Key takeaways
- Para jumbles are type in the answer questions in recent CAT papers, so a wrong answer costs nothing but the time spent.
- Find the opening sentence, then the pairs that must stay together, then check the order for logic.
- Pronouns, connectors and time markers are the strongest clues.
- Spend no more than about 90 seconds before moving on.
Para jumbles give you four or five sentences in random order and ask you to type the order that makes a coherent paragraph. They are worth practising because they reward a method rather than wide reading, and in recent CAT papers they have appeared as type in the answer questions with no negative marking. This guide gives a five step method you can use on any jumble.
Step 1: read all the sentences quickly
Read every sentence once to understand the topic. Do not try to order them yet. Ask yourself what the paragraph is about and whether it tells a story, explains a process or makes an argument.
Step 2: find the opening sentence
An opening sentence can stand on its own. It introduces the subject and does not depend on anything earlier. Sentences that start with a pronoun (it, this, they), a connector (however, therefore, as a result) or a reference such as 'such' are unlikely to open the paragraph.
Step 3: find the mandatory pairs
- Pronoun to noun: a sentence with 'this method' must follow the sentence that names the method.
- Connector to idea: 'however' follows the idea it contrasts with; 'as a result' follows the cause.
- Time order: earlier events come before later ones, so look for dates and words such as later, then and today.
- General to specific: a general claim is usually followed by its example.
Step 4: build the order and check it
Combine the opening sentence and the pairs into one sequence. Read the full paragraph in that order. It should move in one direction, with no jumps backwards. If two orders seem possible, choose the one in which each sentence follows naturally from the one before.
Step 5: decide quickly
If you cannot settle the order in about 90 seconds, type your best answer and move on. Since there is no negative marking on these questions, an attempt is better than a blank, but time spent here is time taken from reading passages.
A worked example
Consider four sentences about libraries: (1) As a result, many now count visitors rather than loans. (2) Libraries once existed mainly to lend books. (3) This shift has changed what a library is for. (4) Over the past decade they have added computers, classes and study spaces. Sentence 2 can stand alone, so it opens. Sentence 4 continues with 'they', describing the change. Sentence 3 names it as 'this shift', and sentence 1 gives the result. The order is 2, 4, 3, 1.
Common traps
- Choosing an opening that begins with a pronoun.
- Linking two sentences that share a word but not an idea.
- Ignoring a connector such as 'however', which reverses direction.
- Spending three minutes on one jumble.
Practise on the para jumbles practice page, then in timed sets on the VARC practice tests. For the reading side of the section, see the VARC reading comprehension strategy, and plan your section time with the CAT time management guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do para jumbles have negative marking in CAT?
In recent CAT papers they have appeared as type in the answer questions, which carry no negative marking. Check the current pattern on the official CAT website.
How many para jumbles appear in CAT?
The number varies by year, usually a few questions within the verbal ability part of VARC.
What is the fastest way to improve?
Practise five jumbles a day using the method, and after each one note which clue settled the order.
Should I attempt para jumbles first?
Many candidates do the verbal ability questions first as a quick block before the reading passages. Try both orders in mocks and keep what works for you.