The sentences P, Q, R and S are given in a jumbled order. Out of the four options, select the most logical order to form a coherent paragraph. P – A sensitive mind easily absorbs the vibrations emanating from the thoughts of the people it associates with. Q – We often say that a person is known by the company he keeps. R – The violent can be made calm by exuding thoughts of love and compassion. S – Visits to holy places are considered good because the good thoughts of the holy people gathered there and the ensuing vibrations definitely affect one in a positive fashion.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: QRSP

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a sentence arrangement question in which four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S have been given in jumbled order. Your task is to find the sequence that produces the most coherent and logically flowing paragraph. The sentences here talk about people's thoughts, company, holy places and the effect of vibrations on the mind. Such questions test your understanding of logical connectors, thematic progression and how ideas develop in English paragraphs.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    Q: We often say that a person is known by the company he keeps.
    R: The violent can be made calm by exuding thoughts of love and compassion.
    S: Visits to holy places are considered good because the good thoughts of the holy people gathered there and the ensuing vibrations definitely affect one in a positive fashion.
    P: A sensitive mind easily absorbs the vibrations emanating from the thoughts of the people it associates with.
    We must choose among four orders: RQPS, QRSP, PQRS and SRQP.


Concept / Approach:
In sentence arrangement, we look for a general introductory idea, then supporting explanations and examples. Sentence Q states a well-known proverb-like idea: “a person is known by the company he keeps”, making it a natural opening. We then expect elaboration on how company affects a person. R explains that violent people can become calm due to loving thoughts, connecting directly to the idea of company and mental influence. S continues this theme with a specific example: visits to holy places and the positive vibrations there. P then generalises this by explaining that a sensitive mind absorbs such vibrations easily. Thus, the sequence Q–R–S–P forms a logical flow from general proverb to specific explanation and broader statement about sensitive minds.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify a likely opening sentence. Q, with the common saying “a person is known by the company he keeps”, looks like a natural introduction. Step 2: Look for a sentence that explains or illustrates Q. R talks about violent people becoming calm through loving and compassionate thoughts, showing how company and thoughts can change behaviour. Step 3: Next, seek a concrete example of positive company and thoughts. S describes visits to holy places and how good thoughts and vibrations there affect people positively. Step 4: Finally, P generalises the effect by stating that a sensitive mind absorbs vibrations emanating from the thoughts of associated people. Step 5: Putting them together gives Q–R–S–P, which corresponds to option QRSP.


Verification / Alternative check:
Read the paragraph in the chosen order: “We often say that a person is known by the company he keeps. The violent can be made calm by exuding thoughts of love and compassion. Visits to holy places are considered good because the good thoughts of the holy people gathered there and the ensuing vibrations definitely affect one in a positive fashion. A sensitive mind easily absorbs the vibrations emanating from the thoughts of the people it associates with.” The paragraph now flows smoothly from proverb, to general effect, to a specific example, and finally to a summarising statement. Trying any other option, such as RQPS or PQRS, breaks this natural logical progression and makes the passage less coherent.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
RQPS: Starting with R abruptly talks about violent people without first explaining why company matters. Q then appears as a delayed proverb, which is stylistically weaker.
PQRS: Beginning with P about a sensitive mind absorbing vibrations is too specific and lacks an initial general statement; the proverb in Q comes too late.
SRQP: Starting with visits to holy places (S) is sudden, and the proverb (Q) appears only later, making the paragraph feel disordered and less natural.


Common Pitfalls:
Students often focus only on local grammatical connections rather than the overall discourse pattern. In paragraph ordering questions, you should look for: a) a general or proverb-like sentence to act as an introduction, b) explanatory or causal sentences that follow, and c) examples or specific cases that come after explanations. Also, concluding or summarising sentences often contain more general or reflective statements, as P does here about a sensitive mind. Training yourself to spot such roles (introductory, explanatory, example, summary) will greatly improve your accuracy in sentence arrangement tasks.


Final Answer:
Correct answer: QRSP.

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