What Is Re-order Paragraphs?
You are given 4–6 text boxes in a randomised order and must drag them into the correct logical sequence to form a coherent passage.
Scoring
Contributes to Reading only. Scored on correct adjacent pairs — each pair of correctly sequenced boxes earns a point. For a 5-box item, there are 4 possible adjacent pairs.
Finding the Opening Sentence
The first sentence:
- Introduces a topic with a general statement.
- Does not use pronouns (he, she, they, it) that refer back to something — there is nothing before it.
- Does not start with connectors like “However,” “Therefore,” or “In addition.”
- May use a definition, a historical background, or a surprising fact to engage the reader.
Logical Connectors as Clues
| Connector | What it signals |
|---|---|
| However, Nevertheless, But | Follows a contrasting idea |
| Furthermore, In addition, Moreover | Follows a supporting point |
| Therefore, As a result, Consequently | Follows a cause |
| For example, For instance | Follows a general claim it illustrates |
| This, These, Such | Refers back to the noun in the previous box |
Step-by-Step Process
- Read all boxes quickly to understand the overall topic.
- Find the opening box (no back-references, no discourse connectors).
- Build a chain: for each box, ask “what does ‘this/these/the/they’ refer to?”
- Use connectors to confirm or reject your sequence.
Quick Reference
| Number of items | 2–3 per test |
|---|---|
| Skills assessed | Reading only |
| Format | Drag and drop to reorder |