Solving Jumbled Sentences: Finding the Correct Order

The question asks us to arrange four jumbled sentences (A, B, C, and D) into a coherent paragraph by selecting the correct sequence from the given options. Let's examine each sentence to understand its content and how it might connect with others.

• Sentence A: Our first impression was that both seemed a bit depressed.
• Sentence B: It was much later that they became our close friends and confided about their son’s tragic death.
• Sentence C: The Mehras were newcomers to the neighborhood.
• Sentence D: My wife and I called on them to enquire if they needed any help.

Analyzing the Sentence Connections for Logical Flow

We need to find a sequence where each sentence logically follows the previous one.

• Sentence C introduces the main subjects, "The Mehras," and establishes their situation (newcomers). This is a natural starting point for a paragraph about them.
• Sentence D describes an action taken by the narrator ("My wife and I called on them") in response to sentence C (calling on the newcomers to offer help). This sentence logically follows C. So far, we have CD.
• Sentence A describes an observation or "first impression" made about "both" (presumably the Mehras) during or after the visit mentioned in sentence D. This fits well after the interaction described in D. The sequence CD A is forming.
• Sentence B describes events that happened "much later," indicating a significant passage of time and a change in the relationship (becoming close friends). It also introduces sensitive personal information shared later. This sentence acts as a conclusion or a later development following the initial interactions. This sentence logically follows A, depicting a later stage of the relationship compared to the initial impression. The sequence CD A B seems complete and logical.

Evaluating the Potential Order CDAB

Let's read the sentences in the order CDAB:

1. The Mehras were newcomers to the neighborhood. (Introduces subjects)
2. My wife and I called on them to enquire if they needed any help. (Describes initial interaction)
3. Our first impression was that both seemed a bit depressed. (Describes observation during/after interaction)
4. It was much later that they became our close friends and confided about their son’s tragic death. (Describes later development in relationship)

This order forms a cohesive narrative, starting with the introduction of the Mehras, followed by an initial interaction, an impression formed during that interaction, and finally, a description of how the relationship developed much later.

Checking Other Options

• Option 2: ACDB - Starts with an impression (A) before introducing who is being described (C). Illogical.
• Option 3: DBAC - Starts with visiting (D) before introducing who is being visited (C). Illogical.
• Option 4: BDAC - Starts with a "much later" event (B), which cannot be the beginning of the narrative. Illogical.

Based on the logical flow and sentence connections, the correct order is CDAB.

Conclusion on Correct Sentence Arrangement

The sequence CDAB provides the most logical and chronological flow for the sentences, forming a complete and understandable paragraph about meeting the new neighbors, the Mehras, and how the relationship developed over time.

Revision Table: Jumbled Sentences Skills

Additional Information: Tips for Arranging Jumbled Sentences

Solving jumbled sentence questions requires understanding the structure and flow of a logical paragraph. Here are some helpful tips:

• Read All Sentences: Get a general understanding of the topic discussed in the set of sentences.
• Find the Topic Sentence: Identify the sentence that introduces the main idea or subject. This is often the first sentence. Look for sentences that are independent and don't start with pronouns or conjunctions that refer to something not yet mentioned.
• Look for Connecting Words: Pay attention to pronouns (he, she, it, they, this, that), demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those), conjunctions (and, but, because, so), transition words (however, therefore, moreover, finally, later), and time indicators (first, then, next, later). These words link sentences together.
• Identify Cause and Effect: Some sentences describe a cause and others an effect. The cause sentence usually comes before the effect sentence.
• Look for Chronological Order: If the sentences describe events, arrange them in the order they happened. Time indicators are key here.
• Follow Pronoun References: Ensure that pronouns (like 'he', 'she', 'it', 'they', 'them') refer back to a noun that has already been introduced in a previous sentence. The noun must come before the pronoun.
• Check Article Usage: A sentence might first introduce a noun with an indefinite article ('a' or 'an') and later refer to the same noun with a definite article ('the'). The sentence with 'a'/'an' usually comes before the sentence with 'the'.
• Form Pairs: Sometimes, two sentences clearly form a pair. Identifying these pairs can help narrow down the options.
• Read the Options: Sometimes, looking at the beginning sentences of the options can give you a hint and help eliminate unlikely starts.
• Read the Full Paragraph: Once you think you have the correct order, read the complete paragraph to ensure it reads smoothly and makes logical sense.

Practicing with various types of jumbled sentences helps improve your ability to quickly identify the correct order.