The following question gives four labelled sentences (R, S, P, Q) about agriculture in schools. Choose the most logical order to form a coherent paragraph.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: RSPQ

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is another example of a parajumble item where four sentences must be arranged into a logical paragraph. The topic here is agricultural education in higher secondary schools, especially for village students, and how practical farming and theoretical instruction might be handled. The correct sequence must show a clear flow of policy suggestion, present limitations, and then outline the content and facilities for practical farming.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The sentences are:
- R: Agriculture should be made compulsory in higher secondary schools; alternatively, the urban students can be taught town-planning, industrial planning etc.
- S: Therefore, at this stage, only theoretical education for the village students would suffice.
- P: Practical farming includes knowledge of fruit and vegetable farming.
- Q: These schools need not necessarily have their own farms because the village itself will provide ample field work facilities.
We need to put R, S, P and Q in the best possible order to express a coherent argument about agricultural education.


Concept / Approach:
The typical approach is to identify the general policy statement, then see which sentences express consequences or elaborations. Words like “Therefore” signal that a sentence is a result of what came before. Definitions, such as the explanation of “practical farming”, usually come after the need for such education has been established. Finally, sentences describing facilities or practical arrangements should appear near the end of the paragraph.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Sentence R is a broad policy proposal: agriculture should be compulsory in higher secondary schools, with an alternative for urban students. It clearly sets the theme and is a good opening sentence. Step 2: Sentence S begins with “Therefore”, which must logically refer back to a previous idea. From R we understand that agriculture must be taught, but practical arrangements may be difficult. Therefore, at the present stage, only theoretical education may be possible for village students. So S naturally follows R as a conclusion drawn from the policy. Step 3: Once the need for theoretical education is established, the paragraph can explain what practical farming would involve when facilities improve. Sentence P defines practical farming, noting that it includes fruit and vegetable farming. This supports the earlier discussion of agricultural education. Step 4: Sentence Q further explains that schools need not own their own farms because the village itself can provide field work facilities. This is a natural follow-up to P, describing the practical arrangements that complement the theoretical education mentioned in S. Step 5: Combining these observations, the only sequence that maintains this logic is R → S → P → Q, corresponding to option RSPQ.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check an alternative like RPQS (R → P → Q → S). In that order, “Therefore, at this stage, only theoretical education...” (S) suddenly appears after detailed discussion of practical farming and field facilities, which is not coherent. The word “Therefore” in S must be attached to the policy statement in R, not to details in P or Q. Similarly, starting with Q cannot work because Q depends on the understanding of practical farming in P and the broader need stated in R.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- QRSP: begins with Q, which suddenly talks about “these schools” without explaining what subject or policy is being discussed.
- RPQS: misplaces S at the end, breaking the logical role of “Therefore”.
- QPRS: also starts abruptly and fails to clearly present the policy before details.
- Any order that does not place R first and S directly after it ignores the clear cause and effect signalled by “Therefore”.


Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to treat the sentence defining practical farming (P) as the starting point simply because it mentions technical details. However, in an argument, the writer usually introduces the policy or need first, then defines key terms, and finally describes how to implement them. Always watch for logical connectors such as “Therefore” and for sentences that clearly need a prior cause to make sense.


Final Answer:
The correct logical order of the sentences is RSPQ (R → S → P → Q).

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion