Parajumbles Questions for SSC CGL

What is a Parajumble?

A parajumble gives you 4 or 5 sentences (usually labeled A, B, C, D, E) in random order. Your job is to rearrange them into the correct logical sequence that forms a meaningful paragraph. The sentences are typically from a single coherent passage, so there is always ONE correct order. Unlike reading comprehension, you don't need to understand deep meaning—you need to spot grammatical and logical connectors that link sentences.

• Usually 4 sentences (sometimes 5) presented out of order
• Answer format: ABCD or BCDA (the correct sequence)
• Tests logical flow, pronoun reference, and connector usage
• No external knowledge required—pure English structure
• One correct answer; no ambiguity in well-set questions

Key Clues to Identify Sentence Order

Parajumbles follow predictable patterns. The opening sentence (first in sequence) usually introduces a topic or idea without referring to something undefined. The closing sentence often concludes or summarizes. Middle sentences build on earlier ideas using pronouns, conjunctions, or logical connectors. Learn to spot these bridges between sentences.

• Pronouns (he, she, it, they, this, that) always refer backward—find the noun they link to
• Connectors (however, therefore, moreover, thus, but, and) signal logical relationships
• Tense consistency: past → past, present → present (watch for shifts)
• Demonstratives (this, that, these, those) point to previously mentioned ideas
• Cause-effect words (because, as a result, consequently) show dependency
• Chronological markers (then, later, meanwhile, first, finally) indicate sequence

Step-by-Step Method to Solve Parajumbles

Don't guess. Use a systematic approach. First, identify the opening sentence—it should be independent and introduce the topic. Then find the closing sentence—it often wraps up or gives a conclusion. Finally, arrange the middle sentences by tracing pronoun references and logical connectors. This method works 90% of the time in SSC CGL.

• Step 1: Find the opening sentence (no undefined pronouns, introduces topic clearly)
• Step 2: Find the closing sentence (concludes, summarizes, or ends logically)
• Step 3: Identify pronoun chains (if sentence B says 'he', find who 'he' is in sentence A)
• Step 4: Check connector logic (does 'however' make sense after the previous sentence?)
• Step 5: Read the final sequence aloud—does it sound natural and coherent?

Common Sentence Patterns in SSC CGL Parajumbles

SSC CGL parajumbles often follow predictable thematic structures. Understanding these patterns helps you eliminate wrong options faster. Most questions involve definition-example, problem-solution, cause-effect, or chronological narrative structures.

• Definition-Example: Opening defines a concept, next sentences provide examples
• Problem-Solution: First sentence states a problem, later sentences propose solutions
• Cause-Effect: One sentence explains why something happened, next explains the result
• Chronological: Events described in time order (first, then, later, finally)
• General-Specific: Opening makes a broad claim, following sentences provide details
• Narrative: Story-like flow with characters, actions, and outcomes

Pronoun Reference Technique

Pronouns are your best friend in parajumbles. Every pronoun (he, she, it, they, this, that, which, who) refers to a noun mentioned earlier. If a sentence starts with 'He did X', the previous sentence must have introduced 'he'. This creates an unbreakable chain. Master this, and you solve 80% of parajumbles.

• Personal pronouns (he, she, it, they) refer to the nearest appropriate noun before them
• Demonstrative pronouns (this, that, these, those) refer to ideas or things mentioned earlier
• Relative pronouns (which, who, that) connect back to a noun in the previous clause
• If a sentence uses 'it' or 'this' without a clear antecedent, it cannot be the opening
• Trace backward: if sentence C says 'they', find which sentence introduces 'they'

Connector Logic and Transition Words

Connectors are signposts that show how sentences relate. Adversative connectors (but, however, yet) show contrast. Additive connectors (and, moreover, furthermore) add information. Causal connectors (because, therefore, thus, as a result) show cause-effect. Temporal connectors (then, later, meanwhile) show time sequence. Match the connector's meaning to the logical relationship between sentences.

• Adversative: but, however, yet, nevertheless, on the other hand (show contrast)
• Additive: and, moreover, furthermore, also, in addition (add similar ideas)
• Causal: because, therefore, thus, as a result, consequently (show cause-effect)
• Temporal: then, later, meanwhile, first, finally, subsequently (show time order)
• Concessive: although, even though, despite (show unexpected contrast)
• Illustrative: for example, for instance, such as (introduce examples)

• Choosing an opening sentence that contains an undefined pronoun (e.g., 'He was brilliant' without introducing who 'he' is). Opening sentences must be self-contained.
• Ignoring connector logic and forcing sentences together just because they sound okay. 'However' cannot follow a sentence that agrees with it—it must follow a contrasting idea.
• Assuming a sentence with 'this' or 'that' can be the opening. These demonstratives always refer backward, so they cannot start a paragraph.
• Misidentifying pronoun antecedents. If sentence B says 'it', don't assume 'it' refers to the nearest noun—check if the noun is the right gender/number/type.
• Reading the sequence too quickly and not verifying it makes logical sense. Always read the final answer aloud to catch awkward transitions.

• OPEC method: Opening (find it first), Pronouns (trace chains), Examples/Connectors (check logic), Closing (should wrap up naturally).
• Pronouns point backward like arrows. If you see 'he', 'it', 'this'—draw an arrow to what they refer to. The sentence with the referent must come first.
• Connectors are traffic signs. 'But' means U-turn (contrast). 'And' means straight (addition). 'Therefore' means destination (result). Match the sign to the road.
• Opening sentence = topic introduction (no undefined pronouns). Closing sentence = conclusion or final thought. Middle sentences = building blocks with clear links.

• SSC CGL Tier 1 typically includes 1-2 parajumble questions, each worth 2 marks. They appear in the English section alongside cloze, error spotting, and reading comprehension. Time allocation: 2-3 minutes per question.
• Recent SSC CGL papers (2022-2024) have shown parajumbles with 4 sentences more frequently than 5. The difficulty is medium—not tricky, but requires careful reading of connectors and pronouns.
• Opening sentences in SSC CGL parajumbles almost never contain 'this', 'that', 'he', 'she', 'it', or 'they' without context. Use this as a quick elimination rule.
• Watch for tense shifts. If sentence A is past tense and sentence B suddenly switches to present without a logical reason, they are likely not consecutive.
• In SSC CGL, the correct answer is always among the four options given. If you're stuck between two options, re-check pronoun references and connector logic—one will fail the test.