The Para-jumble questions in CAT VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) are the trickiest. These questions test your ability to organize sentences into an understanding of the paragraph easily and logically. While they might seem difficult at first, you can solve them easily with the right approach. This blog by The Catalysts will guide you step-by-step through the process of decoding para-jumbles for CAT, improving your accuracy, and making it easy.
1. Understand the Question Type
In Para-jumble questions, you’re given a set of sentences in a random order. Your task is to rearrange them in a logical and meaningful sequence. The challenge comes to finding the correct sentence to rearrange it in the right manner, which can be done by focusing on clues within the sentences. These clues could be transition words, pronouns, or logical sequencing of events.
2. Look for Opening and Closing Sentences
The first step is to identify the opening sentence. This sentence should introduce the subject or topic of the paragraph. It won’t refer to any main detail. Typically, opening sentences are more general and introductory paragraphs.
For example, if one of the sentences defines or introduces a new term, it is likely to be the starting sentence. Similarly, the closing sentence concludes the argument, brings the paragraph to a logical end, or summarizes the key point. Look for sentences that reflect a good end, and summarization
3. Identify Logical Pairs
Once the opening sentence is identified, the next step is to find pairs of sentences that naturally follow each other. This can be done by recognizing continuity in ideas. Transition words like however, furthermore, therefore, hence, or pronouns such as he, she, and it, help in linking the sentences.
For example, if Sentence A introduces a topic and Sentence B expands on it with “For instance,” or “Moreover,” then B logically follows A.
4. Spot Transition Words and Pronouns
Transition words signal relationships between sentences, such as cause and effect, contrast, or continuation. Words like yet, but, consequently, or thus often indicate a connection between two sentences. Similarly, pronouns refer back to nouns mentioned in earlier sentences, so sentences with pronouns cannot come before the sentence that introduces the noun. This blog by The Catalysts will help you understand how to use these clues to effectively solve para-jumbles in CAT.
5. Use Chronological or Logical Sequence
Some Para-jumbles have a natural chronological or logical sequence. For example, if the sentences describe a process or a series of events, arrange them in the correct order by looking for time-related clues such as first, next, then, or finally.
Similarly, if the sentences discuss cause and effect, the cause should come before the effect.
6. Eliminate Options
Once you have a tentative order, eliminate any options that don’t fit. In CAT VARC, Para-jumbles are often non-MCQ (without options), but sometimes you may have choices. Compare your sequence to the given options (if any) and rule out the ones that don’t align logically.
7. Pay Attention to Tone and Continuity
The tone of the sentences also plays an important role. If one sentence is questioning and the next sentence provides an answer, they might form a logical pair. Similarly, if the tone of a sentence is coordinated with the previous one, look for a transition word or clue that signals this shift in tone. This blog by The Catalysts will guide you in identifying these tone shifts to effectively solve para-jumbles in CAT.
8. Practice with Timed Sessions
The best way to improve your Para-jumble solving ability is through regular practice. Set a timer and try solving a few Para-jumbles every day to get comfortable with time constraints. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and become more efficient at identifying sentence links.
Example:
Consider the following set of jumbled sentences:
- She asked him to leave the room.
- He stood there silently, unable to move.
- Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he turned around.
- She could no longer hold back her tears.
Here’s how you might approach this:
- Sentence 1 is likely to be the opening sentence since it introduces an event (the request to leave).
- Sentence 2 seems to follow logically, describing the person’s reaction.
- Sentence 4 reflects an emotional outburst, which fits after Sentence 2.
- Sentence 3 appears to be a conclusion to the event as it shows the action taken after a pause.
Thus, the correct order would be 1-2-4-3.
Conclusion
Para-jumbles in CAT VARC might seem most difficult, but with a systematic approach, they can become a scoring section. Start by identifying the opening and closing sentences, look for logical pairs, and pay attention to transition words and tone. As you practice more, your ability to identify the correct sequence will sharpen. Remember, consistent practice and a clear strategy are the keys to mastering Para-jumbles! This blog by The Catalysts will help you develop that strategy and sharpen your skills.
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