In the following question, there is a sentence of which some parts have been jumbled up. You are required to rearrange these parts which are labelled P, Q, R and S to produce the correct sentence. Choose the proper sequence and mark the corresponding option. up to the end of the eighteenth century, not only because it was often fatal, (P) smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease, (Q) but also because those who recovered (R) were permanently disfigured (S) The correct sequence should be
QPRS
Understanding Jumbled Sentence Rearrangement
The question asks us to rearrange the given parts (P, Q, R, S) of a sentence to form a coherent and grammatically correct sentence. This type of question tests our understanding of sentence structure, grammar, and logical flow.
Analyzing the Jumbled Parts
Let's look at the individual parts:
- (P) up to the end of the eighteenth century, not only because it was often fatal,
- (Q) smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease,
- (R) but also because those who recovered
- (S) were permanently disfigured
We need to find the correct order that connects these fragments into a meaningful sentence.
Finding the Correct Sentence Sequence
A complete sentence usually starts with a subject and its main verb. Looking at the parts, (Q) "smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease," seems like a good starting point as it introduces the subject (smallpox) and the main statement about it.
The sentence discusses why smallpox was dreaded. The phrase "not only... but also..." is used to list two reasons. Part (P) contains "not only because it was often fatal," and part (R) contains "but also because those who recovered". These two parts should be connected logically.
Part (P) starts with a time phrase "up to the end of the eighteenth century," which likely modifies the main statement in (Q). So, (P) could potentially follow (Q).
Let's try combining Q and P: "smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease, up to the end of the eighteenth century, not only because it was often fatal,". This makes sense so far. It states the subject (smallpox), the context (dreaded disease), the time frame (up to the end of the eighteenth century), and the first reason for dread (often fatal).
Now we need the second part of the "not only... but also..." construction. (R) starts with "but also because those who recovered". This logically follows the first reason in (P). So, (R) should come after (P).
Finally, (S) "were permanently disfigured" describes what happened to those who recovered mentioned in (R). So, (S) should follow (R).
Putting this together, the sequence Q-P-R-S emerges:
Q: smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease,
P: up to the end of the eighteenth century, not only because it was often fatal,
R: but also because those who recovered
S: were permanently disfigured
Let's read the complete sentence formed by this sequence:
"smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease, up to the end of the eighteenth century, not only because it was often fatal, but also because those who recovered were permanently disfigured."
This forms a complete, grammatically correct, and logical sentence. Therefore, the correct sequence is QPRS.
Verifying the Options
Let's check the given options against our derived sequence:
- Option 1: PQRS - Starts with a subordinate clause. Incorrect.
- Option 2: QRSP - "smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease, but also because those who recovered were permanently disfigured up to the end of the eighteenth century, not only because it was often fatal,". Doesn't flow correctly. Incorrect.
- Option 3: PRSQ - Starts with a subordinate clause. Incorrect.
- Option 4: QPRS - Matches our derived sequence. Correct.
The correct sequence that forms a meaningful sentence is QPRS.
Revision Table: Sentence Rearrangement Practice
| Part | Fragment | Role in Sentence (QPRS) |
|---|---|---|
| Q | smallpox was a particularly dreaded disease, | Main clause (Subject + Verb + Complement) introducing the topic. |
| P | up to the end of the eighteenth century, not only because it was often fatal, | Time phrase and the first reason for the statement in Q, linked by "not only". |
| R | but also because those who recovered | Introduces the second reason, linked by "but also". |
| S | were permanently disfigured | Completes the second reason introduced in R. |
Additional Information: Understanding Complex Sentences
The sentence in this question is a complex sentence structure involving conjunctions ("not only... but also...") used to present multiple reasons or elements. When rearranging jumbled parts, look for:
- The main clause that contains the subject and principal verb. This often starts the sentence.
- Connecting words or phrases (like conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs) that link clauses or ideas together.
- Logical flow and meaning – the rearranged sentence must make sense.
- Pronoun references – pronouns (like "those who recovered") should clearly refer back to a noun already mentioned or understood.
Practicing with different types of jumbled sentences helps improve your ability to identify these structural cues and build coherent sentences.
Important Questions from Sentence Jumbles
Directions : in the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and mark your response accordingly.
and should shift the way (P) / are certainly very important, (Q) / we think about politics (R) / the issues raised by feminists and multiculturalists (S)
Directions : in the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and mark your response accordingly.
a much wider array of perspectives (P) / the editors of the present work (Q) / the history of social reforms from (R) / argue the need to understand (S)
Directions : in the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and mark your response accordingly.
by which the genetic material of a plant is altered, (P) / pests and enhance its nutritional value (Q) / perhaps to make it more resistant to (R) / genetic modification (GM) is the science (S)
Directions : in the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and mark your response accordingly.
for yourself the implications of death, (P) / if you do not reflect and understand (Q) / from one preacher to another (R) / you will go endlessly (S)
Directions : in the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and mark your response accordingly.
in agriculture and veterinary sciences through (P) / will be enhanced sharply (Q) / programmes integrated with general education (R) / the preparation of professionals (S)
