The following question consists of four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S. Select the most logical order of these sentences to form a coherent paragraph about the meaning of a lie.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests skills in paragraph jumbled sentence ordering. Four related statements labelled P, Q, R and S are given, and the learner must arrange them in a sequence that produces a coherent and logically flowing paragraph. The theme here is the meaning of a lie and the contrast between events that actually happened and those that did not happen. By understanding the logic of the ideas and the connectors used, we can determine the correct order.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence S defines a lie as saying that something happened when it did not. - Sentence Q states that there is only one thing that actually happened at a specific time and place. - Sentence R explains that there are infinite things that did not happen at that time and place. - Sentence P talks about thinking about something that did not happen and then thinking about many other things that did not happen. - We must choose among given permutations of P, Q, R and S.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is logical cohesion. A good paragraph usually begins with a definition or general statement, then moves to supporting facts, and finally to consequences or extended reflections. Connectors such as but, and and if also give clues about sequence. Here, the paragraph needs to move from the definition of a lie to a contrast between actual events and non events, and finally to the narrator's reflections about thinking of things that never happened. We look for a starting sentence that can introduce the theme clearly, followed by sentences where each idea naturally follows from the previous one.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Sentence S defines a lie: a lie is when you say something happened which did not happen. This is a strong candidate for the opening because it provides the basic concept. Step 2: Sentence Q begins with the connector but and says that there is only ever one thing that actually happened at a particular time and place. This contrasts real events with the earlier idea of invented events, so S should be followed by Q, giving the sequence S Q. Step 3: Sentence R continues the contrast introduced in Q by mentioning that there are an infinite number of things that did not happen at that time and place. This extends the idea in Q, so Q should be followed by R. Step 4: Sentence P then refers back to things that did not happen and explains that if the narrator thinks about one such non event, it leads to thinking about many others. This naturally follows R, which has just mentioned infinite things that did not happen. Step 5: Putting these links together, the logical order is S Q R P, which corresponds to option D, written as SQRP.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, read the combined paragraph with the chosen order: a lie is when you say something happened which did not happen. But there is only ever one thing which happened at a particular time and a particular place. And there are an infinite number of things which did not happen at that time and that place. And if I think about something which did not happen I start thinking about all the other things which did not happen. This sequence flows smoothly, with each sentence building on the previous one. Any other order either breaks the logical contrast or misuses connectors like but and and.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (QSRP): Starting with Q is awkward because it assumes the reader is already thinking about what happened at a particular time and place, without first defining the context of lies and non events. Option B (SQPR): Inserting P immediately after S ignores the contrast established in Q and R between real events and non events, so the reasoning feels incomplete. Option C (SRQP): Placing R directly after S and then Q disrupts the logical order because Q uses but to contrast with the definition and should appear before the explanation in R.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake in such questions is to focus only on the content of individual sentences and ignore discourse markers like but, and and if. Another pitfall is to choose an order that seems roughly correct in theme but does not read smoothly when combined as a single paragraph. Always test the full paragraph by reading it aloud or silently from start to end, and check that references such as something which did not happen clearly relate to what has just been discussed. Paying attention to these details will help you avoid near correct but logically weak sequences.

Final Answer:
The most logical and coherent order of the sentences is SQRP, which corresponds to option D.