Understanding Sentence Reordering (Paragraph Jumbles)

This question asks us to arrange four jumbled sentences (P, Q, R, S) in a logical order between a given first sentence (S1) and a given sixth sentence (S6) to form a coherent paragraph. This is a common type of question that tests your ability to understand the flow of ideas and connections between sentences.

Let's look at the given sentences:

• S1: The machines that drive modern civilisation derive their power from coal and oil.
• S6: Nuclear energy may also be effectively used in this respect.

And the jumbled sentences:

• P: But they are not inexhaustible.
• Q: These sources may not be exhausted very soon.
• R: A time may come when some other sources have to be tapped and utilised.
• S: Power may, of course, be obtained in future from forests, water, wind and withered vegetables.

Analyzing the Sentences and Potential Connections

We need to find the sequence that creates a smooth transition from S1 to the middle sentences, connects the middle sentences logically, and leads smoothly to S6.

• S1 introduces coal and oil as primary power sources.
• S6 talks about Nuclear energy as another potential power source.

Let's examine the jumbled sentences:

• P: Starts with "But they...". "They" likely refers to the sources mentioned in S1 (coal and oil). "But" indicates a contrast, suggesting a limitation or negative aspect of these sources.
• Q: Starts with "These sources...". "These sources" clearly refers back to the sources mentioned in S1 (coal and oil). It suggests they might last a while.
• R: Talks about "some other sources" and the need to "tap and utilise" them when a "time may come". This suggests a future need for alternatives to the current sources.
• S: Gives examples of "other sources" like forests, water, wind, etc., mentioning they can be obtained "in future". This seems to follow R, providing details about the alternative sources needed.

Building the Logical Flow: Step-by-Step Reordering

Let's try to build the paragraph by finding logical links:

1. Start from S1: S1 talks about coal and oil. Which sentence follows up on this? Both Q and P refer to "these sources" or "they", linking back to S1. Q talks about them not being exhausted soon, while P talks about them being inexhaustible. Q seems like a milder statement about the current state before introducing the limitation in P. So, S1 followed by Q is a strong possibility.
2. Connecting Q and P: Q says the sources (coal and oil) "may not be exhausted very soon". P says "But they are not inexhaustible". This creates a direct contrast. Q presents a short-term view (might last), and P provides the crucial long-term reality (they will run out). The "But" in P perfectly contrasts with the idea in Q. So, Q followed by P is a very logical sequence.
3. Connecting P and R: P establishes that coal and oil are "not inexhaustible". What is the consequence of them being exhaustible? R states that "A time may come when some other sources have to be tapped and utilised." This is the direct logical result of current sources being limited. So, P followed by R makes sense.
4. Connecting R and S: R talks about the need for "some other sources" in the future. S provides examples of these "other sources" (forests, water, wind, etc.) that can be obtained "in future". S clearly elaborates on R. So, R followed by S is logical.
5. Connecting S and S6: S lists various future energy sources like forests, water, wind. S6 introduces "Nuclear energy" as another source that can be used effectively "in this respect" (referring to obtaining power). S6 fits well as an additional important future source after the examples in S.

Following this step-by-step analysis, the sequence Q P R S emerges as the most logical arrangement.

Verifying the Sequence (S1-Q-P-R-S-S6)

Let's read the full paragraph with the sequence Q P R S:

S1: The machines that drive modern civilisation derive their power from coal and oil.

Q: These sources may not be exhausted very soon.

P: But they are not inexhaustible.

R: A time may come when some other sources have to be tapped and utilised.

S: Power may, of course, be obtained in future from forests, water, wind and withered vegetables.

S6: Nuclear energy may also be effectively used in this respect.

This sequence flows smoothly and logically, discussing current sources, their limitations, the need for alternatives, examples of alternatives, and another significant alternative.

Other possible starting points or connections seem less logical:

• Starting with P ("But they..."): This "But" needs something to contrast with, usually the abundance mentioned in S1 or Q. P doesn't flow directly from S1 as well as Q does.
• Starting with R ("A time may come..."): This talks about future need, which logically follows the limitation of current sources (P). It shouldn't come immediately after S1.
• Starting with S ("Power may...from forests..."): This lists examples of future sources. It needs to follow a sentence that mentions the need for future sources, like R.

Conclusion on Sentence Order

Based on the logical connections and flow of ideas, the correct sequence for the jumbled sentences (P, Q, R, S) is Q P R S.

The final answer is the sequence Q P R S.

Revision Table: Sentence Reordering Strategy

Additional Information on Paragraph Jumbles

Sentence reordering, or paragraph jumbles, is a common verbal ability question type. Success depends on identifying logical connections between sentences. Here are some types of connections to look for:

• Pronoun References: Look for pronouns (he, she, it, they, this, that, these, those) and identify what noun they refer to in a previous sentence.
• Transition Words: Words or phrases like "however", "therefore", "for example", "in addition", "but", "also", "similarly", "consequently" indicate relationships between ideas (contrast, cause/effect, addition, illustration).
• Cause and Effect: One sentence describes a cause, and the next describes its effect.
• General to Specific: A general statement is followed by specific examples or details.
• Chronological Order: Sentences follow a timeline of events.
• Concept Introduction and Development: A concept is introduced and then discussed or explained in subsequent sentences.
• Keywords Repetition: Look for repetition of keywords or related concepts across sentences, which helps maintain the topic.

Practicing with different types of passages will help you become better at spotting these links and arranging sentences quickly and accurately.