Question

The given sentence is missing in the paragraph below. Decide where it best fits among the options 1, 2, 3, or 4 indicated in the paragraph.
Sentence: “Everything is old-world, traditional techniques from Mexico,” Ava emphasizes.
Paragraph:
The sisters embrace the ways their great-grandfather built and repaired instruments. ____(1) ____. When crafting a Mexican guitarrón used in mariachi music, they use tacote wood for the top of the instrument. Once the wood is cut, they carve the neck and heel from a single block using tools like hand saws, chisels and sandpaper rather than modern power tools — and believe that this traditional method improves the tone of the instrument. ____(2) ____.
Their store has a three-year waitlist for instruments that take months to create. ____(3) ____.
The family's artisanship has attracted stars like Los Lobos, who own custom guitars made by all three generations of the Delgado family. ____(4) ____.
For the sisters, involvement in the family business started at an early age. They each built their first instruments at age 9.

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

Hint:

When placing a missing sentence, check whether it provides:

a general statement → fits early,
an example or detail → fits after specifics,
a conclusion → fits near the end.
Match its function to the surrounding lines for smooth coherence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine where the sentence “Everything is old-world, traditional techniques from Mexico,” Ava emphasizes, best fits in the paragraph, we need to analyze the given text carefully.

1. The sentence refers to "old-world, traditional techniques," which suggests it should be placed in a position where discussion of these techniques is appropriate. The paragraph talks about the sisters' embrace of traditional methods, use of specific woods, and tools for making instruments.
2. The sentence fits seamlessly after the mention of the sisters' dedication to their great-grandfather's methods. Therefore, it makes sense to place the sentence at Option 1, after, "The sisters embrace the ways their great-grandfather built and repaired instruments." This placement emphasizes the continuity of tradition from their great-grandfather's era to the present.
3. Options 2, 3, and 4 describe specific techniques and successes related to the instruments, customers, and family history, which do not align directly with the general statement about traditional techniques.

Thus, the best fit for the sentence is Option 1.

Therefore, the solution is:

Correct Answer: Option 1

Answer 2

Step 1: Understand what the missing sentence expresses.
The sentence is a direct quote summarizing the sisters' philosophy: their craftsmanship relies entirely on old-world, traditional Mexican techniques.
This is a general description of their approach, not a detail about tools, customers, or business demand.
Step 2: Look for the most logical placement.
The first sentence of the paragraph says:
{“The sisters embrace the ways their great-grandfather built and repaired instruments.”} The missing sentence perfectly elaborates on this idea by explaining what ways — old-world, traditional Mexican techniques.
Thus, placing the sentence at (1) creates a smooth connection between the statement and Ava’s emphasis.
Step 3: Check why the other positions do not fit.

Position (2) comes after a detailed description of carving and tools; inserting a broad philosophy sentence here disrupts the flow from method → belief about tone.
Position (3) is about long waitlists; a statement about traditional techniques does not logically link demand to celebrity clients.
Position (4) precedes a shift to the sisters’ early involvement; again, the quote is unrelated.
Therefore, the best placement is Option 1.