Question

Arrange the different parts in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence/paragraph.
P: The accommodation theory, in linguistics, starts from the premise that speech accommodation takes place when people modify their speech so that it conforms more with the way their conversational partners speak
Q: For example, the speed at which people talk, the length of both pauses and utterances, the kind of vocabulary and syntax used, as well as intonation, voice pitch and pronunciation are all subject to the accommodation process.
R: A wide range of subtle adaptations have been observed, which tend to occur more or less unconsciously
S: This kind of convergence is by no means an automatic feature of all conversations, and we can discern certain social contexts in which accommodation can be predicted.
a) QSPR
b) SPQR
c) PRQS
d) PQRS

Answer 1

Hint:The first or the introductory sentence of a passage should talk about the topic and helps in introducing it. It is crucial to read the options and understand the motive behind it.

Complete answer:
As given in the hint, we need to look for the introductory sentence from the given options.
The ‘P’ sentence introduces the accommodation theory and expresses the importance of speech as people tend to modify their speech patterns depending upon their conversational partners.
Next, we can see the ‘R’ sentence that explains the adaptation forms in which modifications can occur. Hence, ‘R’ is in continuation of ‘P’.
In ‘Q’ sentence, we can see some examples of the adaptations mentioned in ‘R’ sentence. Hence, ‘Q’ is in continuation of ‘R’.
In the last sentence, ‘S’ acts as a concluding statement for the given topic and states that the given convergence is not automated.
Now, let’s look at the given options-
Option a- ‘QSPR’ is an incorrect option as ‘P’ is the introductory sentence and it should be placed at the beginning.
Option b- ‘SPQR’ is an incorrect option as ‘P’ is the introductory sentence and it should be placed at the beginning.
Option c- ‘PRQS’ is the correct option as ‘P’ is the introductory sentence while ‘S’ is the concluding sentence.
Option d- ‘PQRS’ is an incorrect option as ‘Q’ states the examples that have been mentioned in ‘R’. Hence, ‘R’ should be followed by ‘Q’.
So, the correct answer is “Option c”.

Note:
 Whenever we need to arrange different sentences in a sequence to form a meaningful passage; we need to highlight the topic explained and justified in the sentences.