Question

Read the following sentences and choose the option that best arranges them in a logical order.
I. It is certainly true that the critics – those persons whom the dictionary describes as “skilled in judging the qualities or merits of some class of things, especially of literary or artistic work” – have long harboured murderous thoughts about the conditions of drama, but their ineffectuality as public executioners is legendary.
II. But not close enough, it would seem, for this “marriage” constitutes the case of an absolute desire encountering a relative compliance.
III. The reviewers, by contrast, come close to being the most loyal and effective allies the commercial theatre could possibly desire.
IV. Perhaps the greatest irony in a situation bursting with ironies is the reiterated idea that the critics are killing the theatre.
V. We all know that when theatre people or members of the public refer to the critics, they nearly always mean the reviewers.

• A. V, IV, III, II, I
• B. IV, V, I, III, II
• C. IV, I, V, II, III
• D. II, V, IV, I, III
• E. I, IV, V, II, III

Hint:

In para-jumbles, start with the broad theme (IV here), then refine with clarifications (V, I), contrast (III), and close with an evaluative sentence (II).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identify the introductory statement.
Sentence IV sets the context by talking about the irony that critics are “killing” the theatre. This is the thematic opening.
Step 2: Clarify who the critics are.
Sentence V follows naturally: it clarifies that when people say “critics,” they usually mean “reviewers.” This narrows the focus.
Step 3: Explain critics’ position.
Sentence I elaborates on critics, describing their ineffectuality despite harsh judgments. This logically follows V.
Step 4: Contrast with reviewers.
Sentence III introduces the contrast, describing reviewers as loyal allies of theatre. This balances the earlier mention of critics.
Step 5: Conclude with irony of compliance.
Sentence II provides the final evaluative closure, emphasizing the incomplete match (“absolute desire vs. relative compliance”).
Thus, the correct sequence is: \[ \boxed{IV \;\;\rightarrow\;\; V \;\;\rightarrow\;\; I \;\;\rightarrow\;\; III \;\;\rightarrow\;\; II} \]