Rearrange the sentences P, Q, R and S about time management to form a coherent paragraph.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: PSQR

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to arrange jumbled sentences into a coherent and logically flowing paragraph. The topic is time management and the use of a practical time table. Such ordering questions are common in competitive exams because they check your understanding of cohesion, pronoun reference, and logical progression of ideas in English.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Four labelled sentences are given: P, Q, R and S.
  • P: If we manage our time effectively we can accomplish all the activities and tasks we wish to.
  • Q: It is important that we draw up a time table that we can adopt practically.
  • R: If we can stick to the time table we can then succeed in achieving our goals whether they are in the short term or long term.
  • S: This requires drawing up a practicable time table.
  • We must choose the sequence that produces a smooth and meaningful paragraph.


Concept / Approach:
To solve jumbled paragraph questions, you should look for the introductory sentence, identify pronoun references (“this”, “it”, “they”), and track how ideas develop from general to specific. Typically, a good paragraph starts with a broad idea, then explains requirements or methods, and finally shows results or consequences. Sentences that contain pronouns like “this” usually refer back to an idea mentioned earlier, so they cannot logically be first.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the most general opening. Sentence P talks broadly about managing time effectively and accomplishing tasks. It sets the overall theme of time management, so P is a strong candidate for the first sentence. Step 2: Notice that S begins with “This requires drawing up a practicable time table.” The pronoun “This” must refer to something mentioned earlier, which is the idea of managing time effectively in P. Therefore, S logically follows P. Step 3: After S introduces the requirement of a practicable time table, Q elaborates by stating “It is important that we draw up a time table that we can adopt practically.” Here, “It” clearly refers to the need mentioned in S, so Q should come after S. Step 4: R then talks about the result of following the time table: “If we can stick to the time table we can then succeed in achieving our goals whether they are in the short term or long term.” Outcomes usually appear near the end of the paragraph, after the method or requirement has been explained. Step 5: Combining these observations gives the order P–S–Q–R.


Verification / Alternative check:
Read the paragraph in the proposed order: “If we manage our time effectively we can accomplish all the activities and tasks we wish to. This requires drawing up a practicable time table. It is important that we draw up a time table that we can adopt practically. If we can stick to the time table we can then succeed in achieving our goals whether they are in the short term or long term.” The ideas now flow logically from general statement, to requirement, to elaboration, to result. Any other ordering breaks this smooth flow or misuses pronouns.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
QPRS: starts with Q but it refers to “It”, which has no clear antecedent if placed first. SPQR: starts with S, but “This” would have no prior reference, making the paragraph confusing. SQPR: again starts with S, leaving “This” dangling, and the transition to Q and then P becomes illogical.


Common Pitfalls:
Students often focus only on topic similarity and ignore pronoun reference. As a result, they sometimes place a sentence beginning with “This” or “It” at the start of the paragraph, which creates a logical gap. Another mistake is to rush without reading the full combined paragraph aloud in your mind. Always check that each sentence smoothly connects to the previous one and that every pronoun has a clear, unambiguous antecedent.


Final Answer:
The most logical sequence of sentences is PSQR.

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