The parts P, Q, R, and S of the following sentence have been jumbled. Choose the order that forms a coherent sentence: Dear Lodger, I agree, the roof is leaking; but P: there would be no need Q: while it is raining R: and when the Sun shines S: I cannot get it repaired.

Introduction / Context:
This humorous sentence arrangement question presents a landlord's excuse for not repairing a leaking roof. The logic is that the landlord cannot repair the roof while it is raining, and when the weather is fine, repair seems unnecessary. To solve it, you must arrange the parts so that the excuse is clear and the time clauses are correctly placed.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The fragments are:
- P: there would be no need
- Q: while it is raining
- R: and when the Sun shines
- S: I cannot get it repaired
The sentence begins: "Dear Lodger, I agree, the roof is leaking; but".

Concept / Approach:
The landlord wants to say something like: "I cannot get it repaired while it is raining, and when the Sun shines, there would be no need." The structure therefore requires the main clause "I cannot get it repaired" to come first, followed by the time clause "while it is raining", then the second time clause "and when the Sun shines", and finally the conclusion "there would be no need". This order preserves both logic and humour.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Choose S "I cannot get it repaired" as the first fragment after "but", since it contains the main statement of inability. Step 2: Attach Q "while it is raining" to explain when the repair work cannot be done. Step 3: Add R "and when the Sun shines" to introduce the contrasting time situation. Step 4: Conclude with P "there would be no need", giving the punchline that in good weather the repair seems unnecessary. Step 5: The full sentence becomes "Dear Lodger, I agree, the roof is leaking; but I cannot get it repaired while it is raining, and when the Sun shines, there would be no need."

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare this logical structure with the answer choices. The sequence S Q R P corresponds to option B. If you try option A, Q R S P, the sentence would start with "while it is raining and when the Sun shines I cannot get it repaired there would be no need", which is clumsy and confuses the order of explanation. The chosen sequence emphasises the excuse in a natural conversational style.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "Q R S P": begins with time clauses and delays the main clause "I cannot get it repaired", leading to a confusing and heavy opening.
- "R S P Q": starts with "and when the Sun shines", which cannot logically follow "but" without a preceding clause.
- "P R Q S": puts the statement "there would be no need" immediately after "but", which ruins the joke by stating the conclusion before the explanation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes start with adverbial clauses like "while it is raining" because they seem vivid. However, in English narrative and dialogue, it is usually clearer to present the main clause first and then add the time or condition. Also, when you see "and when", it often joins a second time clause that should follow the first one for smooth rhythm and meaning.

Final Answer:
The correct arrangement is S Q R P, forming a humorous and coherent excuse from the landlord.