Para Jumbles: Systematic Approach

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Identify Opening Sentence

• Independent sentence (no pronouns referring back)
• Introduces topic
• Often general statement
• Cannot start with: However, Therefore, Thus, Also

Step 2: Find Mandatory Pairs

• Pronoun references: he/she/it/they → noun
• Demonstratives: this/that/these/those → specific noun
• Connectors: however/therefore/thus → contrasting/concluding statement
• Time sequence: first/then/finally

Step 3: Identify Conclusion

• Summary statement
• Often starts with: Thus, Therefore, Hence
• Gives final perspective

Common Patterns

Problem-Solution

Problem → Evidence → Solution → Conclusion

Cause-Effect

Cause → Effect → Explanation → Implication

Chronological

Earliest → Intermediate → Recent → Current

Comparison

Topic A → Topic B → Similarity/Difference → Conclusion

Link Words to Watch

Addition

Moreover, Furthermore, Additionally, Also, Besides

Contrast

However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Conversely, Yet

Cause-Effect

Therefore, Thus, Hence, Consequently, As a result

Example

For instance, For example, Such as, Namely

CAT Strategy

• Eliminate 2 options using opening sentence
• Use mandatory pairs to eliminate 1 more
• Verify final option by reading complete paragraph
• Time limit: 90 seconds per question