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Question

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.

a person bitten by a rabid dog (P) would be seized by violent symptoms (Q)  after an incubation period of a month or two (R)   and die an agonising death (S)

The correct sequence should be

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

PRQS

Understanding Sentence Rearrangement: Finding the Proper Sequence

This question asks us to rearrange jumbled parts of a sentence, labelled P, Q, R, and S, to form a complete and grammatically correct sentence. We need to identify the logical flow and the relationship between these parts to determine the correct sequence.

Analyzing the Jumbled Sentence Parts

Let's look at the individual parts:

  • P: a person bitten by a rabid dog
  • Q: would be seized by violent symptoms
  • R: after an incubation period of a month or two
  • S: and die an agonising death

Determining the Logical Flow and Correct Sequence

The first step in rearranging jumbled parts is usually to find the subject of the sentence. In this case, part P clearly introduces the subject: "a person bitten by a rabid dog". So, P is likely the beginning of the sentence.

Next, we need to find what happens to this person. The sentence describes the consequences of being bitten by a rabid dog. Part Q describes the onset of symptoms ("would be seized by violent symptoms"). Part S describes the final outcome ("and die an agonising death"). Part R specifies a time frame ("after an incubation period of a month or two").

Let's consider how these parts connect logically:

  1. The sentence starts with the subject (P).
  2. The time frame (R) during which symptoms appear can follow the subject, specifying when the events described subsequently will occur.
  3. The main action or symptom (Q) happens after this period.
  4. The final outcome (S) follows the onset of symptoms, often linked by "and".

Following this logic, a plausible sequence is P followed by R, then Q, and finally S (PRQS). Let's assemble the sentence using this sequence:

P + R + Q + S → "a person bitten by a rabid dog after an incubation period of a month or two would be seized by violent symptoms and die an agonising death".

This sequence forms a coherent, grammatically correct, and meaningful sentence describing the progression of rabies in a person.

Let's briefly look at why other options might be incorrect:

  • SRQP: Starts with "and die an agonising death", which is an outcome and cannot begin the sentence.
  • PQRS: "a person bitten by a rabid dog would be seized by violent symptoms after an incubation period of a month or two and die an agonising death". This also forms a grammatically correct sentence, but placing the time phrase (R) after the symptom (Q) can sometimes imply the duration of the symptom rather than the time until its onset. PRQS, where R precedes Q, more naturally specifies when the symptoms begin after the bite.

The Correct Arrangement: PRQS

Based on the logical flow and grammatical structure, the most appropriate and coherent arrangement of the sentence parts is PRQS.

The resulting sentence is:

A person bitten by a rabid dog after an incubation period of a month or two would be seized by violent symptoms and die an agonising death.

Revision Table: Sentence Rearrangement Concepts

Concept Explanation Role in Rearrangement
Subject The noun or pronoun performing the action or being described. Often the starting point (P in this case).
Verb/Predicate Describes the action or state of the subject. Usually follows the subject; look for verb phrases (like 'would be seized').
Modifiers Words or phrases that provide more information (adjectives, adverbs, phrases). Placement depends on what they modify (e.g., time phrases like R).
Connectors Words or phrases linking parts of a sentence or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'but', 'after'). Help determine the sequence of related events or descriptions (like 'and' linking Q and S).
Logical Flow The natural progression of ideas, events, or descriptions. Crucial for forming a coherent and understandable sentence. Consider cause and effect, time sequence, etc.

Additional Information: Sentence Structure and Flow

Sentence rearrangement exercises test your understanding of English sentence structure and how ideas connect logically. A well-structured sentence typically begins with the subject, followed by the verb, and then includes objects, complements, and modifiers.

Modifiers, such as time phrases (like R), can sometimes be placed in different positions (beginning, middle, or end) depending on the desired emphasis, but their placement must still be grammatically sound and contribute to the overall clarity and logical flow. In this question, placing the time frame (R) immediately after the subject (P) is a common and clear way to specify when the described events (symptoms and death) will occur.

Understanding common sentence patterns and recognizing connecting words or phrases (like 'and' in S) can significantly help in identifying the correct sequence of jumbled parts.

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