Rearranging Jumbled Sentences – Best Approach, Tips & Tricks for IBPS, SBI PO, JKSSB and Other Competitive Exams
Rearranging jumbled sentences, also known as Para Jumbles or Sentence Arrangement, is one of the most scoring yet confusing topics in the English section of competitive exams like IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, JKSSB, SSC, RRB, and other banking exams. These questions test your understanding of grammar, logical flow, coherence, and analytical ability.
Many aspirants lose marks not because the topic is difficult, but because they lack a clear strategy. In this article, you will learn the exam-oriented approach, step-by-step method, common traps, and practical tips to solve jumbled sentence questions accurately and quickly.
What Are Jumbled Sentence Questions?
In these questions, a paragraph is broken into 4–6 sentences and arranged randomly. You must rearrange them in the correct logical order to form a meaningful paragraph.
Sometimes, exams ask:
• Find the correct sequence
• Identify the first sentence
• Identify the last sentence
• Find the pair that follows logically
• Choose the correct arrangement
In banking exams like IBPS and SBI PO, these questions usually carry 3–5 marks and may be moderate to difficult in level.
Why These Questions Are Important in Exams
Rearrangement questions test:
• Logical thinking ability
• Understanding of connectors
• Knowledge of pronoun references
• Grammar concepts
• Ability to identify cause-effect relationship
• Comprehension skills
In exams like SBI PO and IBPS PO, difficulty level can be tricky with abstract topics like economy, social issues, banking reforms, technology, etc. In JKSSB and SSC, level is usually moderate but time management is crucial.
Step-by-Step Approach to Solve Jumbled Sentences
Step 1: Read All Sentences Carefully
First, read all sentences without trying to arrange them. Try to understand:
• What is the central theme?
• Is it about economy, society, environment, banking, education?
• Is it a narrative, argument, or informational paragraph?
Understanding the theme helps you find the opening sentence.
Step 2: Find the Opening Sentence
The opening sentence is usually:
• A general statement
• Introduction of topic
• No pronoun reference
• No connector like “however”, “therefore”, “but”, “this”, “these”
A sentence starting with pronouns like “He”, “She”, “It”, “This”, “That”, “They” usually cannot be first because they refer to something mentioned earlier.
Example:
“This development changed the banking sector significantly.”
This cannot be first because “This development” refers to something earlier.
In IBPS and SBI exams, identifying the first sentence correctly often eliminates two wrong options immediately.
Step 3: Identify Mandatory Pairs
After finding the opening sentence, look for logical pairs:
Pronoun + Noun connection
Example:
Sentence A: Digital payments are growing rapidly in India.
Sentence B: They have reduced dependency on cash.
“They” refers to “Digital payments.” So A must come before B.
Connector words
Words like however, therefore, thus, consequently, but, meanwhile, similarly, for example indicate sequence.
Example:
Sentence A: The government introduced new reforms.
Sentence B: However, their implementation faced resistance.
“However” shows contrast, so B must follow A.
Cause and effect relationship
If one sentence gives cause and another gives result, they must be placed together.
Step 4: Identify the Logical Flow
There are common paragraph structures:
General to Specific
First a general idea, then explanation, then example.
Problem – Cause – Effect – Solution
Very common in banking and economy passages.
Chronological Order
Used in historical or process-based paragraphs.
Comparison or Contrast
Identified by words like similarly, on the other hand, whereas, however.
In exams like SBI PO, logical flow is more important than just grammar.
Step 5: Find the Concluding Sentence
The last sentence usually:
• Gives conclusion or result
• Provides final opinion
• Suggests solution
• Summarises the discussion
Words like thus, therefore, hence, as a result often indicate conclusion.
Important Grammar Clues in Rearrangement
Pronouns must refer clearly to a noun introduced earlier.
Articles like “the” indicate something already introduced.
Example: “The policy” means policy was mentioned before.
Repetition of keywords helps identify sequence.
Tense consistency must be maintained.
Transition words like moreover, furthermore, additionally indicate continuation of same idea.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Students try to arrange based on option pattern instead of logic.
They ignore pronoun reference.
They do not read all sentences carefully before deciding.
They waste too much time on one question.
In IBPS and SBI PO, time management is critical. If question is too confusing, mark for review and move ahead.
Smart Tricks for Exams
Always eliminate clearly wrong options first.
If two options have same starting sentence, focus on middle order.
Focus on pairs rather than entire paragraph at once.
Do not rely only on grammar. Logical meaning is more important.
Practice editorials from newspapers to improve logical sequencing ability.
Example (Exam-Oriented)
Suppose sentences are:
A. The digital revolution has transformed the banking industry.
B. As a result, customers now prefer online transactions.
C. Earlier, most transactions were conducted manually.
D. This shift has improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Correct sequence approach:
A introduces topic.
C talks about earlier condition.
B gives result of revolution.
D further explains impact.
Correct sequence: A C B D
Final Exam Advice
Rearranging jumbled sentences is not about guessing. It is about understanding structure, logic, and coherence. Once you master identification of opening sentence, mandatory pairs, connectors, and conclusion, your accuracy will automatically improve.
In competitive exams, accuracy matters more than speed. Develop a systematic approach and practice regularly. With proper strategy, this topic becomes one of the most scoring sections in English.
Previous Year Questions (PYQ) on Rearranging Jumbled Sentences
Based on IBPS PO & SBI PO Pattern with Detailed Solutions (Exam-Oriented Explanation)
Question 1 (IBPS PO Pattern – Moderate Level)
Directions: The following sentences are jumbled. Rearrange them in the correct order and answer the question that follows.
A. However, the rapid expansion of digital payments has also increased cyber security risks.
B. The Indian banking system has undergone significant transformation in the last decade.
C. As a result, customers now prefer online and mobile banking over traditional methods.
D. Technological advancements have played a major role in this change.
E. Banks are therefore investing heavily in advanced security systems.
What is the correct sequence?
Solution Explanation:
First, identify the opening sentence. Sentence B introduces the topic in a general way: “The Indian banking system has undergone significant transformation in the last decade.” It does not contain any pronoun or connector. So B must be the first sentence.
Now look for reference words. Sentence D says “this change.” The word “this” refers to transformation mentioned in sentence B. Therefore D must follow B.
Sentence C begins with “As a result,” which shows effect. Effect of what? It logically follows technological advancement and transformation. So after B and D, sentence C fits well.
Sentence A starts with “However,” which indicates contrast. Contrast to what? It contrasts the positive development of digital payments. So A should follow C.
Sentence E begins with “therefore,” which indicates conclusion or consequence. It logically follows sentence A because due to cyber security risks, banks invest in security systems.
Thus, the correct order is B D C A E.
Correct Answer: B D C A E
Question 2 (SBI PO Pattern – Moderate to Difficult)
Directions: Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
A. This has created new employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
B. Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries worldwide.
C. However, concerns regarding job displacement remain significant.
D. Automation and data-driven systems are becoming increasingly common.
E. Governments are therefore focusing on skill development initiatives.
Solution Explanation:
Start by identifying the introductory sentence. Sentence B introduces the main topic: Artificial Intelligence transforming industries. It is general and contains no reference words. So B is the first sentence.
Sentence D explains how AI is transforming industries by mentioning automation and data-driven systems. So D logically follows B.
Sentence A begins with “This,” referring to automation and AI transformation mentioned earlier. So A must come after B and D.
Sentence C starts with “However,” which shows contrast. Contrast to what? It contrasts the positive impact of new employment opportunities. So C follows A.
Sentence E begins with “therefore,” indicating consequence. Because of concerns about job displacement, governments focus on skill development. Hence E comes at the end.
Correct sequence: B D A C E
Correct Answer: B D A C E
Question 3 (IBPS PO – Higher Logical Level)
Directions: Rearrange the following sentences.
A. Consequently, financial inclusion has improved in rural areas.
B. The government launched several schemes to promote digital literacy.
C. Many villagers were earlier unaware of formal banking services.
D. These initiatives encouraged people to open bank accounts.
E. Access to banking facilities was limited in remote regions.
Solution Explanation:
First identify the theme. The paragraph talks about financial inclusion and government schemes.
Sentence E introduces the problem: access to banking facilities was limited. It is general and independent, so it can be the first sentence.
Sentence C further explains the problem by saying villagers were unaware of banking services. So C follows E.
Sentence B introduces the action taken by the government to solve the problem. So B comes after C.
Sentence D says “These initiatives,” referring to schemes mentioned in sentence B. So D must follow B.
Sentence A begins with “Consequently,” indicating final result. It logically concludes the paragraph.
Correct order: E C B D A
Correct Answer: E C B D A
Question 4 (SBI PO – Abstract Topic)
Directions: Rearrange the sentences.
A. This imbalance can lead to inflationary pressures in the economy.
B. When demand exceeds supply, prices tend to rise.
C. Economists closely monitor demand and supply trends.
D. A stable balance between demand and supply ensures price stability.
E. Such situations require policy intervention by central banks.
Solution Explanation:
Sentence C introduces the general idea that economists monitor demand and supply. It is a neutral introductory sentence, so it comes first.
Sentence D explains the importance of balance between demand and supply. It logically follows C.
Sentence B explains what happens when demand exceeds supply. It provides a specific scenario after general discussion.
Sentence A says “This imbalance,” referring to demand exceeding supply mentioned in B. So A must follow B.
Sentence E talks about “Such situations,” referring to inflationary pressure mentioned in A. Therefore E concludes the paragraph.
Correct order: C D B A E
Correct Answer: C D B A E
Important Observations from These PYQs
In IBPS and SBI PO exams, opening sentence is usually general and independent.
Connectors like however, therefore, consequently help identify sequence.
Pronoun references like this, these, such are very important clues.
Cause-effect and problem-solution structures are very common.
Rearranging Jumbled Sentences – Practice Questions
Section 1 – Basic Level (Foundation Practice)
Question 1
A. He worked very hard to achieve his goals.
B. Ramesh always wanted to become a doctor.
C. Finally, his dream came true.
D. He cleared the medical entrance exam.
Rearrange the sentences.
Question 2
A. They provide employment to millions of people.
B. Small scale industries play an important role in the economy.
C. These industries also promote exports.
D. As a result, they contribute significantly to GDP.
Question 3
A. It is essential for maintaining good health.
B. Regular exercise improves blood circulation.
C. Many people ignore physical activity.
D. This leads to various lifestyle diseases.
Question 4
A. However, many students misuse social media.
B. Social media has become an integral part of modern life.
C. It helps people connect across the world.
D. Excessive usage affects academic performance.
Question 5
A. The company introduced a new policy.
B. Employees initially resisted the change.
C. Over time, they realised its benefits.
D. Productivity improved significantly.
Section 2 – Moderate Level (Banking & Exam Pattern)
Question 6
A. Consequently, customers shifted towards online platforms.
B. The pandemic disrupted traditional banking operations.
C. Banks had to accelerate digital transformation.
D. Physical branches were temporarily closed.
E. This increased the demand for digital services.
Question 7
A. This initiative aims to strengthen rural infrastructure.
B. The government announced a new development scheme.
C. It focuses on improving roads, electricity and water supply.
D. Experts believe it will boost economic growth.
E. Rural areas have long suffered from inadequate facilities.
Question 8
A. Therefore, investors are advised to diversify their portfolios.
B. Stock markets are highly volatile.
C. Sudden economic changes can impact share prices.
D. This volatility increases financial risk.
E. Many new investors enter the market without proper knowledge.
Question 9
A. As a result, urban migration has increased rapidly.
B. Employment opportunities are limited in rural regions.
C. Cities offer better education and healthcare facilities.
D. This imbalance creates pressure on urban infrastructure.
E. Many villagers move to cities in search of better livelihoods.
Question 10
A. These reforms simplified tax compliance procedures.
B. The government introduced major tax reforms.
C. Businesses earlier faced complex regulations.
D. Consequently, ease of doing business improved.
E. Investors gained more confidence in the economy.
Basic Level Answers
- B A D C
- B A C D
- B A C D
- B C A D
- A B C D
Moderate Level Answers
6. B D E C A
7. E B A C D
8. B C D A E
9. B E C A D
10. B C A D E