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. I was an outsider, and, as I had no special matters to air, I was able to spend the evening independently of the others.
A. He was tall, rather thin, very serious, and well dressed.
B. He was the first to attract my attention.
C. There was another gentleman present who like myself had just stumbled upon this affair of domestic bliss.
D. His appearance was not that of a man of birth or high family.
S2. Apparently he had no heart for the family festivities.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
S1 to C: After stating that the narrator is an "outsider," it is logical to introduce the only other person in a similar situation. Sentence C mentions "another gentleman present who like myself had just stumbled upon this affair," creating a direct link to the "outsider" status in S1.
C to B: Once this gentleman is introduced, the narrator narrows the focus. Sentence B states "He was the first to attract my attention," which transitions from the group to this specific individual.
Next comes ‘D’ as ‘A’ is directly linked to S2.
So, the correct sequence is C, B, D, A.