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. 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. Confidence is either a gift or an acquisition.
A. Whenever an opportunity is accepted, opposite effects follow: the fact of acceptance tends to strengthen fain in self, even though the outcome be not altogether satisfactory, provided the will persists to accept other opportunities.
B. Whenever an opportunity is declined because of fear, confidence is weakened; that, the lack of it is emphasized in consciousness.
C. Etheric vibrations are induced which injuriously affect the subconscious mind or confirm existing psychic states.
D. In the latter case, it is born of opportunities successfully taken.
S2. Under this method the growth of confidence is not stopped by occasional failures.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Logical Breakdown:
The correct sequence is DBCA.
S1 (The Lead): 'Confidence is either a gift or an acquisition.'
This sets up a dichotomy: confidence is either something you are born with (a gift) or something you learn (an acquisition).
D (Connecting to the 'latter case'): 'In the latter case, it is born of opportunities successfully taken.'
'Latter case' refers directly back to the second option mentioned in S1: acquisition. This makes D the only logical sentence to follow S1.
B (The Action-Reaction/Fear): 'Whenever an opportunity is declined because of fear, confidence is weakened; that, the lack of it is emphasized in consciousness.'
This describes the negative side of the 'acquisition' process—how one fails to gain confidence.
C (The Negative Consequence): 'Etheric vibrations are induced which injuriously affect the subconscious mind or confirm existing psychic states.'
This explains the internal mechanism of what happens when confidence is not acquired correctly or is undermined.
A (The Positive Alternative): 'Whenever an opportunity is accepted, opposite effects follow: the fact of acceptance tends to strengthen faith in self...'
This provides the contrast to sentence B, explaining how the 'method' of accepting opportunities builds confidence.
S2 (The Conclusion): 'Under this method the growth of confidence is not stopped by occasional failures.'
'This method' refers to the process of accepting opportunities described in sentence A, providing a cohesive finish to the thought.