Understanding Sentence Sequence and Paragraph Jumbling

Sentence sequencing, also known as paragraph jumbling or rearrangement of sentences, is a type of question where you are given a set of sentences that are jumbled up. You need to arrange these sentences in a logical order to form a coherent and meaningful paragraph. In this specific question, the first sentence (S1) and the last sentence (S6) are fixed, and you need to find the correct order for the four middle sentences labeled P, Q, R, and S.

Analyzing the Given Sentences (S1, S6, P, Q, R, S)

Let's carefully read each sentence to understand its meaning and potential role in the passage:

• S1: We do not know what do to with our knowledge. (Sets up the main problem: misuse or inability to handle knowledge/power)
• S6: In the course of time they may rule over us all together. (Suggests a potential future outcome or consequence, likely negative, related to the subject of the middle sentences)
• P: For example, we are unable to manage our machines. (Gives an example; the 'For example' indicates it follows a general statement.)
• Q: We already find it difficult to do without machines (Describes our dependence on machines.)
• R: Machines should be fed properly and waited upon attentively; otherwise they refuse to work or cause destruction. (Describes the demands or requirements of machines.)
• S: Science has given us superhuman powers, which we do not use properly. (Relates to S1, explaining where the knowledge/power comes from and reiterating the misuse.)

Step-by-Step Process to Find the Correct Sentence Sequence

We need to arrange P, Q, R, and S between S1 and S6 to form a logical flow.

Step 1: Identify the sentence that logically follows S1.

• S1 states we don't know what to do with our knowledge.
• Sentence S talks about science giving us power (knowledge) which we don't use properly (don't know what to do with it). This seems to directly expand on S1.
• P is an example, so it's unlikely to be the first sentence after S1.
• Q and R introduce specific aspects (dependence, requirements of machines) before the general point in S is made.

Therefore, S is the most likely sentence to follow S1.

Current potential sequence: S1 → S → ... → S6

Step 2: Identify the sentence that logically follows S.

• S talks about misusing powers given by science.
• P starts with 'For example', suggesting it provides an instance of the misuse mentioned in S. It specifically mentions being unable to manage machines. This connects well to the idea of misusing power – inability to manage tools derived from that power.
• Q discusses dependence, R discusses machine demands – these are details that could follow the introduction of machines as an example of the problem.

Therefore, P is the most likely sentence to follow S.

Current potential sequence: S1 → S → P → ... → S6

Step 3: Identify the sentence that logically follows P.

• P states we are unable to manage our machines.
• R explains *why* managing machines is difficult or important: they have specific needs ('should be fed properly and waited upon') and consequences if not managed ('refuse to work or cause destruction'). This provides a reason or elaboration on the problem mentioned in P.
• Q discusses our dependence on machines, which is a slightly different point from the difficulty in managing them due to their needs.

Therefore, R is the most likely sentence to follow P.

Current potential sequence: S1 → S → P → R → ... → S6

Step 4: Identify the sentence that logically follows R and connects to S6.

• R discusses the demands of machines and the consequences of not meeting them.
• Q states we find it difficult to do without machines. This highlights our dependence. The demands (R) combined with our dependence (Q) create a situation where machines could potentially 'rule over us' (S6).

Therefore, Q is the most likely sentence to follow R and lead into S6.

Final proposed sequence: S1 → S → P → R → Q → S6

Verifying the Complete Passage Flow

Let's read the complete passage with the proposed sequence S P R Q:

S1: We do not know what do to with our knowledge.

S: Science has given us superhuman powers, which we do not use properly.

P: For example, we are unable to manage our machines.

R: Machines should be fed properly and waited upon attentively; otherwise they refuse to work or cause destruction.

Q: We already find it difficult to do without machines

S6: In the course of time they may rule over us all together.

This sequence flows logically, starting with the general problem (S1, S), giving an example (P - machines), explaining the issue with the example (R - machine demands), highlighting our vulnerability due to dependence (Q), and concluding with a potential outcome (S6 - machines ruling us).

Conclusion

The correct sequence of the four jumbled sentences is S P R Q.

Revision Table: Sentence Sequencing

Additional Information on Paragraph Jumbling

Paragraph jumbling questions test your ability to understand context, identify logical connections between ideas, and follow the flow of an argument or narrative. These skills are crucial for reading comprehension and effective writing. Here are some further tips:

• Look for Mandatory Pairs: Sometimes two sentences must always come together (e.g., one poses a question, the next answers it; one uses a pronoun, the previous one names the noun).
• Identify Chronological Order: If the passage describes events, look for time markers (e.g., 'first', 'then', dates, historical periods).
• Recognize Cause and Effect: One sentence might state a cause, and another a consequence, creating a pair.
• General to Specific: Often, a paragraph moves from a general statement to specific examples or details, as seen in the solution above (S → P).
• Idea Development: Follow how an idea is introduced, explained, elaborated upon, and concluded.

Mastering paragraph sequencing improves your analytical reasoning and understanding of how well-structured texts are formed.