Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: PQRS
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This para-jumble compares reading about self-awareness in books with actually developing self-awareness through focused observation of one's own mind and behaviour. The sentences mention where attention is focused during reading, what self-awareness requires, the difference between intellectual understanding and real practice, and how reading can actually train you not to pay attention to yourself. A good paragraph must present these ideas in a logically flowing argument.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- P: When you read a book you are focusing your attention on the conceptual ideas in the book.
- Q: Self awareness is developed through practices in focusing your attention on the details of your personality and behavior which isn’t learned from reading a book.
- R: You can develop an intellectual understanding of the ideas of self awareness from a book, but this is not the same.
- S: With your attention in a book you are practicing not paying attention to your own behavior, emotions and personality.
- We need an order that introduces reading, contrasts it with the requirements of self-awareness, notes the limited role of books, and concludes with the effect of reading on where attention goes.
Concept / Approach:
The clearest starting point is P, which describes what happens when you read: your attention is on the ideas in the book. Q then states how self-awareness is actually developed – by focusing on your own personality and behaviour – and explicitly notes that this is not learned from reading alone. R follows by acknowledging that books can still give an intellectual understanding of self-awareness, though this is different from true experiential awareness. S wraps up by pointing out that reading tends to train us away from paying attention to our own inner processes. This gives a natural flow P–Q–R–S.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Begin with P, which sets the scene by explaining the direction of attention during reading.
Step 2: Follow with Q, which introduces the concept of self-awareness and contrasts its requirements with the type of attention used while reading.
Step 3: Add R, which refines the argument by conceding that reading can give an intellectual, but not experiential, understanding of self-awareness.
Step 4: Conclude with S, which emphasises that by continuously focusing on books, you may actually practise not paying attention to your own behaviour and emotions.
Verification / Alternative check:
Reading PQRS as a paragraph starts from what reading does (P), explains what self-awareness really needs (Q), makes a balanced comment about what books can and cannot do (R), and then draws a subtle conclusion about reading as practice in external focus (S). Other orders, such as QPSR, would begin with self-awareness without first mentioning reading, making some references to “a book” feel slightly abrupt or out of place.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- SQPR: Starting with S, which refers to “your attention in a book”, is awkward without first establishing that you are actually reading a book (P).
- QPSR and QSPR: Bring in self-awareness before clearly setting up the reading context, and then shuffle the remaining sentences so the comparison is less clear.
Common Pitfalls:
When dealing with abstract topics like self-awareness, examinees may be tempted to start with sophisticated-sounding sentences that define the concept. However, this paragraph is specifically about reading versus self-awareness, so the opening needs to introduce reading first. Always check which sentence best establishes the context shared by all the others.
Final Answer:
The most logical order of the sentences is PQRS.
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