SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 71

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level - 1st August 2025 - Shift 2 • English • Q71

Which of the given options is the most logical sequencing of the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph?

1. Our negligence has potentially contaminated the food-chain.
2. It is mainly caused by poor waste management.
3. Plastic pollution is a serious problem affecting our environment.
4. We need to switch to eco-friendly alternatives before it is too late.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Correct Answer

3-2-1-4

Explanation

The question asks you to arrange four sentences into a logical, coherent paragraph. To solve sentence-sequencing questions efficiently, look for the main introductory topic, pronoun references, and a clear problem-to-solution structure.

Let's break down the logical connection between the sentences:

First, look for an independent introductory statement. Sentence 3 explicitly introduces the core subject of the paragraph: "Plastic pollution is a serious problem affecting our environment." This is the only sentence that defines the topic without relying on a pronoun or a pre-established context, making it the perfect opening anchor.

Second, trace the pronoun reference. Sentence 2 begins with "It is mainly caused by...", where the pronoun "It" directly refers back to the problem introduced in the first sentence ("Plastic pollution"). Therefore, Sentence 2 must immediately follow Sentence 3.

Third, look for the escalating impact of the problem. Sentence 1 builds upon the concept of pollution by showing how human actions have worsened it: "Our negligence has potentially contaminated the food-chain."

Fourth, identify the concluding call to action. Sentence 4 provides the final solution or warning to resolve the crisis: "We need to switch to eco-friendly alternatives before it is too late." A solution or call to action naturally concludes an argumentative or informative paragraph.

Following this structural framework gives the precise sequence: 3-2-1-4. This makes Option 4 the correct choice.

Key Points

Solving paragraph reconstruction questions is often easier when you spot the classic "Topic Introduction - Cause - Effect - Solution" structure commonly used in essay writing.

Sentences starting with pronouns like "It", "They", or "This" can almost never be the opening sentence of a paragraph because they require a preceding noun to give them meaning.