The parts P, Q, R, and S of the following sentence have been jumbled. Choose the order that forms a coherent sentence: R: the Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers Q: for its horn P: which is sold S: at high prices.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: R Q P S

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This jumbled sentence concerns poachers hunting rhinoceroses for commercial gain. The grammar pattern is fairly straightforward: a main clause followed by a reason, and then a relative clause explaining more about that reason. The question tests how to keep related phrases together so that the sentence is both logical and grammatically correct.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The fragments are:
- R: the Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers
- Q: for its horn
- P: which is sold
- S: at high prices
There is no extra introductory text; one of the fragments must start the sentence.


Concept / Approach:
The natural starting point is the subject and main verb, which appear in R: "The Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers". The phrase Q "for its horn" explains why they hunt it and should immediately follow. The relative clause "which is sold at high prices" then gives more detail about the horn. That clause is formed by combining P and S. Therefore a clear and coherent sentence will follow the order R Q P S.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Choose R as the first fragment: "The Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers". This introduces the main idea. Step 2: Add Q "for its horn" to indicate the purpose of the hunting: "The Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers for its horn". Step 3: Use P "which is sold" to begin a relative clause referring back to "its horn". Step 4: Complete the clause with S "at high prices", giving "which is sold at high prices". Step 5: The final sentence is "The Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers for its horn, which is sold at high prices."


Verification / Alternative check:
Compare this step by step construction with the options given. The sequence R Q P S is provided as option C. Alternatives like Q R S P would start with "For its horn the Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers at high prices which is sold", which is awkward and clumsy. Beginning with S or P would make the sentence fragmentary because they contain neither the main subject nor the main verb.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "S Q P R": starts with "at high prices", which cannot work as a meaningful beginning of the sentence here.
- "Q R S P": interrupts logical order and moves the reason before the main statement, and then misorders the relative clause.
- "Q P S R": similarly produces a disjointed sentence in which the subject and verb appear too late.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes feel that phrases starting with prepositions such as "for" or "at" can begin sentences in para jumbles, but while that is sometimes possible, you should first look for the complete subject verb fragment which forms an independent clause. Here, R clearly provides that core, and the other pieces naturally attach to it as reason and relative clause.


Final Answer:
The correct order is R Q P S, giving the sentence "The Rhinoceros is hunted by poachers for its horn, which is sold at high prices."

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