The following four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph about inculcating honesty in children. Select the most logical order.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: PRSQ

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This para-jumble focuses on the moral value of honesty and how it should be developed in children. The sentences mention early inculcation, the long-term stability of the value, the danger of early dishonesty, and the role of stories. To find the correct order, you must identify an introduction, development, warning and method of inculcation in a coherent sequence.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- P: Honesty is a moral value that must be inculcated in childhood.
- R: The value then takes firm foundation and can see one through life.
- S: If the trait of dishonesty starts at a young age, it becomes a habit difficult to change.
- Q: Through stories children can be exposed to the virtue of honesty, so that they can easily comprehend why dishonesty should be avoided, and how honesty is vital for life.
- We need an order that begins with the basic claim, shows its long-term effect, warns about the opposite trait, and presents the method to inculcate honesty.


Concept / Approach:
A logical structure here is: introduce the main idea, describe its positive impact, warn about the negative alternative, and then present a practical method to build the value. Sentence P clearly introduces honesty as a moral value that must be inculcated in childhood. R follows naturally by explaining that when inculcated early, the value takes firm root and supports a person throughout life. S then warns that starting dishonesty early makes it difficult to change later. Finally, Q explains how stories can be used to instil honesty and discourage dishonesty. Thus, the coherent order is P–R–S–Q.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: P is the natural introduction because it defines honesty and states that it should be inculcated in childhood.
Step 2: R builds on this by saying that once the value is properly rooted, it supports a person throughout life, showing the positive outcome of early inculcation.
Step 3: S presents the contrasting danger: if dishonesty starts early instead, it becomes a habit hard to change, giving a warning.
Step 4: Q then explains a method for ensuring honesty rather than dishonesty – using stories to teach children why dishonesty must be avoided and why honesty is vital.


Verification / Alternative check:
Read PRSQ as a paragraph. It starts with a clear statement on honesty in childhood, then affirms the long-term benefit, warns about early dishonesty, and finally offers stories as a teaching tool. The flow is logical and complete. Other arrangements like QRPS would awkwardly start with the method of stories before even establishing why honesty is crucial in childhood, which is less coherent as a piece of writing.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- RSPQ and RPQS: These open with R or R–S, mentioning “The value” without first clearly introducing honesty and its early inculcation; this feels abrupt.
- QRPS and QSPR: Starting with Q jumps into the method (stories) before defining the main value and its consequences, which is not ideal for a well-structured paragraph.


Common Pitfalls:
Examinees sometimes jump to the sentence that looks most detailed (such as Q) and assume it must come first. However, good paragraphs usually begin with a clear, general statement of the main idea. When solving para-jumbles, always ask yourself: “Which sentence could stand alone as a topic sentence?” That will usually guide you to the correct starting point.


Final Answer:
The most logical order of the sentences is PRSQ.

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