In the following question on sentence arrangement, four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S are given. When correctly arranged, they form a coherent paragraph about time management. Choose the option that represents the most logical order of these sentences.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: SPRQ

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests the candidate's ability to put jumbled sentences in a logical sequence to form a meaningful paragraph. The sentences discuss time management, the equal number of hours available to everyone, and the consequences of using time well or badly. The task is to determine which sentence should introduce the topic, how the explanation should proceed, and which statement should provide a concluding insight.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The sentences are:
P: If we spend the twenty-four hours that we have in a day in an efficient way we can be successful in completing the tasks and achieving our goals for the day.
Q: If we wish to succeed in achieving our short term and long term goals we need to manage our time effectively.
R: If we waste our time on vain activities we either get stressed out doing the tasks we need to do or fail to do what needs to be done.
S: We all have the same number of hours at our disposal each day.
- We must select the sequence from PRSQ, RPSQ, RSQP, and SPRQ that produces the clearest paragraph.


Concept / Approach:
A well formed paragraph about time management should probably start with a general observation about time, then explain the effect of good and bad time use, and finally state how this connects to overall success. Sentence S presents the basic fact that everyone has the same number of hours each day. P explains what happens if we spend those twenty four hours efficiently, while R explains what happens if we waste them. Q gives a general principle connecting time management to success in short term and long term goals, which fits well as a concluding idea.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the best introductory sentence. S states, "We all have the same number of hours at our disposal each day", which is a broad fact about time and is suitable as an opening. Step 2: Next, we should see what happens if that time is used well. P explains that efficient use of the twenty four hours leads to successful completion of tasks and achievement of daily goals. So P logically follows S. Step 3: After describing efficient use, we should contrast it with inefficient use. R explains the negative consequence: if we waste time on vain activities, we become stressed or fail to do what is necessary. Thus R naturally follows P. Step 4: Finally, Q generalises the lesson by stating that if we wish to succeed in both short term and long term goals, we need to manage time effectively. This sentence sums up the message and provides a concluding principle. Step 5: The resulting order is S → P → R → Q, which corresponds to option SPRQ.


Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the sentences in the order SPRQ forms a coherent paragraph: it starts with a universal fact (equal hours), then presents the benefit of using time efficiently (P), the problem of wasting time (R), and finally the broader advice on successful goal achievement through time management (Q). None of the other options create such a smooth progression. For example, PRSQ begins with efficient use of time without first mentioning that everyone has the same twenty four hours, and RPSQ begins with negative consequences before stating why time is important, which feels less natural.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- PRSQ lacks an introductory observation and starts directly with a condition about spending twenty four hours efficiently, which is less effective without the context provided by S.
- RPSQ begins with negative consequences of wasting time before explaining the background fact about equal hours, leading to a less organised flow.
- RSQP and RPSQ create sequences where the explanation of consequences and principles does not follow a clear general to specific to general pattern.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may sometimes focus only on the conditional structures ("If we spend", "If we waste", "If we wish") and assume that any conditional sentence must begin the paragraph, ignoring the necessity of a neutral, factual introduction. Another mistake is not recognising summary sentences like Q, which are better suited for concluding the paragraph. When tackling such questions, always look for: a factual or definitional opening, followed by contrasting details or examples, and ending with a summarising statement.


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

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