Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph. A. To think that a computer would one day replace a book is indeed unthinkable and far fetched. B. The thoughts and ideas contained in a book are immortal like Tulsidas’ Ram Charitra Manas, Ved Vyas’ Mahabharata, The Bible and many other religious and literary works like Shakespeare’s plays etc. C. On the other hand a computer is but a machine, that at best can visually display the contents of a specific book. D. A good book in the words of John Milton “is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up to a purpose to a life beyond life."
DBCA
Arranging Jumbled Sentences into a Meaningful Paragraph
The task is to arrange the given jumbled sentences (A, B, C, and D) into a coherent and meaningful paragraph. This requires identifying the logical flow of ideas, looking for connecting words, and understanding the overall topic.
Here are the jumbled sentences:
- A. To think that a computer would one day replace a book is indeed unthinkable and far fetched.
- B. The thoughts and ideas contained in a book are immortal like Tulsidas’ Ram Charitra Manas, Ved Vyas’ Mahabharata, The Bible and many other religious and literary works like Shakespeare’s plays etc.
- C. On the other hand a computer is but a machine, that at best can visually display the contents of a specific book.
- D. A good book in the words of John Milton “is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up to a purpose to a life beyond life."
Analyzing the Sentences for Logical Flow
Let's examine each sentence to understand its role in the paragraph:
- Sentence A expresses a strong opinion, suggesting it might be a concluding statement or a reaction after a comparison.
- Sentence B discusses the enduring nature ("immortal") of ideas in books, providing examples. This expands on the value or nature of books.
- Sentence C introduces a contrast ("On the other hand") with a computer, describing it as a mere machine. This sentence clearly follows a discussion about something else, likely books.
- Sentence D quotes John Milton to define or describe the essence of a "good book," highlighting its deep and lasting value. This feels like a good introductory statement, setting the stage for the topic of books.
Step-by-Step Reasoning for the Correct Order (DBCA)
Based on the analysis, let's build the paragraph sequence:
- Sentence D seems to be the best opening sentence. It introduces the subject, "A good book," with a powerful quote that defines its significance and lasting value ("life beyond life").
- Sentence B naturally follows D. After defining the precious nature of a book (D), sentence B elaborates on this lasting value by stating that the ideas within are "immortal" and provides famous examples of works whose ideas have endured through books. D introduces the concept, and B provides evidence/examples.
- Sentence C comes next as it introduces a contrast. The phrase "On the other hand" signals a shift to compare or contrast the previously discussed item (books) with something else (a computer). C describes the computer as a machine, which contrasts sharply with the living, immortal nature attributed to books in D and B.
- Sentence A serves as a strong conclusion. Following the comparison between books (with their deep, lasting value) and computers (mere machines), sentence A delivers the punchline: the idea that a computer could replace a book is "unthinkable and far fetched," summarizing the main point derived from the preceding arguments.
Let's visualize the flow:
| Sequence | Sentence | Role / Connection |
|---|---|---|
| D | A good book... "life beyond life." | Introduces the topic (good book) and defines its deep, lasting value with a quote. |
| B | The thoughts and ideas... Shakespeare’s plays etc. | Expands on the lasting value from D, stating ideas are immortal and providing examples. |
| C | On the other hand a computer... specific book. | Introduces a contrast using "On the other hand," comparing books to machines (computers). |
| A | To think that a computer... far fetched. | Concludes the paragraph, stating the impossibility of replacement based on the contrast and value discussed. |
The sequence DBCA forms a logical and coherent paragraph, starting with a definition, expanding on the value, introducing a contrast, and concluding with an opinion based on that contrast.
Why Other Options are Less Suitable
- Starting with A: Sentence A is an opinionated statement that feels like a conclusion, making it unsuitable as an opener.
- Starting with B: Sentence B talks about the immortality of ideas, which could potentially start a paragraph, but D (the definition/quote) provides a better foundation or introduction to the concept of a book's value.
- Starting with C: Sentence C begins with "On the other hand," which explicitly requires a preceding sentence to contrast against. Therefore, it cannot be the first sentence.
- Other combinations like BDAC or DCBA do not maintain the clear progression from defining/valuing books to contrasting them with computers and concluding with the impossibility of replacement as effectively as DBCA.
Conclusion: The Correct Paragraph Sequence
The most logical and coherent order of the sentences is DBCA.
Revision Table: Mastering Sentence Rearrangement
| Tip for Rearrangement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Identify the Topic Sentence | Look for a sentence that introduces the main idea or subject of the paragraph. |
| Find Connecting Words | Words like "therefore," "however," "on the other hand," "similarly," "also," "in addition," etc., show relationships between sentences. |
| Look for Pronoun References | Pronouns (he, she, it, they, this, that) refer to nouns mentioned in previous sentences. |
| Establish Chronology or Sequence | For events, look for time markers (first, then, later, finally) or a logical sequence of steps. |
| Identify Introduction, Body, Conclusion | Paragraphs often follow a pattern: introduction of idea, development/details, concluding thought. |
Additional Information: Enhancing Paragraph Cohesion
Paragraph cohesion is crucial for clear writing. It's about how well the sentences within a paragraph flow together and connect to form a unified whole. Besides the tips above, consider:
- Repetition of Keywords: Repeating key terms or synonyms helps maintain focus.
- Parallel Structure: Using similar grammatical structures for related ideas improves readability.
- Smooth Transitions: Ensure sentences transition smoothly from one idea to the next, often using transition words or phrases effectively.
- Maintaining Consistency: Keep consistent tense, point of view, and tone throughout the paragraph.
Practicing with different types of jumbled sentences helps improve your ability to quickly identify logical connections and construct well-organized paragraphs.
Important Questions from Para Jumbles
Direction: In the items in this section, each passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper order for the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet.
S1: At the roadside, the driver will be asked to blow through a small glass tube into a plastic bag.
S6: The driver will be asked to go to the police station.
P: And if the colour change does not reach the line the driver cannot be punished under the new law.
Q: Inside the tube are chemically treated crystals which change colour if the driver has alcohol on his breath.
R: But if the colour change does reach the line then the test has proved positive.
S: If the colour change goes beyond a certain line marked on the tube this indicates that the driver is probably over the specified limit.
The proper sequence should be
Direction: In the items in this section, each passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labeled P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find out the proper order for the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet.
S1: Hope springs eternally in the heart of man.
S6: This is the central idea of the poem.
P: But hope is everlasting.
Q: Love, friendship, and youth perish.
R: It is nursed by the glorious elements of nature.
S: Man derives hope from nature in his gallant struggle after some noble ideal.
The proper sequence should be
Direction: In the items in this section, each passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labeled P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find out the proper order for the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet.
S1: Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson were spending a weekend in a University town.
S6: It was clear that something very unusual happened.
P: One evening they received a visit from an acquaintance, Mr. Hilton Soames.
Q: On that occasion, he was in a state of great agitation.
R: They were staying in furnished rooms, close to the library.
S: Mr. Soames was a tall, thin man of a nervous and excitable nature.
The proper sequence should be
Direction: In the items in this section, each passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labeled P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find out the proper order for the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet.
S1: The machines that drive modern civilisation derive their power from coal and oil.
S6: Nuclear energy may also be effectively used in this respect.
P: But they are not inexhaustible.
Q: These sources may not be exhausted very soon.
R: A time may come when some other sources have to be tapped and utilised.
S: Power may, of course, be obtained in future from forests, water, wind and withered vegetables.
The proper sequence should be
Direction: In the items in this section, each passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labeled P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find out the proper order for the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet.
S1: The body can never stop.
S6: It comes from food.
P: To support this endless activity, the body needs all the fuel for action.
Q: Sometimes it is more active than at other times, but it is always moving.
R: Even in the deepest sleep we must breathe.
S: The fuel must come from somewhere.
The proper sequence should be
