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If you have been preparing for banking exams such as SBI PO, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk etc. you must have noticed the importance of parajumbles in the English language section. In the SBI PO Prelims analysis of 2020, there were 5 questions of this topic. Parajumbles are considered a topic with a moderate difficulty level and if you understand the concept well enough and practice a lot of questions, you can easily answer these questions and score those precious marks. In this article, we will be explaining you the concept of Parajumbles with the help of examples and we will also provide you tips to help you answer these questions quickly. What’s more! There are questions for practice as well.
As the name indicates, a parajumble is a paragraph, sentences of which have been jumbled. You need to read all the jumbled sentences and come up with the right order. This order should make sense, should have a logical flow and should be coherent. In other words, parajumbles are like a jigsaw puzzle and you need to carefully put the right piece at the right place. Questions on Parajumbles generally read, “In the below question, a set of sentences is given, which when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Arrange the sentences in the correct sequence, and answer the questions.” This will follow 4-5 statements which you need to sort logically. Now let’s have a look at some tips & techniques which will help you solve parajumbles quickly.
As an author shifts from one idea to another while writing, they generally use transition words. This makes the transition smooth and ensures that the reader understands what the author is trying to convey. While solving parajumbles, if you observe these transition words carefully, you can get a clue about which sentence will come after/before the sentence where that transition word is used. For example
Example:
Five statements are given below, labelled A, B, C, D and E. Among these, four statements when in logical order form a coherent paragraph. From the given options, choose the option that does not fit into the theme of the paragraph.
(A) Their father decided to organize a competition between the two.
(B) They were so identical that even their mother found it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
(C) Sam had no friends, while Tom was a great friendship maker.
(D) However, they were very different from each other when it came to everything other than their appearance.
(E) Sam and Tom were identical twins.
Detailed Solution:
The correct order is: E – B – D – C.
The passage starts with statement (E) as only this statement can be the beginning of the passage. Statement (E) is followed by statement (B) which goes well with statement (E) as it describes how identical the two brothers were. Statement (B) is followed by statement (D) as it offers a contrasting point by drawing attention towards the difference in their natures and hence, has started with the word “however”. Statement (d) is followed by statement (C) which gives an example of how the two brothers were different and thus, can come only after statement (D).
Thus, statement (A) is the odd statement here.
For your convenience, we are providing a list of transition words below:
| above all | earlier | in time | similarly |
| after all | first of all | instead | simultaneously |
| afterward | for example | later | soon |
| again | for instance | later on | still |
| all in all to sum-up. | for now | likewise | subsequently |
| also | for one thing | likewise | the meantime |
| as a rule | for the time being | meanwhile | then |
| as well as | furthermore | moreover | therefore |
| aside from | generally | nevertheless | thus |
| at the same time | hence | next | to begin with |
| barring | however | on one hand | while |
| besides | in addition | on the other hand | with this in mind |
| besides | in conclusion | otherwise | yet |
| but | in other words | rather | |
| consequently | in short | similarly |
Examples of Personal Pronouns are she, her, he, him, it, they, them etc. Whenever these personal pronouns are used, this means that there is some reference to a person, place or thing in that very sentence or the preceding sentence. Often, this is a good clue to link 2 sentences together.
Example:
Five statements are given below, labelled A, B, C, D and E. Among these, four statements when in logical order form a coherent paragraph. From the given options, choose the option that does not fit into the theme of the paragraph.
(A) For example, it encourages economic and social disparity in the country.
(B) The accumulation of black money has several negative repercussions on the society.
(C) The need to stop this practice must be sensitized.
(D) Black money is basically the money earned in black market.
(E) It is the amount which is hidden from the government so as to avoid taxation on the same.
Detailed Solution:
The correct order is: D-E-B-A.
The passage starts with statement (D) which gives an idea about what black money is. This is followed by statement (E) which further explains what exactly black money is. This is followed by statement (B) which states that black money affects the society in negative ways, which in turn, is followed by statement (A) which supports this claim by specific problems caused by accumulation of black money (here IT refers to BLACK MONEY used in statement (B)). Thus, statement (C) is the odd statement here.
Demonstrative Pronouns are this, that, these and those. ‘This’ and ‘that’ are used to refer to singular noun or noun phrases and ‘these’ are ‘those’ are used to refer to plural nouns and noun phrases. Just like personal pronouns, demonstrative pronouns give a hint to the noun or noun phrase which was used in that very sentence or the preceding sentence. This will help you in connecting the preceding sentence with the sentence where the demonstrative pronoun is used.
Example:
Five statements are given below, labelled A, B, C, D and E. Among these, four statements when in logical order form a coherent paragraph. From the given options, choose the option that does not fit into the theme of the paragraph.
(A) This helps them immensely in the later stages of their career.
(B) Reading newspaper is very interesting job.
(C) It is good for the students as it inspires us to speak English fluently with correct accent.
(D) Various newspaper in market costs differently according to their news details and popularity in the area.
(E) If one becomes used to of this, he/she never drop reading newspaper.
Detailed Solution:
The correct order is: B – E – C – A.
The passage starts with statement (B) as it tells that the passage is about reading newspaper. This is followed by statement (E) a “this” in this statement is referring to the habit of reading newspaper. This is followed by statement (C) where the passage talks about the skills student learn by reading newspaper. This is followed by statement (A) as it tells how this is going to help the students in their career. Please note that the statement (A) has used ‘this’ which refers to ‘students’’ which was used in statement (C).
Thus, statement (D) is the odd statement here.
Logic is often used in solving parajumbles. You need to connect what different parts of the parajumbles are trying to convey and then try to connect them. Keep your eyes open for any such hints, clues etc.
Example:
In the question given below, a set of sentences is given, which when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Arrange the sentences in the correct sequence, and answer choose the option that provides the correct final order.
P. The one thing all these newcomers have in common is that their hardware businesses are irrelevant.
Q. Even Uber has started to engineer its own electric scooters.
R. Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Facebook all make some type of Internet-connected computing gear.
S. So many internet and software companies make gadgets now. PQRS PQSR
Detailed Solution:
The correct order is: S – R – Q – P.
S begins the passage by providing a general introduction of the subject of the passage- internet and software companies making gadgets. R takes the passage forward by talking about different companies. Q follows R as it talks specifically about Uber and the sentence begins with EVEN which implies that it discusses the subject of the preceding sentence. P ends the passage as it talks about the thing which is common to all these companies.
Thus, (c) is the right answer.
If an acronym is used in parajumbles, most likely the full form will be used in the preceding sentence and then the author would start using the acronym. You can use this logic to connect 2 sentences in a parajumbles question. For example, Punjab National Bank => PNB, Educational Technology => Ed-tech, President George W. Bush => President bush or the president etc.
If a parajumble has some time indicated: either in the form of specific years, decades etc. or by using time indicating words, you can use the them to solve parajumbles easily. Try to make a sense of what the complete piece of text is trying to say and then try arranging the different parts with the help of the given information related to time.
Example:
In the question below, a sentence is given, divided into parts which when rearranged will form a logical and a coherent sentence. One of the parts does not belong to the sentence. Identify the part that does not belong to the sentence and rearrange the remaining parts to form a meaningful sentence. Choose the option that represents the correct arrangement and mark the option accordingly.
The second world war, as it attempts to counter (A)/ Japan is to acquire at least one (B)/ aircraft carrier for the first time since (C)/ Chinese maritime expansion in the Pacific ocean (D)/ 1947 when it gained independence from British (E)
A. ABCD
B. BDCE
C. CDAB
D. BCAD
E. BCED
Detailed Solution:
The statement talks about Japan acquiring an aircraft carrier in response to Chinese expansion.
Part B introduces the theme and so should be the first statement. Part B ends with ‘at least one’ and so should be followed by the object Japan plans to acquire i.e. aircraft carrier. Therefore, B has to be followed by C.
Part C ends with ‘since, therefore it should be followed by a time reference (For example, “I have not eaten since morning”). Only parts A and E start with a time reference. But part E talks about Japan gaining independence from British and so is not related to the main theme. Therefore, C had to be followed by A.
This makes the correct sequence: BCAD
Thus, (d) is the correct answer.
There are 2 indefinite articles (a & an) and a definite article (the). Wherever given an opportunity, you can use these articles to connect different parts of parajumbles. Remember: If the author uses ‘a/ an’, she wants to make a general statement by introducing a noun after ‘a/ an’. Afterwards, the author will just use ‘the’ to refer to the previously mentioned noun. So, having ‘the’ is very unlikely in the opening statement of a parajumble.
Example:
In the question given below, a set of sentences is given, which when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Arrange the sentences in the correct sequence, and answer choose the option that provides the correct final order.
P. All she has to do is give a missed call to that number to log that she has taken the drug.
Q. In this, each dose is placed in an individual blister pack.
R. Global software giant Microsoft, for instance, has developed a programme called 99DOTS.
S. Once the patient opens the pack and takes out the pill, a telephone number is seen.
A. SRQP
B. PQRS
C. SQPR
D. SQRP
E. RQSP
Detailed Solution:
RQSP is the final order. R begins the passage by telling us of a programme developed by Microsoft. Q follows by telling us of how the programme works – each dose is placed in a pack. Also notice the ‘an’ which comes before ‘individual blister pack’. S follows by telling us that a telephone number appears after the pack is opened and also the fact that a ‘the’ comes before ‘pack. P concludes by telling us what the number is used for. Thus, (e) is the right answer.
In parajumbles, a pronoun will always come in the immediate sentence containing the respective noun.
While solving parajumbles, look for words/ phrases which indicate that one thing causes another or logically determines another thing.
Support signal words are below:
Sentences containing these words will generally not be the opening sentences. Rather these sentences will follow the sentence supported. Keep an eye for these words and use them accordingly in solving parajumbles.
These words explicitly indicate a contrast between 2 ideas and also reverse the ongoing thought process.
In contrast with the above mentioned words (which only help contrast 2 ideas), these words indicate something unexpected or even unwanted. Use these to solve parajumbles wherever possible.
Directions (Q. 1-5): A set of sentences is given, which when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Arrange the sentences in the correct sequence, and choose the option that provides the correct final order.
Question 1
P. One of the elements that makes or breaks long-form reporting is its fine texture.
Q. Long-form journalism is finally getting its due place in daily journalism.
R. However, I am on the horns of a dilemma when it comes to the question of texture.
S. I am not sure whether it is overreach or it is within my remit to comment on form and style.
a) PQRS
b) PSQR
c) QRSP
d) QPRS
e) QSRP
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 2
P. Currently, various automation technologies are in the process of overhauling the mass employment-generating but low-skilled blue-collar labour markets.
Q. Similarly, an American medical school tested IBM’s AI technology Watson to analyse 1,000 cancer diagnoses.
R. They could also threaten skilled white-collar workers.
S. For instance, JP Morgan Chase and Co. recently developed a programme called COIN, a learning machine that interprets legal agreements in just a few seconds, a task that consumed 3,60,000 work hours for lawyers and loan officers annually.
a) PRSQ
b) PSQR
c) SQRP
d) SPQR
e) PQSR
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 3
P. Last year, Australia was the second-most popular study destination for Indian students — 60,000 came to Australia to learn.
Q. But education is a new pathway to shared prosperity.
R. For decades, our citizens have been criss-crossing the Indian Ocean in search of knowledge.
S. India’s demand for Australia’s minerals and resources remains high.
a) PSQR
b) RSQP
c) RPSQ
d) PQRS
e) QSPR
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 4
P. Reportedly, people often mill around accident victims and click their photos or videos instead of helping them, or return to the spot later to tell the world that they were there.
Q. This is not a one-off case.
R. The next day, at the spot where they died, some people posed near the tree and clicked a couple of selfies.
S. Last week, in a horrific accident in Chennai, two people were charred when their car hit a tree and went up in flames.
a) PQSR
b) SRQP
c) SPQR
d) PRQS
e) RQPS
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 5
P. A conditioned reflex is an automatic response to a stimulus that differs from that initially causing the response, but that has become associated with it by repetition, in a process known as classical conditioning.
Q. Such a reflex is developed gradually by training in association with specific repeated external stimuli.
R. An example is that in Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov’s experiment in which a dog salivates at the ringing of a bell if, over a period of time, every feeding is preceded by the bell-ringing stimulus.
S. The experiment shows that a reflex is built into the nervous system and does not need the intervention of conscious thought to take effect.
a) PSRQ
b) SRQP
c) PQRS
d) SPRQ
e) QRPS
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Directions (Qs. 6-10): In the question given below, a set of sentences is given, which when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Arrange the sentences in the correct sequence, and answer the questions that follow.
P. Humans might be somewhere in between – we can learn language easily for a number of years, but it becomes much more challenging in adulthood.
Q. For example, zebra finches must perfect their song by the time they are 90 days old.
R. Some songbirds, called closed-ended learners, can only learn song for a short period of time.
S. In contrast, open-ended learners, like the European starling, have very long learning windows.
T. Songbirds have evolved to be incredibly diverse – their songs range from simple to complex, and their song-learning processes are similarly divergent.
Question 6
Which of the following statements will be FIRST after rearrangement?
a) S
b) T
c) Q
d) P
e) R
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 7
Which of the following statements will be SECOND after rearrangement?
a) T
b) S
c) Q
d) P
e) R
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 8
Which of the following statements will be THIRD after rearrangement?
a) Q
b) S
c) T
d) P
e) R
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 9
Which of the following statements will be FOURTH after rearrangement?
a) P
b) R
c) Q
d) S
e) T
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 10
Which of the following statements will be FIFTH (LAST) after rearrangement?
a) S
b) T
c) P
d) Q
e) R
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Directions (Qs. 21-25): In the question given below, a set of sentences is given, which when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Arrange the sentences in the correct sequence, and answer the questions that follow.
P. Among the biggest implications of the coming drop in population is the end of plentiful labour.
Q. China’s population is shrinking faster than expected.
R. According to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the long-anticipated population decline will start in 2027.
S. Over the past 40 years, companies benefited from the seemingly endless scale of the Chinese workforce.
T. Now, that era is drawing to a close, and companies need to prepare for a shrinking talent pool.
Question 11
Which of the following would be the FIRST statement after rearrangement?
a) P
b) R
c) Q
d) S
e) T
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 12
Which of the following would be the SECOND statement after rearrangement?
a) P
b) R
c) Q
d) S
e) T
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 13
Which of the following would be the THIRD statement after rearrangement?
a) P
b) R
c) Q
d) S
e) T
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 14
Which of the following would be the FOURTH statement after rearrangement?
a) P
b) R
c) Q
d) S
e) T
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
Question 15
Which of the following would be the FIFTH statement after rearrangement?
a) P
b) R
c) Q
d) S
e) T
For Detailed Answer, download the Free PDF
We hope that the above PDF will be helpful in your preparation.
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