Question

The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, and 4) given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.
1. As books age, the cellulose and lignin in the paper begin to break down, releasing a mix of volatile organic compounds into the air.
2. Old books carry a scent that many people instantly recognize—and even love.
3. These compounds are benzaldehyde, which gives off an almond-like scent, vanillin, which smells like vanilla, ethyl hexanol (floral scent), toluene (sweet), and furfural (which has a slightly bready scent).
4. This familiar aroma isn’t just dust or mildew; it’s actually a result of slow chemical changes happening inside the paper and ink.

• A. Option 2
• B. Option 4
• C. Option 1
• D. Option 3

Hint:

When sequencing sentences, focus on the natural flow of ideas, ensuring that each sentence logically connects to the next.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Approach (pronoun-anchor chaining): Forget reading for meaning first — just chase the back-pointing words, because each one forces a fixed pair, and a few forced pairs pin the whole order.

Step 1 — Pair the demonstratives: Sentence 3 opens with “$These$ compounds are...” — it must follow a sentence that first mentions the compounds. Only Sentence 1 introduces “volatile organic compounds.” So the pair 1→3 is mandatory.

Step 2 — Pair “This familiar aroma”: Sentence 4 says “$This$ familiar aroma isn’t just dust...” — it needs a prior mention of the aroma. Sentence 2 supplies “a scent that many people recognize.” So 2→4 is mandatory, and 2 has no back-reference itself, making it the head.

Step 3 — Join the blocks: Sentence 4 says the aroma comes from “slow chemical changes”; Sentence 1 then explains those changes (cellulose/lignin breakdown). So 4 leads into 1, giving 4→1, which welds the two pairs: 2→4→1→3.

Step 4 — Verify the head and tail: Only 2 lacks any backward pointer (valid opener); only 3 ends the cause-then-detail flow with a concrete list (valid closer). The sequence is internally consistent.

Final answer: 2-4-1-3 — Option 4.