Sentence Rearrangement is a common topic in competitive English sections, where candidates must logically rearrange jumbled parts of a sentence or group of sentences to form a coherent paragraph. In this blog we have provided the sentence rearrangement topic definition, exam relevance, types, tricks, solved examples from 2024–25 exams, and more.
What Is Sentence Rearrangement in English?
Sentence Rearrangement is a question type where candidates are given a jumbled sentence or paragraph. The task is to rearrange the fragments/sentences in a logical, grammatically correct, and meaningful order.
Why Does It Appear in Exams?
This type of question tests your understanding of sentence flow, coherence, connectors, grammar rules, and logic.
Skills Required:
- Logical sequencing
- Vocabulary & connectors knowledge
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar awareness
Why Is Sentence Rearrangement Important in Competitive Exams?
Sentence rearrangement questions are simple to moderate in difficulty and often score-friendly if approached methodically.
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Sentence Rearrangement English Short Notes
Sentence rearrangement is about sequencing ideas. A strong knowledge of transition words, subject-object placement, and general sentence structure helps.
| Term | Explanation |
| Transition Words | Words like however, therefore, thus help with order |
| Opening Sentence Clues | Introduces subject without reference |
| Chronological Clues | Time-based connectors (e.g., first, then, later) |
| Pronoun Traps | Sentences starting with he, she, they need context |
| Concluding Sentences | General statements or summaries |
Sentence Rearrangement Quick Revision Tips
Some of the quick revision tips to solve sentence rearrangement questions are as follows:
| Concept | Details |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Helps eliminate grammatically incorrect orderings |
| Theme Consistency | Ensure all ideas relate to a central point |
| Linkers/Connectors | Words like but, moreover, next guide the flow |
| Opening Sentence | Usually doesn’t start with a pronoun or linker |
| Closing Sentence | Wraps up ideas or presents a concluding remark |
| Cause and Effect | Identify “why” and “what happened” pairs |
What Are the Types of Sentence Rearrangement Questions in English?
Sentence Rearrangement can appear in various formats across exams:
- Single Sentence Jumble: A sentence split into 4–5 parts to be rearranged.
- Paragraph Jumble (Para Jumble): Multiple sentences to be ordered logically.
- Connector-Based: Sentences needing identification of appropriate connectives.
- Fixed Starter: First sentence is fixed; rearrange the rest.
- Odd Sentence Out: Identify the sentence that doesn’t fit in a coherent paragraph.
Sentence Rearrangement Question Patterns in English
Sentence rearrangement question patterns are as follows:
- Look for the intro sentence: Starts with a noun, avoids pronouns.
- Linker logic: “However,” “Also,” “As a result” — these don’t start a paragraph.
- Pronoun Pointer: “He,” “She,” “It” usually come after introducing the noun.
- Chronological Flow: Past to present or steps in a process.
- Cause → Effect: Sentence A explains why Sentence B happened.
Sentence Rearrangement Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Tricks to solve sentence rearrangement questions correctly are as follows:
- Find the independent sentence – the one that doesn’t rely on another.
- Start from the end – sometimes it’s easier to find the last sentence first.
- Eliminate wrong options – based on gender, number, or logic.
- Identify pairs – two sentences that clearly follow one another.
- Use transition words – to detect the sentence flow (but, however, then).
- Use subject-pronoun logic – nouns precede pronouns.
- Don’t assume order – even if the sentence makes sense early on, validate it.
Solved Sentence Rearrangement Questions from 2024–25 Exams
SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Shift 2 – Memory-Based
Q: Rearrange:
P. She refused to leave
Q. The villagers warned her
R. That the storm was approaching
S. But she was adamant
Answer: Q R P S
Explanation:
Q introduces warning → R gives content of warning → P shows action → S concludes stubbornness
IBPS PO Prelims 2024 – Mock Test
Q: Rearrange:
A. He built a shelter
B. It started raining
C. So he took out his tools
D. He was on a camping trip
Answer: D B C A
Explanation: D (context) → B (problem) → C (action) → A (solution)
RRB NTPC 2024 – Based on Memory
Q: Rearrange:
- There was a long pause
- He didn’t respond
- I asked him again
- I thought he didn’t hear
Answer: 3 2 1 4
Explanation: First the question (3), then no reply (2), pause (1), and assumption (4)
Sentence Rearrangement Concepts for Bank Exams
Bank exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, or LIC AAO may present more analytical or abstract sentence rearrangement.
- Symbolic Connectors: e.g., “(A) Moreover” “(B) However” “(C) Hence”
- Assumption-based Logic: Flow is based on inference
- Coded Flow: Abstract statements requiring logical deduction
Example:
Statements:
A. The data was lost.
B. Hence, the backup was used.
C. The system failed.
Correct Order: C → A → B
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Sentence Rearrangement
Some of the common mistakes to avoid while solving questions from this topic are as follows:
- Starting with a pronoun-based sentence – Always begin with a noun-introductory sentence.
- Ignoring logical connectors – Missing ‘however’, ‘also’, ‘therefore’ often ruins flow.
- Assuming a grammatically correct option is right – Grammar doesn’t ensure logic.
- Overlooking timeline flow – Chronological order is key in many questions.
- Skipping pair-checking – Always test sentence pairs for coherence before finalizing.
FAQs
Single sentence jumbles, paragraph (para) jumbles, connector-based questions, fixed starter rearrangement, and odd sentence out.
Look for a sentence that introduces a subject, does not start with a pronoun or connector, and makes sense on its own.
However, therefore, also, in addition, hence, firstly, subsequently, finally.
Yes, especially in IBPS PO, SBI PO, and RRB exams often with higher logical complexity.
A rearrangement where the first sentence is already fixed, and you must arrange the rest accordingly.
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