Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: RPSQ
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a jumbled paragraph question. Four labelled sentences P, Q, R, and S must be arranged in a logical order to form a coherent paragraph about business outsourcing and the minimum guarantee clause. The test checks your understanding of paragraph structure, logical flow, and use of linking expressions such as for one, this, and the trade refers to it.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A coherent paragraph usually begins with a general statement, then moves to specific examples or explanations, and uses pronouns like this or it to refer back to previously introduced ideas. Here, R gives a broad statement contrasting the outsourcer s apparent dominance with the reality that not all advantages lie with them. P then offers one concrete reason for this by using the phrase for one. S explains the technical name and details of the arrangement mentioned in P. Finally, Q uses this to refer to the minimum guarantee clause described in S and states its effect on the outsourcee. This yields the order R P S Q.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify R as a suitable opening because it introduces the main idea that the outsourcer does not always have all the advantages.
Step 2: See that P begins with For one, signalling that it is giving a first specific reason to support the general statement in R.
Step 3: Notice that S refers to it as the minimum guarantee clause, where it clearly refers to the guarantee described in P.
Step 4: Observe that Q starts with This invariably acts as an incentive, where This points to the minimum guarantee clause defined in S.
Step 5: Put these steps together to get the sequence R P S Q.
Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the chosen order as a full paragraph confirms the logic: Despite being the dominant partner, the outsourcer does not always have all the advantages. For one, very few entrepreneurs are willing to take on a new outsource unless it comes with a guarantee of a certain level of sales. The trade refers to it as the minimum guarantee clause, which means that if an outsourcee is unable to reach an anticipated sales level, he will be compensated for the balance amount. This invariably acts as an incentive for outsources to be lax in developing the business. The pronoun references and the explanation flow smoothly, showing that the order is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A PRQS begins with P, but P uses For one, which presupposes an earlier general statement, so it cannot logically start the paragraph.
Option B SPQR starts with S, which introduces it without a clear antecedent, making the reference confusing.
Option C QSPR begins with Q and uses This without a prior explanation of what This refers to, so it lacks clarity.
Option E RSQP places Q before P, again using This before the clause itself is defined in S or P.
Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates ignore small linking words such as for one, this, or it and focus only on content. However, these connectors are vital clues for paragraph ordering questions. Always check whether pronouns and reference words have clear antecedents in the proposed order. If a sentence uses this or it without a prior explanation, it is unlikely to be the opening line.
Final Answer:
The most logical order of the sentences is RPSQ.
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