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. Soon all was quiet in the house: everyone was asleep.
A. The snowstorm had not subsided; the wind blew in their faces as if trying to stop the young criminal.
B. Her maid followed her with two bundles.
C. They descended into the garden.
D. Masha wrapped herself in a shawl, put on a warm cloak, took her small box in her hand, and went down the back staircase.
S2. With difficulty they reached the end of the garden.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The goal is to arrange sentences A, B, C, and D between S1 and S2 to form a coherent paragraph. S1 sets the scene: everyone is asleep. S2 describes the characters reaching the end of the garden with difficulty.
S1: Soon all was quiet in the house: everyone was asleep.
D must follow S1 as it describes the start of the action: Masha prepares to leave the house.
B logically follows D, as her maid joins her with bundles.
C describes the next action: they go into the garden.
A describes the conditions in the garden (snowstorm, wind) which explains the difficulty mentioned in S2.
S2: With difficulty they reached the end of the garden.
The logical sequence is DBCA, which corresponds to option (B).