All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

The question below consists of a set of labeled sentences. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the sentences to form a coherent paragraph.

P. Honey ants are common in deserts and other arid climates around the world.

Q. They are part of the “worker” caste of honey ants.

R. Other castes include soldiers, who protect the colony from predators and the queen — usually is the mother of all other ants in the colony.

S. Only some honey ants become “living larders”.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is

PSQR

Understanding Sentence Order and Paragraph Formation

The question asks us to arrange four given sentences into a logical sequence to form a coherent paragraph about honey ants. To solve this type of sentence ordering question, we need to look for connections between sentences, such as introductory statements, pronoun references, and transitional words or phrases.

Let's analyze each sentence:

  • Sentence P: Honey ants are common in deserts and other arid climates around the world. This sentence introduces the topic (honey ants) and provides information about their habitat. It seems like a good opening sentence for a paragraph about honey ants.
  • Sentence Q: They are part of the “worker” caste of honey ants. This sentence uses the pronoun "They," which must refer to a previously mentioned group of ants. It also introduces the concept of a "worker" caste.
  • Sentence R: Other castes include soldiers, who protect the colony from predators and the queen — usually is the mother of all other ants in the colony. This sentence mentions "Other castes," implying that at least one caste has already been discussed.
  • Sentence S: Only some honey ants become “living larders”. This sentence introduces a specific type of honey ant or role within the colony ("living larders") and specifies that not all honey ants fulfill this role.

Now, let's try to build a logical flow:

  1. Sentence P is a strong introductory sentence as it broadly introduces honey ants and their location.
  2. Following an introduction (P), sentence S introduces a specific aspect: that only some honey ants have a particular role ("living larders"). This seems to follow logically from a general statement about honey ants.
  3. Sentence Q says "They are part of the “worker” caste." The "They" in this sentence can logically refer back to the "some honey ants" who become "living larders" mentioned in sentence S. This explains which caste these specific ants belong to.
  4. Sentence R mentions "Other castes" like soldiers and the queen. This naturally follows the mention of the "worker" caste in sentence Q, completing the description of the colony's structure by discussing other important groups.

Thus, the sequence P-S-Q-R forms a coherent paragraph:

P. Honey ants are common in deserts and other arid climates around the world.

S. Only some honey ants become “living larders”.

Q. They are part of the “worker” caste of honey ants.

R. Other castes include soldiers, who protect the colony from predators and the queen — usually is the mother of all other ants in the colony.

This order starts with a general introduction, narrows down to a specific type of honey ant, identifies their caste, and then describes other castes, creating a smooth transition of ideas.

Analysis of the PSQR Order

Let's look at how the sentences connect in the PSQR order:

Sequence Sentence Connection to Previous Sentence
P Honey ants are common in deserts and other arid climates around the world. Introduces the subject.
S Only some honey ants become “living larders”. Follows the general introduction (P) by introducing a specific role/group within honey ants.
Q They are part of the “worker” caste of honey ants. "They" refers back to the "some honey ants" (living larders) from sentence S. Explains their caste.
R Other castes include soldiers... and the queen. Follows the mention of the "worker" caste (Q) by introducing the remaining castes in the colony.

This detailed analysis confirms that the PSQR order creates a logical flow, moving from a general introduction to specific details about roles and castes within the honey ant colony.

Revision Table: Checking Other Options

Let's briefly consider why other options might be less logical.

Option Sequence Reason for Illogical Flow
1 RPQS Starts with R ("Other castes"), which requires a previous mention of at least one caste. Illogical beginning.
2 RSPQ Starts with R ("Other castes"). Illogical beginning.
4 SQRP Starts with S ("Only some honey ants..."). This introduces a specific detail before a general introduction of honey ants (P). Also, Q ("They") might not have a clear referent if S is first.

Based on the analysis, PSQR is the only sequence that creates a coherent and logically flowing paragraph.

Additional Information on Sentence Ordering

Sentence ordering questions test your ability to understand logical connections and paragraph structure. Key strategies include:

  • Identifying the topic sentence (often a general statement).
  • Looking for pronoun references (e.g., "They," "It," "This") and determining what they refer to.
  • Finding transition words or phrases (e.g., "Also," "However," "Therefore," "Other") that indicate relationships between sentences.
  • Understanding cause-and-effect or chronological relationships.
  • Ensuring the paragraph ends logically, often with a concluding statement or further detail building upon the previous sentence.

Practicing with different types of paragraphs helps in mastering this skill, improving both reading comprehension and writing ability.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. 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. A panther is reported to have broken into a house yesterday in search of food and shelter.

    B. The villagers heard his cries and ran to the house but the scared animal had run away through the window by then.

    C. It secretly slouched into a room where a young man named Johnny was sleeping, who suddenly woke up and realized that the beast was roaming around his bed.

    D. Just as the panther was about to leap on him, he swiftly shot out of bed and hid in a closet.

  2. Given below are four sentences in jumbled order. Pick the option that gives their correct order.

    A. It is celebrated on November 5th usually.

    B. A man called Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the King with gunpowder over 400 years ago.

    C. A couple of days after you arrive we'll have Bonfire Night.

    D. It's only held in England as it marks a moment in our history.

  3. Given below are four sentences in jumbled order. Pick the option that gives their correct order.

    A. It was interesting to find out that the centre operates 24 hours a day all year round.

    B. The recent trip to the recycling centre was a very useful experience.

    C. However, it was surprising to learn that the centre only collects 50% of the waste as a lot of it is used as landfill.

    D. The main aim of the visit was to find out about the systems put in place to recycle waste.

  4. Given below are four jumbled sentences. Select the option that gives their correct order forming a meaningful and coherent paragraph.

    A. He had agreed to feed him, pay him twelve rupees a month, and find him somewhere to stay.

    B. A month's salary was paid in advance.

    C. Fotik had learned to handle his job quite well in the last five days.

    D. Upen Babu was a good man which had helped a lot.

  5. Directions: Given below are four sentences in jumbled order. Pick the option that gives their correct order.

    A. Each morning he was driven to Obedience School in a black limousine.

    B. Each evening he fell asleep in his fur-lined basket in front of the fireplace.

    C. Each afternoon he was fed two grilled lamb chops for lunch.

    D. Henry D. Penrose was a dog with a pedigree.

  6. Arrange the statements in the correct order to make a meaningful paragraph.

    A. But, in developed societies, the childhood and adolescence is extended.

    B. In rural communities, the customs are more uniform.

    C. This provides more opportunities for education and character development.

    D. The practices of child rearing vary from culture to culture.

  7. 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. If things get out of control, competition might become totally toxic.
    B. Competition is the act of participating in a contest and the strive to finish first.
    C. Competition enables those who effectively deal well enough to grow and realise their skills and talents.
    D. The essence of competition is placing oneself against one’s contemporaries and frequently against oneself.

  8. Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.

    Back in April

    P. an afternoon walking around

    Q. the Tillman Sand Ridge Heritage Preserve

    R. I was visiting family in South Carolina

    S. and my brother and I spent

  9. 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. She participates in several functions and musical shows and receives accolades for her singing.

    B. Vineeta has a very sweet voice which has inspired her to adopt singing as her profession.

    C. She can also play musical instruments such as the sitar and the harmonium.

    D. Now, she has opened a music school to train young singers.

  10. The question below consists of a set of labeled sentences. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the sentences to form a coherent paragraph.

    P. Basically, “smart farming” is applying information and data technologies for optimizing complex farming systems.

    Q. With these tools, farmers can monitor field conditions without going to the field.

    R. The focus is on access to data and how farmers can use the collected information intelligently.

    S. The technology used in smart farming range from IoT and robotics to drones and AI.


Important Questions from Para Jumbles

  1. Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the part of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are required to re-arrange the jumbled parts of the sentence.

    P: the prize money

    Q: for refusing her

    R: Pepsico was ordered

    S: to compensate the woman

  2. Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the part of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are required to re-arrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and choose the correct sequence.

    P: trade operating from a colony

    Q: held a meeting

    R: demanding a probe into the illegal drug

    S: the residents of the city

  3. Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the part of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R and S.You are required to re-arrange the jumbled parts of the sentence.

    P: the university authorities cancelled the ongoing student's union election and

    Q: following student's unrest on campus

    R: closed till further orders

    S: declared the institution 

  4. Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the part of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are required to re-arrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and mark your response accordingly.

    P: brushed past the latter's pet dog

    Q: stabbed to death by a man

    R: after his vehicle accidentally

    S: a cargo van driver was allegedly

  5. Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, the part of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are required to re-arrange the jumbled parts of the sentence and mark your response accordingly.

    P: an earthquake and tsunami

    Q: the disaster mitigation agency

    R: said that the death toll from

    S: in Indonesia has crossed 1500

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC CGL
September 30, 2026
UPSSSC PET
October 23, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2503 Tests 6 Tests Free
5389 Attempts
4.2(868)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App