Introduction
In Para Jumbles, pronouns play a crucial role in determining the correct sequence of sentences. A pronoun such as he, she, it, they, this, that always refers back to a noun introduced earlier.
This pattern is important because identifying the correct noun-pronoun pairing helps you immediately eliminate sentences that cannot be the first line and establish strong sentence connections.
Pattern: Pronoun–Noun Linking
Pattern
Whenever a sentence contains a pronoun that refers to another idea, the noun it refers to must appear in an earlier sentence - never after it.
Therefore, the sentence introducing a noun ALWAYS comes before the sentence using its pronoun.
Step-by-Step Example
Question
Rearrange the following sentences and determine the correct noun-pronoun link (A-D):
- A. Dr. Raman developed a new technique to store solar energy efficiently.
- B. This innovation could help remote villages access reliable electricity.
- C. It also reduces the dependency on fossil fuels.
- D. Many researchers praised his groundbreaking work.
Solution
-
Step 1: Identify pronouns and their possible referents.
- “This innovation” in B must refer to a specific innovation. - “It” in C must refer to a technique or innovation. - “his” in D must refer to a specific male person, likely Dr. Raman. -
Step 2: Find the noun that all these pronouns refer to.
Sentence A introduces “Dr. Raman” and “a new technique” → both nouns required by pronouns in C and D. -
Step 3: Establish correct dependency order.
Since B, C, and D use pronouns requiring information from A: A must come before B, C, D. -
Final Answer:
A → B → C → D → Option A (A is the anchor noun sentence). -
Quick Check:
B refers to “the technique” from A; C also refers to the same; D’s “his” = Dr. Raman. ✔️
Quick Variations
1. Sentences starting with “This/That/These/Those” always refer backward.
2. “He/She/They/It” must have a clear noun introduced earlier.
3. Sometimes more than one noun appears - choose the one the pronoun logically refers to.
Trick to Always Use
- Step 1 → Spot pronouns first before reading the paragraph fully.
- Step 2 → Identify the noun each pronoun must refer to.
- Step 3 → Place the noun-introducing sentence before its pronoun-linked sentence.
Summary
Summary
- Identify pronouns like he, she, it, they, this, that as backward references.
- Always find the noun the pronoun refers to - this determines order.
- The noun sentence ALWAYS comes before the pronoun sentence.
- Check all pronouns to confirm consistent linking across sentences.
Example to remember:
“The scientist proposed a new device. It can purify water.” → “It” refers to the device → noun comes first.
