Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Q P R S
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a para jumble question about reasons why the English travel. The first sentence (S1) asks a question: "Why do the English travel?" The last sentence (S6) comments that in cosmopolitan England one is always exposed to peculiar foreigners. The four middle sentences, labelled P, Q, R, and S, must be arranged logically to form a humorous and slightly ironic explanation. The correct answer depends on recognising the order in which reasons are introduced, expanded, and contrasted.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- S1: "Why do the English travel?"
- S6: "For here, in cosmopolitan England, one is always exposed to the danger of meeting all sorts of peculiar aliens."
The middle sentences are:
- P: "Besides, they are taught that travel broadens the mind."
- Q: "They do so mainly because their neighbor does this and they have caught the bug from him."
- R: "Although they have now discovered the sad truth that whatever travel may do to the mind, it certainly broadens other parts of the body."
- S: "But, and perhaps mainly, they travel to avoid foreigners."
We assume the writer is making tongue in cheek comments on English habits.
Concept / Approach:
A well formed paragraph answering "Why do the English travel?" will first give a general reason, then add supporting or additional reasons, and finally present the main ironic point leading logically into S6. Q mentions that they travel because neighbours do it, which feels like a natural first answer. P adds the traditional saying that "travel broadens the mind". R then undercuts this idea with a humorous twist. S closes the reasoning by introducing the main ironic reason that they travel to avoid foreigners, which links naturally to S6 about foreigners in England.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: After the question in S1, the immediate response should identify a general, socially driven reason. Q fits this role: "They do so mainly because their neighbor does this and they have caught the bug from him."
Step 2: Next, P introduces a more respectable justification: "Besides, they are taught that travel broadens the mind."
Step 3: R follows logically as a humorous correction of P: "Although they have now discovered the sad truth that whatever travel may do to the mind, it certainly broadens other parts of the body."
Step 4: S then presents the main ironic reason: "But, and perhaps mainly, they travel to avoid foreigners."
Step 5: S6, about meeting peculiar aliens in cosmopolitan England, then offers the final punchline, showing that their attempt to avoid foreigners by travelling is self defeating.
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the paragraph in order: S1, Q, P, R, S, S6. It flows logically and maintains a consistent humorous tone: first imitation of neighbours, then a respectable theory, then a joke that travel broadens waists rather than minds, and finally the ironic reason tied to foreigners. Alternative orders, such as starting with P or R, do not connect as smoothly back to S1 and do not lead as elegantly into S6.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "R S Q P": Begins with R, which refers back to an earlier justification about broadening the mind that has not yet been introduced.
- "P R S Q": This puts P first but delays Q, making the explanation of neighbour influence appear too late and disrupting the line of reasoning.
- "S Q P R": Opening with S makes the main ironic reason occur too early, before the supporting reasons and humour build up.
Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates only look at content and ignore linking words. Words like "Besides", "Although", and "But, and perhaps mainly" clearly indicate the order of arguments. Always track these connectors: "Besides" usually adds a second reason, "Although" introduces a contrast, and "But, and perhaps mainly" signals a final key point. Using these clues makes paragraph ordering much easier.
Final Answer:
The correct logical order of the middle sentences is Q P R S.
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