Identify the opening sentence
The first thing that you need to do is to identify the opening sentence of the paragraph. If you can do that, then you will be able to fix at least one sentence in its position. The opening sentence generally introduces you to the topic.
Identify the closing sentence
The second step is to identify the sentence with which the paragraph could possibly close. This is actually a logical extension of the above point only and forms a continuation of the same.
Identify mandatory pairs
One of the most important methods to solve a para-jumble is to identify mandatory pairs. These are basically groupings which will occur in a defined order. Once you identify such pairs, all you need to do is co-relate them with the answer options, voila, your question is solved.
Identifying transition words
TTransition words imply a shift from one idea to another in a paragraph. They function like logical connectors in sentences. Observing the transition words found in a sentence will lead you to the correct mandatory pair for the question. In fact, that is the role of transition words, to help you in identifying mandatory pairs.
Commonly used transition words are:
also, again, as well as, besides, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly, consequently, hence, otherwise, subsequently, therefore, thus, as a rule, generally, for instance, for example, for one thing, above all, aside from, barring, besides, in other words, in short, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, first of all, to begin with, at the same time, for now, for the time being, in time, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind, after all, all in all, to sum up.
Identify pronoun antecedents
Following are some of the personal pronouns that are used: he, she, it, him, her, they, you, your, etc. Personal pronouns always refer to a person, place or thing etc. Therefore, the use of personal pronoun in a sentence can imply that the person or thing being referred to was mentioned in a previous statement. This can provide you with important mandatory pairs.