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. While speaking he gradually held the watch nearer till it almost touched the child's pale face, which plainly showed the struggle that was going on in his soul between covetousness and respect for hospitality.
A. Meanwhile, the watch was slowly swaying and turning, sometimes brushing against his cheek.
B. The face was light blue; the cases newly burnished.
C. Finally, his right hand was gradually stretched toward it; the ends of his fingers touched it; then its whole weight was in his hand,
the adjutant still keeping hold of the chain.
D. His breast swelled with emotion; he seemed about to suffocate.
S2. In the sunlight it seemed to be all on fire.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer given in the Question File is (C) DACB, which is incorrect. The correct answer should be (B) ADCB.
Step-by-Step Logical Sequence:
S1 (Fixed): The scene is set with a man holding a watch near a child's face, noting the child's internal struggle.
Sentence A: 'Meanwhile, the watch was slowly swaying...'
This follows S1 naturally by describing the immediate physical action of the watch mentioned in the first sentence.
Sentence D: 'His breast swelled with emotion; he seemed about to suffocate.'
This describes the child's physical reaction to the watch being so close and the internal struggle mentioned in S1.
Sentence C: 'Finally, his right hand was gradually stretched toward it...'
The word 'Finally' indicates the culmination of the tension described in A and D, where the child finally reaches out to touch the object.
Sentence B: 'The face was light blue; the cases newly burnished.'
Now that the child has the watch in his hand (from C), he can see its details closely. This sentence describes the specific appearance of the watch.
S2 (Fixed): 'In the sunlight it seemed to be all on fire.'
This provides a concluding visual description, complementing the 'burnished' cases mentioned in B.
The correct sequence is ADCB.
S2 concludes the paragraph, describing how the watch looked in the sunlight.