Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: SPQR
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This jumbled paragraph describes how modern conditions affect our attitudes and how behaviour shapes personality. The four parts must be arranged to show the effect of urbanisation, the role of good behaviour, and the contrast between kind and mean people.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The paragraph begins naturally with a description of the present condition caused by urbanisation (S). Then, P brings in a contrast with "But", reminding us that despite such conditions, our behaviour still shapes our persona. After that, Q and R give positive and negative examples of behaviour respectively. The order S P Q R therefore provides a logical flow from background problem to general statement to specific examples. This corresponds to option SPQR.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Choose the sentence that best sets the background. S talks about growing urbanisation and lack of roots leading to indifference and apathy. This sets the context of modern life.
Step 2: P begins with "But", which indicates a contrast to what has just been said. It states that in spite of this apathy, our behaviour still shapes our persona and personality. So P must follow S.
Step 3: After a general statement about behaviour, Q naturally follows by giving the positive side: if someone is helpful, polite and considerate, that person is known as kind.
Step 4: Finally, R gives the converse example, describing a mean, rude and selfish person as bad. This mirrors Q and completes the contrast.
Step 5: The resulting sequence S P Q R matches option SPQR.
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the passage as SPQR. First, S explains how modern urban life tends to make people indifferent. Then, P counters this with the point that behaviour still determines personality. Q and R then give the two sides of behaviour, kind versus mean. The paragraph now moves smoothly from context to principle to illustration. Other orders either put "But" at the beginning without a prior idea, or mix examples before establishing the main contrast between apathy and behaviour.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Students may ignore the conjunction "But" in P and start the paragraph with it, or they may focus only on the example sentences Q and R because they look straightforward. In rearrangement questions, always first locate background or context sentences, then contrastive sentences like P, and finally example sentences that illustrate the general points.
Final Answer:
The correct arrangement of the parts is SPQR.
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