because 'the string' refers to the kite that the gust pulled away in S.
Q comes last, because 'He handed it back' follows the boy catching the string in R, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) SPRQ is wrong: S cannot come before P, because 'it' refers to the kite introduced in P.
Option (B) PRSQ is wrong: R cannot come before S, because 'the string' refers to the kite that the gust pulled away in S.
Option (D) PSQR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'He handed it back' follows the boy catching the string in R, and it leads into S6.
Question 23
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: We now know that the Antarctic ice sheet is extremely thick.
P: For example, the Gamburtsev range lies under the ice in East Antarctica.
Q: On average, it is about two kilometres thick.
R: Its surface, too, is smooth over large areas.
S: However, there are great mountain ranges hidden beneath it.
S6: It is about as large as the Alps.
S1: We now know that the Antarctic ice sheet is extremely thick.
P: For example, the Gamburtsev range lies under the ice in East Antarctica.
Q: On average, it is about two kilometres thick.
R: Its surface, too, is smooth over large areas.
S: However, there are great mountain ranges hidden beneath it.
S6: It is about as large as the Alps.
Explanation
The correct order is QRSP.
Q comes first, because 'On average' gives the typical thickness mentioned in S1.
R follows Q, because 'too' adds a second feature to the thickness described in Q.
S follows R, because 'However' contrasts the hidden mountains with the smooth surface in R.
P comes last, because 'For example' gives an instance of the mountain ranges in S, and 'It' in S6 refers to that range.
Option (A) RQPS is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'too' adds a second feature to the thickness described in Q.
Option (C) SPQR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'However' contrasts the hidden mountains with the smooth surface in R.
Option (D) PSRQ is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'too' adds a second feature to the thickness described in Q.
Q comes first, because 'On average' gives the typical thickness mentioned in S1.
R follows Q, because 'too' adds a second feature to the thickness described in Q.
S follows R, because 'However' contrasts the hidden mountains with the smooth surface in R.
P comes last, because 'For example' gives an instance of the mountain ranges in S, and 'It' in S6 refers to that range.
Option (A) RQPS is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'too' adds a second feature to the thickness described in Q.
Option (C) SPQR is wrong: S cannot come before R, because 'However' contrasts the hidden mountains with the smooth surface in R.
Option (D) PSRQ is wrong: R cannot come before Q, because 'too' adds a second feature to the thickness described in Q.
Question 24
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: We now know that the Sahara covers a vast area of Africa.
P: However, there are tall mountain ranges as well.
Q: For example, the Tibesti range in Chad has peaks over three thousand metres high.
R: Its land, too, is mostly flat and stony.
S: On average, it receives very little rain, often under 25 millimetres a year.
S6: Its highest peak is the tallest point in the entire Sahara.
S1: We now know that the Sahara covers a vast area of Africa.
P: However, there are tall mountain ranges as well.
Q: For example, the Tibesti range in Chad has peaks over three thousand metres high.
R: Its land, too, is mostly flat and stony.
S: On average, it receives very little rain, often under 25 millimetres a year.
S6: Its highest peak is the tallest point in the entire Sahara.
Explanation
The correct order is SRPQ.
S comes first, because 'On average' gives the typical rainfall of the desert mentioned in S1.
R follows S, because 'too' adds a second feature to the low rainfall described in S.
P follows R, because 'However' contrasts the mountain ranges with the flat land in R.
Q comes last, because 'For example' gives an instance of the mountain ranges in P, and 'Its highest peak' in S6 refers to that range.
Option (B) RPSQ is wrong: R cannot come before S, because 'too' adds a second feature to the low rainfall described in S.
Option (C) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'However' contrasts the mountain ranges with the flat land in R.
Option (D) SPQR is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'However' contrasts the mountain ranges with the flat land in R.
S comes first, because 'On average' gives the typical rainfall of the desert mentioned in S1.
R follows S, because 'too' adds a second feature to the low rainfall described in S.
P follows R, because 'However' contrasts the mountain ranges with the flat land in R.
Q comes last, because 'For example' gives an instance of the mountain ranges in P, and 'Its highest peak' in S6 refers to that range.
Option (B) RPSQ is wrong: R cannot come before S, because 'too' adds a second feature to the low rainfall described in S.
Option (C) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'However' contrasts the mountain ranges with the flat land in R.
Option (D) SPQR is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'However' contrasts the mountain ranges with the flat land in R.
Question 25
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Ravi went to the bank one morning.
P: It was there that he realised he had forgotten his cheque book at home.
Q: He got off and walked to the entrance anyway, hoping the clerk would help.
R: He parked his scooter in front of the bank and switched off the engine.
S: Disappointed, he returned to the scooter.
S6: He rode home with an empty pocket.
S1: Ravi went to the bank one morning.
P: It was there that he realised he had forgotten his cheque book at home.
Q: He got off and walked to the entrance anyway, hoping the clerk would help.
R: He parked his scooter in front of the bank and switched off the engine.
S: Disappointed, he returned to the scooter.
S6: He rode home with an empty pocket.
Explanation
The correct order is RPQS.
R comes first, because 'He' refers to Ravi, who went to the bank in S1.
P follows R, because 'there' refers to the place where he parked in R.
Q follows P, because 'anyway' follows the problem he realised in P.
S comes last, because 'Disappointed' follows his failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) SRPQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'Disappointed' follows his failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'there' refers to the place where he parked in R.
Option (D) QPRS is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'there' refers to the place where he parked in R.
R comes first, because 'He' refers to Ravi, who went to the bank in S1.
P follows R, because 'there' refers to the place where he parked in R.
Q follows P, because 'anyway' follows the problem he realised in P.
S comes last, because 'Disappointed' follows his failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) SRPQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'Disappointed' follows his failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) PSRQ is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'there' refers to the place where he parked in R.
Option (D) QPRS is wrong: P cannot come before R, because 'there' refers to the place where he parked in R.
Question 26
The first and last sentences (S1 and S6) of a passage are given. The four middle sentences have been jumbled and labelled P, Q, R and S. Find the proper order of these four sentences.
S1: Meena went to the market one evening.
P: She stopped her cycle near the vegetable stall and locked it.
Q: She walked up to the stall anyway, hoping the seller would wait for the money.
R: It was then that she noticed her purse was not in her bag.
S: Embarrassed, she went back to her cycle.
S6: She cycled home with an empty bag.
S1: Meena went to the market one evening.
P: She stopped her cycle near the vegetable stall and locked it.
Q: She walked up to the stall anyway, hoping the seller would wait for the money.
R: It was then that she noticed her purse was not in her bag.
S: Embarrassed, she went back to her cycle.
S6: She cycled home with an empty bag.
Explanation
The correct order is PRQS.
P comes first, because 'She' refers to Meena, who went to the market in S1.
R follows P, because 'then' refers to the moment she stopped at the stall in P.
Q follows R, because 'anyway' follows the problem she noticed in R.
S comes last, because 'Embarrassed' follows her failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PSRQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'Embarrassed' follows her failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) SPQR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'anyway' follows the problem she noticed in R.
Option (C) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'anyway' follows the problem she noticed in R.
P comes first, because 'She' refers to Meena, who went to the market in S1.
R follows P, because 'then' refers to the moment she stopped at the stall in P.
Q follows R, because 'anyway' follows the problem she noticed in R.
S comes last, because 'Embarrassed' follows her failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (A) PSRQ is wrong: S cannot come before Q, because 'Embarrassed' follows her failed attempt in Q, and it leads into S6.
Option (B) SPQR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'anyway' follows the problem she noticed in R.
Option (C) QPSR is wrong: Q cannot come before R, because 'anyway' follows the problem she noticed in R.