Para Jumbles: TITA Format Guide with Practice Questions | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - CAT PDF Download

Para Jumbles are a key component of the Verbal Ability (VA) section in the CAT exam, testing your ability to arrange jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph. In recent years, particularly since CAT 2020, Para Jumbles have increasingly been presented in TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) format, making them more challenging. This guide explains Para Jumbles, the TITA format, strategies to solve them, and provides practice questions to help you prepare.

What Are Para Jumbles?

Para Jumbles, also known as sentence rearrangement questions, involve 4–5 sentences that are jumbled. Your task is to arrange them into a logical, coherent paragraph. In CAT, these questions test your understanding of logical flow, coherence, and thematic unity. Topics can range from philosophy and economics to technology and sociology, often with subtle connections between sentences.

• CAT 2024 Context: The VA section typically includes 3–4 Para Jumble questions out of 8 VA questions (total 24 VARC questions). They are often TITA-based, requiring you to type the sequence (e.g., 1-2-3-4) without options.

The Rise of TITA Format in Para Jumbles

In earlier CAT exams, Para Jumbles were often multiple-choice (MCQ), with 4 options listing possible sequences. However, since around 2020, CAT has shifted to the TITA format for most Para Jumble questions to increase difficulty and test precision:

• TITA Format: You’re given 4 sentences (labelled 1 to 4) and must type the correct sequence (e.g., 1-2-3-4) in an answer box. There are no options to choose from, so you can’t use elimination to narrow down choices.

• Number of Combinations: For 4 sentences, there are ( 4! = 24 ) possible sequences, but only one is correct. This makes TITA questions tougher, as you must deduce the sequence entirely through logical reasoning.

• Scoring: TITA questions in CAT carry +3 marks for a correct answer with no negative marking, encouraging attempts but demanding accuracy.

• Challenges: Without options, there’s no guidance or safety net. A small logical error (e.g., swapping two sentences) results in a wrong answer, and the lack of options can make time management trickier (2–3 minutes per question in a 40-minute VARC section).

Strategies for Solving TITA Para Jumbles: The 5 Golden Rules

To tackle TITA Para Jumbles effectively, use these 5 Golden Rules, which help you systematically deduce the correct sequence:

1. Spot the First Sentence: Look for a sentence that introduces the topic, sets context, or is independent. It shouldn’t start with a pronoun (e.g., “It”) or connector (e.g., “However”) needing prior context.

2. Look for Repeated Words and Idea Chains: Identify “echo words” (repeated terms or synonyms) that link sentences. For example, if “AI” is mentioned, the next sentence might elaborate on it.

3. Follow the Logical Flow of Ideas: Common patterns include cause-and-effect, general-to-specific, or problem-solution. Determine the logical progression (e.g., problem → solution).

4. Use Pronouns and Connecting Words: Pronouns (e.g., “They”) must refer to a prior noun. Connectors (e.g., “also,” “consequently”) indicate relationships between sentences, even if some are removed.

5. Make Pairs of Sentences and Build from There: Find “mandatory pairs” (e.g., a question and its answer) to form blocks, then arrange the blocks. This step-by-step approach simplifies the process.

Additional Tips:

• Read all sentences first to grasp the topic.

• Rule out sentences that can’t start (e.g., those beginning with “But”).

• Look for a concluding sentence (e.g., a summary or future projection).

• Verify your sequence by reading the paragraph to ensure it flows logically.

• Practice daily with past CAT papers or mock tests to build speed and accuracy.

​To learn more about how to solve Para Jumbles, click here. 

Practice Questions with Explanations

Below are 10 TITA Para Jumble questions at CAT-level difficulty. Each question has 4 sentences. Arrange them into a coherent paragraph and type the sequence. Explanations follow each question.

Q1: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Utilitarianism focuses on maximising overall happiness.

2. It often faces criticism for ignoring individual rights.

3. This ethical theory was developed by thinkers like Bentham.

4. A common example is sacrificing one person’s well-being for the majority.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 3-1-2-4
Explanation: 

• Sentence 3 introduces the topic (utilitarianism’s history), making it the opener. 
• Sentence 1 defines it, 2 critiques it (“It” refers to utilitarianism), and 4 gives an example of the criticism. 
• Flow: history → definition → criticism → example.

Q2: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. AI systems are increasingly used in healthcare.

2. They can diagnose diseases with high accuracy.

3. Ethical concerns arise over data privacy.

4. Patients often worry about their personal information being misused.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 1-2-3-4

Explanation: 

• Sentence 1 introduces AI in healthcare, making it the opener. 
• Sentence 2 elaborates (“They” refers to AI systems), 3 highlights a problem, and 4 specifies the concern. 
• Flow: introduction → benefit → problem → detail.

Q3: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Governments are now exploring stricter regulations.
   
2. Social media platforms connect people globally.
   
3. They also spread misinformation at an alarming rate.
   
4. This has led to public distrust in online content.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 2-3-4-1
Explanation: 

• Sentence 2: "Social media platforms connect people globally" introduces the topic of social media and its primary function, making it the logical opener as it sets the context.
• Sentence 3: "They also spread misinformation at an alarming rate" refers to "social media platforms" (via "They") and introduces a significant problem, building on the introduction by highlighting a negative aspect.
• Sentence 4: "This has led to public distrust in online content" describes the consequence of misinformation (the pronoun "This" refers to the spread of misinformation in c). It logically follows as an effect of the problem.
• Sentence 1: "Governments are now exploring stricter regulations" presents a response to the issue of distrust caused by misinformation, concluding the paragraph with a potential solution.
• Flow: Introduction (social media’s role) → Problem (misinformation) → Effect (public distrust) → Solution (regulations).

Q4: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Many lack the discipline to complete courses.
2. Online learning platforms have grown in popularity.
3. This has raised questions about their effectiveness.
4. They offer flexible access to education for students.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 2-4-1-3
Explanation: 

• Sentence 2: "Online learning platforms have grown in popularity" introduces the topic of online learning, making it the opener as it sets the stage without requiring prior context.
• Sentence 4: "They offer flexible access to education for students" elaborates on online platforms (via "They") and highlights a key benefit, logically following the introduction.
• Sentence 1: "Many lack the discipline to complete courses" introduces a problem associated with online learning, shifting the focus to a challenge faced by users.
• Sentence 3: "This has raised questions about their effectiveness" refers to the discipline issue (via "This") and concludes the paragraph by discussing the broader implication of the problem.
• Flow: Introduction (online learning) → Benefit (flexibility) → Problem (lack of discipline) → Critique (effectiveness concerns).

Q5: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. This has sparked debates over cultural identity.
2. Some communities are working to preserve their heritage.
3. Local traditions are often overshadowed by Western media.
4. Globalisation has spread cultural influences worldwide.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 4-3-1-2
Explanation: 

• Sentence 4: "Globalisation has spread cultural influences worldwide" introduces the concept of globalisation and its broad impact, serving as the opener by setting the context.
• Sentence 3: "Local traditions are often overshadowed by Western media" describes a specific effect of globalisation, focusing on the negative impact on local cultures. It logically follows d.
• Sentence 1: "This has sparked debates over cultural identity" refers to the overshadowing of local traditions (via "This") and introduces a further effect, the debates arising from cultural erosion.
• Sentence 2: "Some communities are working to preserve their heritage" presents a response to the cultural identity debates, concluding the paragraph with actions taken to address the issue.
• Flow: Cause (globalisation) → Effect (cultural overshadowing) → Further effect (debates) → Action (heritage preservation).

Q6: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Inflation has been a persistent issue in 2024.

2. The central bank raised interest rates to control it.

3. This led to higher borrowing costs for businesses.

4. Many small firms struggled to survive as a result.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 1-2-3-4
Explanation: 

• Sentence 1 sets the context (inflation), so it’s the opener. 
• Sentence 2 addresses it (“it” refers to inflation), 3 shows the effect (“This” refers to rate hike), and 4 the consequence. 
• Flow: problem → solution → effect → outcome.

Q7: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Scientists warn of worse impacts if emissions aren’t reduced.
2. Rising temperatures have accelerated glacier melting.
3. Coastal cities now face frequent flooding.
4. This has caused sea levels to rise rapidly.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 2-4-3-1
Explanation: 

• Sentence 2: "Rising temperatures have accelerated glacier melting" introduces the cause (rising temperatures) and its immediate effect, making it the opener as it sets the context.
• Sentence 4: "This has caused sea levels to rise rapidly" refers to glacier melting (via "This") and describes a further effect, logically following b.
• Sentence 3: "Coastal cities now face frequent flooding" details a consequence of rising sea levels, continuing the chain of effects.
• Sentence 1: "Scientists warn of worse impacts if emissions aren’t reduced" concludes with a warning about the broader implications, tying back to the root cause (emissions causing rising temperatures).
• Flow: Cause (rising temperatures) → Effect (sea level rise) → Impact (flooding) → Warning (future impacts).

Q8: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Public transport systems are often overcrowded.
2. City planners are seeking sustainable solutions.
3. Rapid urbanisation has strained city infrastructure.
4. Traffic congestion is a daily struggle for residents.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 3-4-1-2
Explanation: 

• Sentence 3: "Rapid urbanisation has strained city infrastructure" introduces the topic of urbanisation and its broad impact, making it the logical opener.
• Sentence 4: "Traffic congestion is a daily struggle for residents" specifies one issue caused by strained infrastructure, logically following c as a concrete example.
• Sentence 1: "Public transport systems are often overcrowded" lists another specific issue related to infrastructure strain, pairing well with d as both describe urban challenges.
• Sentence 2: "City planners are seeking sustainable solutions" concludes the paragraph by offering a response to the problems outlined in d and a.
• Flow: Problem (urbanisation) → Specific issues (traffic, transport) → Solution (city planning). Note: Sentences d and a (2-3) are closely related issues, forming a pair.

Q9: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Critics argue that resources should focus on Earth’s problems.
2. They aim to make space travel more affordable.
3. Space exploration has advanced significantly in recent years.
4. Private companies like SpaceX are leading the charge.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 3-4-2-1
Explanation: 

• Sentence 3: "Space exploration has advanced significantly in recent years" introduces the topic of space exploration, making it the opener as it sets the broad context.
• Sentence 4: "Private companies like SpaceX are leading the charge" specifies the key players driving the advancements, logically following c.
• Sentence 2: "They aim to make space travel more affordable" refers to private companies (via "They") and outlines their goal, forming a pair with d as it continues the focus on companies’ contributions.
• Sentence 1: "Critics argue that resources should focus on Earth’s problems" introduces a counterpoint to the advancements and goals, concluding the paragraph with a critique.
• Flow: Introduction (space exploration) → Actors (companies) → Goal (affordable travel) → Critique (resource allocation). Note: Sentences d and b (2-3) form a pair.

Q10: The following sentences are jumbled. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.

1. Political polarisation has increased in many democracies.

2. Social media amplifies divisive narratives.

3. This creates echo chambers among voters.

4. Compromise between parties becomes harder as a result.

View Answer  

Correct Answer: 1-2-3-4
Explanation: 

• Sentence 1 introduces polarisation, so it’s the opener. 
• Sentence 2 shows a cause, 3 an effect (“This” refers to divisive narratives), and 4 a consequence. 
• Flow: introduction → cause → effect → outcome.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

TITA Para Jumbles can trip you up if you’re not careful. Here are common errors and quick tips to dodge them, helping you score better in CAT:

• Mistake 1: Starting with the Wrong Sentence
  Choosing a sentence that depends on prior context creates an illogical paragraph.
  How to Avoid: Pick a sentence that sets the topic independently, which doesn’t need prior info.

• Mistake 2: Focusing Only on Repeated Words
  Linking sentences just because they share a term ( without checking the overall flow leads to disjointed paragraphs.
  How to Avoid: Ensure the ideas progress logically— from introduction to problem to consequence to solution.

• Mistake 3: Misplacing Sentences with Pronouns
  Placing a sentence before its referent breaks coherence.
  How to Avoid: Trace pronouns back—Sentence 2 must follow Sentence 1.

• Mistake 4: Overthinking and Wasting Time
  Spending 5+ minutes on one question eats into the 40-minute VARC section.
  How to Avoid: Cap at 2–3 minutes. Move on, revisiting if time allows.

• Mistake 5: Skipping the Final Check
  Submitting without re-reading misses errors, like a sentence out of place.
  How to Avoid: Read your sequence; adjust if something feels off.

Avoid these pitfalls by applying the 5 Golden Rules systematically to improve accuracy in TITA Para Jumbles.