Given below are six sentences taken from a paragraph. The first and the last sentences are numbered S1 and S2 and are placed in the first and last positions respectively and are fixed in their positions. The other four sentences between the first and last sentences are jumbled up and are numbered A, B, C, and D. Rearrange the jumbled sentences in a logical sequence keeping the unity and coherence of the paragraph intact. Choose the correct alternative that best describes the sequence.
S1. But the voice of Sofia did not change as she said these words.
A. Even this evening, passed alone with this strange girl, seemed to him something predestined and long awaited.
B. Her face wore such a frank expression, her tone was so simple, so pure, so convinced, that Roberto felt no surprise at hearing her discuss love with such sureness.
C. When they separated they gazed directly into each other's faces, as though they wished to be sure of recognizing each other again.
D. Nothing now surprised him; everything seemed natural, to be expected.
S2. Sofia held out her hand, Roberto took it and bowed over it; a portiére fell heavily behind him.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
To rearrange the sentences into a logical sequence, we need to follow the narrative flow from Sofia’s words to the moment Roberto leaves.
Step-by-Step Analysis
S1 (Fixed): "But the voice of Sofia did not change as she said these words."
This sentence introduces Sofia speaking and sets a tone of calmness or "sureness."
Sentence B: "Her face wore such a frank expression, her tone was so simple... that Roberto felt no surprise at hearing her discuss love with such sureness."
This directly follows S1 by describing the effect of her voice and tone on Roberto. It explains why he wasn't surprised.
Sentence D: "Nothing now surprised him; everything seemed natural, to be expected."
This expands on Roberto's feeling of "no surprise" mentioned at the end of sentence B.
Sentence A: "Even this evening, passed alone with this strange girl, seemed to him something predestined and long awaited."
This provides a specific example of why everything felt "natural" and "expected" (D). The evening felt "predestined."
Sentence C: "When they separated they gazed directly into each other’s faces, as though they wished to be sure of recognizing each other again."
This marks the transition toward the end of their meeting, describing the moment they begin to part.
S2 (Fixed): "Sofia held out her hand, Roberto took it and bowed over it; a portiére fell heavily behind him."
The correct sequence is BDAC.