Rearranging Sentence Parts: Finding the Correct Order

The question asks us to rearrange the given parts of a sentence to form a complete, coherent, and grammatically correct sentence. The sentence begins with "The origin of the word". We need to find the correct sequence for the parts P, Q, R, and S to follow this starting phrase.

Let's look at the parts:

• P: applied to the speech of disreputable
• Q: and criminal classes in London
• R: appeared in print around 1800,
• S: slang it self is obscure; it first

Step-by-Step Sentence Rearrangement

We start with the given beginning: "The origin of the word".

Let's examine which part fits logically after "The origin of the word".

• Part S ("slang it self is obscure; it first") introduces the word being discussed, "slang", and comments on its origin and initial appearance. This seems like a perfect fit after "The origin of the word". So, the sequence starts with S. The sentence fragment becomes: "The origin of the word slang it self is obscure; it first..."
• The phrase "it first" in part S needs a verb. Looking at the remaining parts (P, Q, R), part R ("appeared in print around 1800,") provides this verb and a time frame for the word's first appearance. So, R follows S. The sentence fragment becomes: "The origin of the word slang it self is obscure; it first appeared in print around 1800,"
• After establishing when the word first "appeared in print", the sentence uses a comma, suggesting a participial phrase or adjective phrase explaining something about this appearance or the word itself. Part P ("applied to the speech of disreputable") describes how the word "slang" was used initially. This fits well after the comma. So, P follows R. The sentence fragment becomes: "The origin of the word slang it self is obscure; it first appeared in print around 1800, applied to the speech of disreputable..."
• Finally, part P ends with "disreputable", which is an adjective describing a group of people. Part Q ("and criminal classes in London") provides another group ("criminal classes") that were associated with the word, connected by "and". This completes the description of the people whose speech the word "slang" was applied to. So, Q follows P.

Combining the parts in the order S, R, P, Q with the starting phrase gives the complete sentence:

"The origin of the word slang it self is obscure; it first appeared in print around 1800, applied to the speech of disreputable and criminal classes in London."

Analysing the Complete Sentence Structure

The complete sentence flows logically and is grammatically correct. It starts by discussing the origin of the word "slang", noting that it is "obscure". It then states when the word first appeared in print and describes the group of people whose speech it was initially "applied to", specifically "disreputable and criminal classes in London". Each part connects smoothly to the next, creating a clear and meaningful statement about the history and early usage of the word "slang".

Revision Table: Mastering Sentence Order

Additional Information: Understanding Word Origins

Understanding the origin of words, also known as etymology, helps us appreciate how language evolves. The word "slang" itself is a good example of how words can start in specific contexts (like among certain social groups) and then spread more widely. Slang terms are often informal words or phrases used by particular groups or communities. Their meaning and usage can change over time. Studying word origins involves looking at historical texts, linguistic changes, and cultural factors that influenced language development.