Step 1: Identifying the steps of preparing clay.
The process of preparing clay begins with adding sand and kneading (A) until it is well mixed. Then, the liquid clay is poured onto a plaster slab to dry (B), followed by letting it stand for several hours and removing excess water (C). The next step involves mixing the clay into a slurry and pouring through a screen (D), and finally, soaking the clay (E).
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (1) (A), (E), (C), (D), (B): This sequence is incorrect, as soaking (E) should come last, not first.
- (2) (A), (B), (C), (D), (E): This is the correct sequence: start with kneading, followed by pouring and drying, removing excess water, mixing, and soaking.
- (3) (E), (B), (C), (D), (A): Incorrect, as the steps are out of order.
- (4) (E), (D), (C), (B), (A): Also incorrect, as the steps do not follow the correct logical order.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct sequence is (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), which is option (2).