Rearrange the parts of the sentence to form a coherent statement: The first clue P - to the nature of this agenda Q - lies in the origin of R - the smart city idea itself.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your ability to rearrange sentence fragments to form a clear, logical, and grammatically correct statement. You are given one main clause beginning and three labelled parts P, Q, and R. The aim is to decide the correct order in which these parts should follow the initial phrase The first clue so that the whole sentence reads naturally and conveys a complete idea about the agenda and the origin of the smart city idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Fixed beginning: The first clue.
• P: to the nature of this agenda.
• Q: lies in the origin of.
• R: the smart city idea itself.
• Options: RPQ, QPR, QRP, PQR.
• We assume standard English word order and logical flow of ideas.

Concept / Approach:
When rearranging fragments, look for natural continuations of phrases. The first clue is typically followed by a prepositional phrase beginning with to, about, or regarding, explaining what the clue concerns. That makes P a good candidate to come immediately after The first clue. Next, we expect a verb phrase that tells us where the clue is found, such as lies in the origin of. Finally, we add the object that completes that prepositional phrase, the smart city idea itself. Putting these pieces together gives a smooth, meaningful sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Start with the given beginning: The first clue. Step 2: Ask what the first clue is about. Fragment P, to the nature of this agenda, naturally answers that by specifying the subject of the clue. Step 3: Attach P after the beginning: The first clue to the nature of this agenda. Step 4: Now look for a verb that tells us something about this clue. Fragment Q, lies in the origin of, provides the main verb phrase lies and the preposition in. Step 5: Add Q next: The first clue to the nature of this agenda lies in the origin of. Step 6: Finally, complete the object of the preposition of with R, the smart city idea itself. Step 7: The complete sentence reads: The first clue to the nature of this agenda lies in the origin of the smart city idea itself, which is clear and grammatically correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check the other orders quickly. If you start with Q after the beginning, you get The first clue lies in the origin of to the nature of this agenda the smart city idea itself, which is ungrammatical and jumbled. Starting with R gives The first clue the smart city idea itself, which is incomplete and does not connect logically to Q and P. Only PQR maintains smooth word order and proper phrase connections, so it is the only viable choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
RPQ (R then P then Q) produces The first clue the smart city idea itself to the nature of this agenda lies in the origin of, which is nonsensical. QPR gives The first clue lies in the origin of to the nature of this agenda the smart city idea itself, with incorrect placement of to the nature and a broken prepositional phrase. QRP also misorders the pieces and yields an awkward, ungrammatical sentence.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error in rearrangement questions is to focus only on meaning and ignore small connecting words like prepositions. However, these words help you see which fragments must stay together, for example, lies in the origin of the smart city idea itself. Another pitfall is to start with the first fragment that looks like a verb phrase, such as Q, without noticing that The first clue usually requires an of phrase specifying what the clue is about before the verb appears.

Final Answer:
The correct order of parts is PQR, giving The first clue to the nature of this agenda lies in the origin of the smart city idea itself.