Question

Read the following statements and answer the question that follows: 1. This is Russia’s Wild West, though the mountains lie to the south of Moscow and St. Petersburg. 2. The Caucasus range has throughout history held Russians, especially fierce nationalists like Solzhenitsyn, in fear and awe. 3. Here, between the Black and Caspian seas, is a land bridge where Europe gradually vanishes amid a six-hundred-mile chain of mountains as high as eighteen thousand feet – mesmerizing in their spangled beauty, especially after the yawning and flat mileage of the steppe lands to the north. 4. Here, since the seventeenth century, Russian colonizers have tried to subdue congeries of proud peoples: Chechens, Ingush, Ossetes, Daghestanis, Abkhaz, Kartvelians, Kakhetians, Armenians, Azeris, and others. 5. Here, the Russians encountered Islam in both its moderation and implacability. Which of the following options is the best logical order of the above statements?

• A. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• B. 2, 3, 1, 4, 5
• C. 2, 4, 3, 1, 5
• D. 3, 1, 2, 4, 5
• E. 4, 5, 3, 1, 2

Hint:

In paragraph-ordering questions, always begin with the most general or introductory statement, then move to geographical or descriptive details, followed by historical/cultural events, and conclude with broader implications or consequences.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identify the opening statement
Statement 2 introduces the Caucasus range and its historic importance, setting the right context. Hence, (2) should come first.

Step 2: Provide geographical description
After the introduction, statement 3 logically describes the geography of the region between the Black and Caspian Seas. This naturally follows as background detail.

Step 3: Locate a transitional connection
Statement 1 then connects the Caucasus to the Russian perspective, calling it “Russia’s Wild West.” This transitions from geography to perception.

Step 4: Historical conflict and cultural encounters
Statement 4 discusses how Russians attempted to subdue various ethnic groups in the region since the 17th century. This logically follows the perception from statement 1.

Step 5: Final closure with religion
Finally, statement 5 concludes by noting Russia’s encounter with Islam in the region, showing cultural and religious confrontation.

Thus, the correct sequence is: 2 \(\Rightarrow\) 3 \(\Rightarrow\) 1 \(\Rightarrow\) 4 \(\Rightarrow\) 5.

Final Answer: (B) 2, 3, 1, 4, 5