Para Jumbles: Types, Tricks, Rules, Preparation Questions With Answers ​

English Para Jumbles, as the name suggests includes a set of sentences from a paragraph in a random order. In this type of question, a candidate has to rearrange the sentences in a logical and meaningful order and form a coherent paragraph. English Para Jumbles assess one’s ability to understand context, identify connectors, and follow the flow of ideas.

Also Read: What are Tenses?

A Para jumble is a set of sentences arranged randomly or disorganised manner. The candidate needs to rearrange these sentences to form a logically structured and meaningful paragraph. In other words, it’s a paragraph puzzle that requires arranging sentences in the right sequence with the correct meaning.

There are different formats in which Para Jumbles appear in exams. Check below to know the different types of Para Jumbles:

Simple Sentence Arrangement

Simple sentence arrangement is one of the common form of question asked. In this question, candidates are given 4-6 sentences and that has to be formed in a coherent paragraph. These type of para jumble questions assess candidate’s logical connection and understanding of grammar.

For example:

1. The sun was shining brightly.
2. We decided to go for a picnic.
3. It was a beautiful Sunday morning.
4. Everyone was excited about the trip.

The correct sequence is: C-A-B-D

Explanation: Start with the setting (C), then describe the weather (A), decide the activity (B), and finally the mood (D).

Static First/Last Sentence

Fixed sentence Para Jumbles provide a starting and ending point of the paragraph. Candidates are required to order the remaining sentence in a meaningful paragraph.

For example:

1. India is a land of festivals.
2. People from different religions celebrate them together.
3. Diwali, Eid, and Christmas are some famous ones.
4. These festivals bring joy and happiness.

Note: In these options, sentence (A) is fixed.

The correct sequence of above sentence is A - C - D – B

Explanation: Since (A) is the fixed sentence, mention examples (C), describe their effect (D), and talk about unity (B).

Odd Sentence Out

In this type of Para Jumbles, some sentences are given and student has to find the sentence which is not contributing to the meaning of the paragraph. In other words, learner has to identify the odd sentence and rearrange the remaining sentence in a meaningful paragraph.

For example:

1. The dog wagged its tail happily.
2. Cats are very independent animals.
3. It ran towards its owner.
4. The owner gave it a treat.

In the above options, the odd sentence is (B)

Explanation: Sentences A, C, and D talks about a dog. Sentence B is unrelated to given , so it’s the odd one out.

Theme-based Para Jumbles

Theme-based Para Jumbles revolves around a particular topic. The learner has to arrange the sentences by identifying the central theme of the paragraph.

For example:

1. Factories release harmful gases into the air.
2. Pollution is a serious problem affecting the planet.
3. It harms both humans and animals.
4. Air and water pollution are major types of pollution.

The theme of the above paragraph is Environmental pollution. The correct sequence of the above is B-D-A-C.

Chronological Para Jumbles

Chronological Para Jumbles include sentences which present actions or events in a timely sequence. Students must identify important time markers like first, later, then, dates to arrange the sentences in chronological order.

For example:

1. First, he brushed his teeth.
2. Then, he had his breakfast.
3. After that, he packed his bag.
4. Finally, he left for school.

The correct sequence for above is A-B-C-D

Explanation: The above sentences are arranged based on the time markers provided: first, then, after, finally.

To solve Para Jumbles quickly and accurately, students should follow certain rules to form a coherent paragraph:

Identify the opening sentence- it generally introduces the topic.

In a para-jumble paragraph, some sentences provide a general description while others offer specific details. The task is to place the general sentence first, followed by the sentences with specific descriptions.

Look for nouns/pronouns

A sentence usually starts with a noun followed by a pronoun in the following sentences. Identify the nouns, pronouns, gender and numbers. Fix the noun and then the pronoun to make a meaningful sentence. Use pronouns like he, she, it, they and connectors, however, therefore, meanwhile, to find sentence links.

Understand the chronological or logical order of events.

The sentence hints at events like years, hours, and months. Identify the timeline words such as when, after, the, later, etc, to identify the chronology or logical order of events.

Detect cause-and-effect relationships.

In this type of sentence, students must identify the cause-and-effect relationship among the sentences. Once identified it helps in forming the sentences one after another.

Example: Words like ‘whenever’, ‘because’, ‘when’, ‘then’ are the cause and effect words.

Also Read: Types of Conjunctions

Some Para Jumbles have:

• Implicit connectors: No explicit connectors like ‘however’ or ‘therefore’ but logical continuity is present.

Example:

1. Riya loves painting in her free time.
2. Her paintings have started getting attention at local exhibitions.
3. She recently bought a new set of oil paints.
4. Last week, a gallery approached her to display her work.

Correct Order: A-C-B-D

• Contradictory ideas: Words like 'but', 'although', or 'however' indicate a contrast in thought.

Example:

1. They advised him to try again next year.
2. However, he couldn’t secure a position on the final list.
3. His teachers appreciated his efforts.
4. Rahul worked very hard for the competition.

Correct Order: D-B-C-A

• Lists or sequences: Sentences depicting a sequence of steps, events, or points.

Example:

1. First, boil two cups of water in a pan.
2. Add tea leaves and sugar as per taste.
3. Then, let it simmer for five minutes.
4. Finally, strain the tea into cups and serve hot.

Correct Order: A -B -C -D

Also Read: Punctuation and Use

To master the trick to solve parajumbles in English grammar, students must follow the tips and tricks mentioned by experts below:

• Read English articles and editorials regularly to build vocabulary/comprehension.
• Practice identifying topic/theme of sentences and concluding lines.
• Learn transition words and their usage in English grammar.
• Solve ample of previous year papers and mock tests to practice questions
• Set time while solving to improve speed and accuracy.

Once learner has understood what Para Jumbles are they must not overlook the common errors. Here are some frequent errors that can be avoided.

Ignoring context

Candidates must always read all sentences before attempting to order them. Many students read the few words of the sentence and decides the order of sentence leading to incorrect sentence. Student must ensure to read the sentence thoroughly.

Overlooking pronoun references

Many students don’t identify the noun/pronoun which has can lead to incorrect formation of sentence. Candidate must note that ‘he’ or ‘this’ must follow the noun it refers to.

Also Read: Subject-Verb Agreement: Types, Rules

Neglecting transition words

Words like ‘however’, ‘thus’, or ‘meanwhile’ must not be overlooked. The transition words hint at the sentence’s position. Students must pay close attention to such words and build relationship between sentence with the help of transition words.

Guessing randomly without logic

Likely any other grammar topic, Para Jumbles require practice and precision to form a meaningful sentence. Candidates must ensure to solve ample of questions from previous year question paper of exam they are appearing for.

Also Read: Parts of Speech

Some highly recommended resources to practice Para Jumbles include:

• How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis (for vocabulary enhancement)
• Previous Year Papers and Mock Test Series of respective exam

Also Read: Vocabulary