Question

In the following question, a sentence is divided into four parts (P,Q,R,S). Rearrange it in the proper sequence in order to make a meaningful sentence.
P: over millions of years, buried deposits of dead plant matter and
Q: bacteria are compressed between layers of sediment
R: where high pressure and heat convert them to carbon-containing fossil fuels
S: such as coal, oil, and natural gas

• A. PQRS
• B. SRQP
• C. PRQS
• D. PSQR

Hint:

In sentence rearrangement, look for connecting words (conjunctions like 'and', relative pronouns like 'where' or 'which') and logical sequences (cause-effect, process steps, general statement-example). Identifying the starting and ending parts of the sentence is often a good first step.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Task
The task is to rearrange the four jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) to form a coherent and grammatically correct sentence describing the formation of fossil fuels.

Step 2: Finding the Logical Flow
We need to identify the starting point and the connections between the parts.


Part P starts with a time frame ("over millions of years") and introduces the subjects: "buried deposits of dead plant matter and...". The word "and" indicates that something else is joined with "dead plant matter".

Part Q provides the missing subject: "bacteria are compressed between layers of sediment". Thus, P and Q connect smoothly to form the initial clause: "over millions of years, buried deposits of dead plant matter and bacteria are compressed between layers of sediment". This describes the initial stage.

Part R starts with "where," indicating a location or condition. This refers back to the "layers of sediment" in Q. It describes the next stage of the process: "where high pressure and heat convert them...". So, R logically follows Q.

Part S gives examples ("such as coal, oil, and natural gas") of the "carbon-containing fossil fuels" mentioned at the end of part R. Therefore, S must come at the very end to provide these examples.


Step 3: Constructing the Final Sentence
Following the logic, the correct sequence is P-Q-R-S. The complete sentence reads: "Over millions of years, buried deposits of dead plant matter and bacteria are compressed between layers of sediment, where high pressure and heat convert them to carbon-containing fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas."

Step 4: Final Answer
The logical and grammatical sequence is PQRS. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.