Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: RSPQ
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a sentence arrangement question. Four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S talk about self esteem. Your task is to arrange them in the most logical sequence so that together they form a smooth, coherent paragraph. These questions test your understanding of flow, definitions, explanations, and contrasts within a short text.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A good paragraph usually starts with a clear definition or main idea, then adds explanation and examples, and finally contrasts or clarifies what the concept is not. Here, R provides a textbook style definition of self esteem, so it is the best opening sentence. S continues that definition by elaborating on how you see yourself and your achievements. P and Q then jointly explain what self esteem is not, and what it really means in practice.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Choose a starting sentence. R introduces and defines self esteem directly, so it is ideal as the first sentence.Step 2: Look for a natural continuation. S uses the pronoun “It” to refer back to self esteem and adds more detail about perception and achievements, so R followed by S is logical.Step 3: Decide the order of P and Q. P says what self esteem is not: it is not bragging about how great you are. Q continues the same contrast and expands, saying it is not about being perfect but about feeling worthy of love and acceptance.Step 4: Therefore the natural sequence is R (definition) → S (further explanation) → P (negative clarification) → Q (positive clarification), which is RSPQ.
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the sequence RSPQ as a complete paragraph: “Self esteem is how much you value yourself and how important you think you are. It is how you see yourself and feel about your achievements. It is not bragging about how great you are. It is not about thinking you are perfect because nobody is, but knowing that you are worthy of being loved and accepted.” This reads smoothly and logically, moving from definition to explanation and then to clarification.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option SQRP starts with S, which uses “It” without first stating what “It” refers to. This confuses the reader. Option RQSP jumps from the general definition in R directly to Q, which talks about what self esteem is not, before fully explaining what it is. Option SRQP again begins with a pronoun and creates an unclear reference, and also gives clarifications in an awkward order. Only RSPQ follows a natural conceptual flow.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often over-focus on pronouns or small linking words and forget about the overall logical structure. A good strategy is to first identify the sentence that can clearly stand alone as an opening definition or topic sentence. Then group the remaining sentences into explanation and contrast. Doing that here quickly highlights R as the opener and RSPQ as the full, coherent chain.
Final Answer:
The most logical order of the labelled sentences is RSPQ.
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