Ordering of Sentences (Para Jumble): Concepts, Formulas, and Clear Examples
Para-jumble questions give 4–6 shuffled sentences; you pick the logical order (ABCDE code) or best opening/closing line. Cohesion comes from pronouns, time words, and idea flow: general → example → conclusion.
Find the topic sentence (often without backward reference) and closer (therefore, thus, in conclusion). Link pairs: sentence with ‘This policy’ follows one naming the policy.
Mandatory pairs
- Demonstrative this/that/these → prior noun must appear.
- ‘However/Therefore’ usually not sentence 1.
Example — Pair link
S1: A new tax was announced. S2: This measure aims to reduce debt.
S1 must precede S2; ‘This measure’ cannot open the paragraph.
Time and sequence markers
- First, then, finally anchor chronological order.
- Past perfect ‘had’ may refer to earlier sentence event.
Opening vs closing
Openers introduce subject without orphan pronouns. Closers summarize or give consequence—not new major topics.
Option-code strategy (ABCD)
- Eliminate sequences violating your mandatory pair A before B.
- Two options sharing same first sentence—test second sentence link.
Tone and domain shift
- Reject order that jumps unrelated examples before definition.
Partial PJ (pick odd sentence out)
- One sentence breaks chain—find duplicate topic or missing referent.
Step-by-step method for exam questions
- Skim all sentences for topic and actors.
- Mark pronouns and connectors; draw A→B forced links.
- Pick likely first and last sentences.
- Eliminate option codes breaking links.
- Read remaining candidate order aloud for flow.
- Confirm every pronoun has antecedent in prior text.
Formula cheat sheet
| Situation | Formula | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| This/That opener | Not first | Pronoun rule |
| Therefore/Thus | Often last | Conclusion |
| Name before He/She | Antecedent order | Person ref |
| Mandatory pair | A then B locked | Code elimination |
| General → specific | Definition before example | Structure |
Frequently asked questions
Multiple valid orders?
MCQ has one keyed order—use connectors to break ties.
Is reading full paragraph needed?
Yes for final check; pair scan finds most eliminations fast.
4-sentence vs 6-sentence?
Same method; more sentences = more mandatory pairs.
Practice on this platform
Use 4 practice sets (10 MCQs, detailed solution after each answer) and 2 timed mocks (20 minutes) on this topic to convert formulas into speed and accuracy.