Arrange the following words as per the order in the Dictionary?

(a) Practice

(b) Parrot

(c) Pencil

(d) Pen

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The correct sequence is determined by comparing the words alphabetically, letter by letter, from left to right.
First, 'Parrot' is selected as its second letter 'a' comes before the second letters of all other words ('r' and 'e').
Next, 'Pen' and 'Pencil' are compared. Since 'Pen' is a shorter word and forms the beginning of 'Pencil', it is placed first.
Following 'Pen' is 'Pencil'.
'Practice' is placed last because its second letter 'r' comes after 'a' and 'e' in the alphabet.

Option A: This option lists the words in the order they were given (a, b, c, d), which is not the correct alphabetical order.
Option C: This option incorrectly places 'Practice' (a) before 'Pencil' (c). The second letter of 'Practice' is 'r', while the second letter of 'Pencil' is 'e'. Since 'e' comes before 'r' in the alphabet, 'Pencil' must come before 'Practice'.
Option D: This option incorrectly starts the sequence with 'Pen' (d) and 'Pencil' (c). 'Parrot' (b) should be first because its second letter 'a' precedes the second letter 'e' of 'Pen' and 'Pencil'.

Visual 1: Infographic: A flowchart demonstrating the step-by-step comparison of letters to determine dictionary order for the given words.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Lexicographical Ordering as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general intelligence and reasoning question, not a clinical one. It tests logical thinking and the ability to follow a set of rules systematically.
Skills like systematic comparison and attention to detail are crucial in nursing for tasks such as checking medication names, patient records, and lab reports to prevent errors.
What if? - If the stem changed one defining clue so that b, d, c, a no longer matched, reassess the option whose mechanism, classification, or indication now fits the revised presentation.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the task: The question asks to arrange words in dictionary (alphabetical) order.
Start with the first letter of each word. If they are the same, move to the second letter.
Compare the second letters. The word with the letter that comes earliest in the alphabet is first.
If there's a tie (like with 'Pen' and 'Pencil'), continue to the next letter until the tie is broken.
Remember the rule for shorter words: If a shorter word is identical to the beginning of a longer word, the shorter word comes first.
Assemble the final sequence and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.