The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the sentences to form a coherent paragraph. The introduction of A. had ruled from the time man learned to cook food B. meant the end of firewood, which C. the kerosene stove also
CBA
Understanding Sentence Reordering Questions
Sentence reordering questions require you to arrange a given set of labelled sentences or sentence fragments into a logical sequence to form a coherent paragraph. The key is to identify the relationships between the fragments – which sentence introduces the topic, which one follows logically, which one explains or concludes, and how connecting words or phrases link them.
Analyzing the Sentence Fragments
Let's look at the provided sentence fragments:
- A: had ruled from the time man learned to cook food
- B: meant the end of firewood, which
- C: the kerosene stove also
Fragment C introduces a subject, "the kerosene stove also". The word "also" suggests it's being discussed in relation to something else, possibly something it replaced. Fragment B describes an effect, "meant the end of firewood". This sounds like a consequence of something else's introduction. It also includes "firewood, which", indicating that the following fragment (A) should describe firewood. Fragment A describes something that "had ruled from the time man learned to cook food". This phrase strongly suggests something that was used for cooking for a very long time, like firewood.
Finding the Logical Order: Evaluating Options
We need to combine these fragments with the introductory phrase "The introduction of..." to form a complete, logical sentence or paragraph. Let's test the structure suggested by the correct option, CBA:
- Start with the introductory phrase: "The introduction of"
- Add fragment C: "...the kerosene stove also"
- Add fragment B: "...meant the end of firewood, which"
- Add fragment A: "...had ruled from the time man learned to cook food."
Combining these, we get: "The introduction of the kerosene stove also meant the end of firewood, which had ruled from the time man learned to cook food."
Explanation of the Correct Sequence (CBA)
Let's examine why the sequence CBA creates a coherent sentence:
- C (the kerosene stove also): This introduces the subject, the kerosene stove, implying it's a new technology or development.
- B (meant the end of firewood, which): This follows logically by stating the consequence of introducing the kerosene stove – it brought an end to the use of firewood. The word "which" correctly refers back to "firewood".
- A (had ruled from the time man learned to cook food): This fragment describes firewood, explaining its long history of use for cooking. It provides context for why its end was significant.
The complete sentence formed, "The introduction of the kerosene stove also meant the end of firewood, which had ruled from the time man learned to cook food," is grammatically correct and logically sound. It presents a clear cause (introduction of kerosene stove) and effect (end of firewood use) and provides historical context for the role of firewood.
Let's briefly look at why other options might not work:
- CAB: "The introduction of the kerosene stove also had ruled from the time man learned to cook food meant the end of firewood, which." - Illogical structure.
- BCA: "The introduction of meant the end of firewood, which the kerosene stove also had ruled from the time man learned to cook food." - Starts abruptly and doesn't connect logically.
- BAC: "The introduction of meant the end of firewood, which had ruled from the time man learned to cook food the kerosene stove also." - Also starts abruptly and is structurally incorrect.
Therefore, the most logical and coherent order of the sentences is CBA.
Revision Table: Key Concepts in Sentence Reordering
| Concept | Description | Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Identifying the Topic Sentence | Look for a sentence that introduces the main subject or idea. | Often general statement, independent. |
| Finding Logical Connections | Identify how sentences relate to each other (cause-effect, example, sequence, contrast). | Look for transition words (e.g., therefore, however, also, in addition), pronouns, or repeated nouns. |
| Checking Pronoun References | Ensure pronouns (he, she, it, they, this, that) refer clearly to previously mentioned nouns. | A sentence starting with a pronoun usually follows one mentioning the noun. |
| Maintaining Chronological Order | If the sentences describe events, arrange them in the order they happened. | Look for time markers (e.g., first, then, later, in 1990). |
| Checking for Conclusion/Summary | Some paragraphs end with a sentence that summarizes or concludes the idea. | Often starts with phrases like "In conclusion," "Thus," "Finally." |
Additional Information on Paragraph Formation
A well-structured paragraph typically focuses on a single main idea. It usually begins with a topic sentence, which introduces the main point. The following sentences provide supporting details, explanations, or evidence. These supporting sentences should flow logically and smoothly from one to the next. Sentence reordering exercises help develop skills in identifying these logical flows and structural elements within a paragraph.
Understanding common paragraph structures, such as chronological order, compare/contrast, cause/effect, or problem/solution, can also assist in arranging sentences correctly.
Important Questions from Sentence Jumbles
The following question consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark your response accordingly.
S1: Egypt lies in the north-east corner of Africa.
S6: The whole country depends on the water of the Nile.
P: Most of it is desert or semi-desert.
Q: It has very little rainfall.
R: It is four times as big as Great Britain in size.
S: Only a twenty-fifth of the total area is cultivable.
The correct sequence should beThe following question consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark your response accordingly.
S1: In mechanical efforts, you improve by perpetual practice.
S6: There is neither excuse nor temptation for the latter.
P: He cannot go on shooting wide or falling short, and still fancy that he is making progress.
Q: This is so because the object to be attained is a matter of actual experiment in which you either succeed or fail.
R: He must either correct his aim or persevere in his error with his eyes open.
S: If a man aims at a mark with a bow and arrow, he must either hit it or aim it.
The correct sequence should be
The following question consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark your response accordingly.
S1: Isaac’s mother married again.
S6: He had a set of little tools and saw of various sizes made by himself.
P: But he was known to be very clever at making things.
Q: She sent him to school.
R: Isaac was left to the care of his good old grandmother.
S: In his early years Isaac did not appear to be a very bright student.
The correct sequence should be
The following question consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark your response accordingly.
S1: The examination system must be regarded as the chief wrecker of young nerves.
S6: If I become a Vice-Chancellor, my first act would be to abolish all examinations in my university.
P: It makes me jump out of the bed, all in a sweat.
Q: It does this by building up a tension, for a part of the year, all through one’s youth.
R: And after four decades, the same nervousness sometimes recurs to me in nightmares.
S: I remember the desperate nervousness that used to grip me from January to April every year.
The correct sequence should be
The following question consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and the sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark your response accordingly.
S1: History is a subject that is so little valued today that it is almost impossible to win world fame as a historian, yet that is exactly what Toynbee was able to.
S6: Among the civilizations that he studied was that of India.
P: We usually think of history as a chronological account of the development of various states and empires under the ruler.
Q: Toynbee’s view of history was different.
R: He tries to find the pattern behind the birth, growth and decay of civilization.
S: Though he used the recorded history of mankind, he was interested not merely in the chronology of single states or group but in the rise and fall of whole civilizations.
The correct sequence should be
