In the following question the first and the last parts of a short passage are numbered 1 and 6. The remaining parts P, Q, R and S are jumbled. The passage describes difficulties in organising a programme because of lack of time and resources. Read the passage and choose the option that gives the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.

Introduction / Context:
This jumbled paragraph question concerns a speaker who is stressed about organising a programme. The first sentence tells us not to ask what they are doing this time, and the last sentence says that they do not want to give up trying. In between, the parts explain why this time is harder than earlier occasions and how the speaker feels about it. You must arrange P, Q, R and S in a logical order.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence 1 says, “Do not ask what we are doing this time.”
• Part P points out that on other occasions they have had time in hand.
• Part R notes that this time they face not only a lack of time but also a lack of resources.
• Part Q states that it is difficult to say whether the programme can be put up at all.
• Part S says that the speaker is gradually losing confidence and asks the listener to see what can be done.
• Sentence 6 ends with a firm statement that they do not want to give up trying.

Concept / Approach:
The structure of the argument is contrast based: we compare previous situations with the present one and then move from practical difficulties to emotional impact, and finally to determination. So we expect first a reference to past occasions, then a description of present challenges, then an expression of doubt about success, and finally a plea for help before the concluding determination not to give up.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: After the introductory complaint in sentence 1, it is natural to contrast the current situation with earlier ones. Part P does this by saying that on other occasions they have had time in hand. Step 2: Having mentioned the past advantage, the passage must emphasise how the present is worse. Part R states that this time they are short of both time and resources, which fits immediately after P. Step 3: Once the difficulty is fully outlined, the next logical step is to doubt whether the programme can happen at all. Part Q clearly expresses this doubt. Step 4: Part S then shows the emotional effect: the speaker is losing confidence and requests the listener to help, which leads naturally into the final statement about not giving up trying.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the sequence 1 P R Q S 6 gives a smooth progression: this time is different, previous times had more time, now there is also a resource crunch, so the programme may not even happen, the speaker is losing confidence but still asks for help and then reaffirms that they will keep trying. The logical and emotional flow is consistent, confirming PRQS as the correct order.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
In RQSP, the present difficulties appear abruptly without any comparison with the past, and the doubt about the programme comes before a full explanation of what has gone wrong. In QSRP and QRPS, the sequence of doubt, emotional reaction and factual description becomes jumbled, leaving the reader uncertain about the timeline and severity of the problems.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to place the emotional sentence S too early because it sounds dramatic. However, good writing usually presents facts first and feelings later. Another error is to ignore the contrast marker “this time”, which must be linked with a statement about “other occasions” in P.

Final Answer:
The correct order of the parts is P R Q S, so the correct option is PRQS.