In the following question on sentence arrangement, four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S are provided. When properly arranged, they form a coherent paragraph about forests. Choose the option that gives the most logical sequence of these sentences.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: QRSP

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question evaluates the candidate's skill in arranging jumbled sentences into a clear, logically structured paragraph. The four sentences all talk about forests, their definition, their beauty, and the wildlife they contain. A well formed paragraph should start with a general definition or statement, then move to specific details and experiences. Identifying this pattern helps us determine the correct order.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The sentences are:
Q: A dense collection of trees, plants and other vegetation makes up a forest.
R: Forests are home to a great variety of wildlife such as animals, birds, reptiles and insects.
S: Forests are beautiful natural settings where we can go and experience nature in its splendid expression.
P: We can not only see the beauty of nature in the form of floral and faunal diversity, but can also experience peace in the sylvan surroundings.
- We must select the option, among QRSP, PQRS, QSRP, and SRPQ, that results in a coherent paragraph.


Concept / Approach:
A good approach is to first locate the sentence that gives a basic definition of the subject. Here, sentence Q clearly defines what a forest is, making it the natural opening line. Next, we should describe important characteristics of forests: they are habitats and they are beautiful places to visit. Sentence R points out that forests are home to wildlife, while S presents forests as beautiful natural settings for human experience. Finally, P elaborates on that experience by talking about seeing diversity and feeling peace in the surroundings. Thus, the logical flow is from definition to wildlife, then to beauty and personal experience.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Choose the introductory sentence. Q states, "A dense collection of trees, plants and other vegetation makes up a forest", which clearly defines the term forest, so Q should come first. Step 2: After the definition, it is natural to explain what forests contain. Sentence R describes forests as homes to many kinds of wildlife such as animals, birds, reptiles and insects, which directly follows the definition. Step 3: Once we know what forests are and what they contain, we can move to how humans experience them. Sentence S states that forests are beautiful natural settings where we can go and experience nature in its splendid expression. Step 4: Sentence P then elaborates on this experience, adding that we can see floral and faunal diversity and feel peace in sylvan surroundings, which neatly supports and extends S. Step 5: Putting all this together, the order Q → R → S → P forms a well organised paragraph and corresponds to option QRSP.


Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the sentences in the sequence QRSP gives a smooth narrative: first a definition (Q), second the wildlife aspect (R), third an appreciation of beauty and human experience (S), and fourth a deeper description of that experience (P). There are no abrupt jumps or logical gaps. Other options, like PQRS or QSRP, either start with personal experience before defining the forest or separate connected ideas that should be together, thereby disrupting coherence.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- PQRS begins with P, which talks about appreciating beauty and peace without first stating what forests are, causing a lack of introduction.
- QSRP places S immediately after Q, jumping from definition to human experience and only then mentioning wildlife in R, which is less natural than introducing wildlife right after the definition.
- SRPQ starts with S, referring to forests as beautiful settings without first explaining what a forest is, and the subsequent order does not create as clear a progression of ideas.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted to start with the sentence that seems most attractive or descriptive, such as S or P, instead of recognising that a definition or general overview often comes first in expository paragraphs. Another common mistake is to ignore how pronouns and descriptive phrases refer back to earlier sentences. To avoid such errors, look for: a definition or topic sentence, followed by supporting detail sentences, and then a concluding or elaborating sentence about human experience or evaluation.


Final Answer:
The most logical order of the sentences is QRSP.

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