The parts P, Q, R, and S of the following sentence have been jumbled. Choose the order that forms a coherent sentence: The man P: is generally the one Q: who can work very hard when he must work R: and who can play most heartily S: when he has the chance of playing.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Q R S P

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This sentence arrangement question describes the qualities of a balanced person who can both work hard and enjoy play. The challenge is to organise the clauses so that the sentence flows logically from the defining relative clauses to the main clause. Good arrangement requires careful attention to how "who", "and who", and the main verb phrase are positioned.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The fragments are:
- P: is generally the one
- Q: who can work very hard when he must work
- R: and who can play most heartily
- S: when he has the chance of playing
The sentence begins simply with "The man".


Concept / Approach:
We need to build a descriptive structure that first tells us what sort of man we are talking about, and then brings in the main clause. The natural pattern is: "The man who can work very hard when he must work, and who can play most heartily when he has the chance of playing, is generally the one." This arrangement first lists the two abilities in parallel, then concludes with the main clause P.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Attach Q after "The man" to specify the first characteristic: "The man who can work very hard when he must work". Step 2: Connect the second characteristic with R: "and who can play most heartily", keeping parallel structure between the two "who" clauses. Step 3: Add S: "when he has the chance of playing" to complete the description of how he plays. Step 4: Finally, bring in the main clause P: "is generally the one", which summarises or evaluates the person being described. Step 5: The complete sentence becomes "The man who can work very hard when he must work, and who can play most heartily when he has the chance of playing, is generally the one."


Verification / Alternative check:
Now match the derived order with the options. The sequence Q R S P corresponds to option A. Alternative orders either place the main clause too early or break the parallelism between the two "who" clauses. For instance, putting P immediately after the subject would make the sentence "The man is generally the one who can work very hard", which reduces the smooth build up of characteristics.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "P S Q R": results in "The man is generally the one when he has the chance of playing who can work very hard when he must work and who can play most heartily", which is confusing and badly ordered.
- "S P Q R": starting with "when he has the chance of playing" leaves the subject hanging and creates a sentence fragment at the beginning.
- "Q R P S": puts the main clause "is generally the one" before the final time phrase, breaking the natural grouping of the complete playing description.


Common Pitfalls:
A frequent issue in para jumbles is failure to recognise parallel structures such as "who can work" and "who can play". Keeping parallel clauses together is important for style and clarity. It is also helpful to finish long descriptive segments before closing with the main clause, especially when the main clause is relatively short, as in "is generally the one".


Final Answer:
The correct sequence is Q R S P, producing a smooth and grammatically sound sentence about the qualities of the man described.

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