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. Leaders usher A-creates a natural tension B-in organisational change, which C-as the status quo fights back
BAC
Sentence Reordering and Paragraph Formation
The question asks us to arrange the given set of labelled sentences or fragments into a logical and coherent paragraph. We are given a starting phrase and three labelled parts (A, B, C) that follow it.
The starting phrase is: Leaders usher...
The labelled fragments are:
- A: creates a natural tension
- B: in organisational change, which
- C: as the status quo fights back
We need to find the sequence of A, B, and C that logically continues the starting phrase to form a complete and meaningful sentence.
Analyzing the Fragments and Connections
Let's look for logical connections between the fragments and the starting phrase:
- "Leaders usher..." needs something that follows the verb "usher". "Usher in" is a common phrase meaning to introduce or mark the beginning of something. Fragment B starts with "in organisational change". This seems like a strong starting point after "Leaders usher". So, the sequence might begin with B.
- Fragment B ends with "...organisational change, which". The word "which" typically refers back to the preceding noun (organisational change) and introduces a clause that describes or relates to it. Fragment A starts with "creates a natural tension". It is logical that "organisational change" would "create a natural tension". So, A could follow B.
- Fragment A ends with "...a natural tension". Fragment C starts with "as the status quo fights back". This phrase explains the reason or context for the "natural tension". The tension exists *as* the status quo resists the change. So, C could follow A.
Based on this analysis, the logical flow appears to be B → A → C.
Testing the Order BAC
Let's combine the starting phrase with the fragments in the order BAC:
Leaders usher + B + A + C
Leaders usher in organisational change, which creates a natural tension as the status quo fights back.
Putting it all together, the sentence becomes:
Leaders usher in organisational change, which creates a natural tension as the status quo fights back.
This sentence is grammatically correct and makes perfect sense. It describes how leaders introduce change, how this change causes tension, and explains the cause of the tension (resistance from the status quo).
Evaluating Other Options
Let's quickly look at why other options are less likely:
- ACB: Leaders usher A (creates a natural tension)... This doesn't fit grammatically after "usher".
- ABC: Leaders usher A (creates a natural tension) B (in organisational change, which)... This also doesn't fit grammatically.
- CBA: Leaders usher C (as the status quo fights back)... This doesn't fit grammatically after "usher".
The order BAC is the only one that creates a coherent and grammatically correct sentence following the starting phrase.
Therefore, the most logical order of the sentences to form a coherent paragraph (in this case, a single sentence) is BAC.
Revision Table: Checking Sentence Flow
| Sequence | Combined Sentence Fragment | Logical Flow? |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Phrase | Leaders usher... | Sets the context |
| + B | Leaders usher in organisational change, which... | Connects "usher" to its object, introduces the subject of tension. |
| + A | ...organisational change, which creates a natural tension... | "which" logically refers to "change" creating "tension". |
| + C | ...natural tension as the status quo fights back. | Explains the cause of the "tension". |
| Final (BAC) | Leaders usher in organisational change, which creates a natural tension as the status quo fights back. | Coherent and logical sentence. |
Additional Information: Tips for Sentence Reordering Questions
Sentence reordering, also known as paragraph jumbles or para jumbles, tests your ability to understand the logical flow of ideas.
- Look for the opening sentence: It often introduces the main topic or idea and doesn't start with conjunctions (like and, but, so), pronouns (he, she, it, they) unless the reference is clear, or transition words (however, therefore). In this case, the starting phrase "Leaders usher..." acts as the beginning.
- Identify connecting words: Look for pronouns (referring to nouns in previous sentences), conjunctions, transition words (however, therefore, moreover), and phrases that indicate cause and effect (as, because, consequently) or sequence (then, next, finally). "Which" in B and "as" in C were key connectors here.
- Find concluding sentences: A concluding sentence often summarizes the main idea or provides a final thought.
- Form logical pairs: Try to find two sentences that logically follow each other. (B followed by A, and A followed by C formed pairs here).
- Test the options: Once you have a potential order, read the paragraph formed by that sequence to see if it flows logically and makes sense. If it doesn't, try another option.
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
