Directions (26-27): Rearrange the following five sentences (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the question given below. (A) The development of the electronic computer began in the 20th century, with machines like ENIAC marking a significant leap. (B) Early computing devices such as the abacus and mechanical calculators laid the foundation for modern machines. (C) Over time, computers evolved rapidly, moving from bulky machines to compact, powerful personal computers. (D) In the 19th century, Charles Babbage conceptualized the Analytical Engine, often regarded as the first mechanical computer design. (E) This evolution continued into the 21st century, leading to innovations like smartphones and cloud computing.

Explanation

Correct sequence: B → D → A → C → E Explanation: 1. (B) – "Early computing devices such as the abacus and mechanical calculators laid the foundation for modern machines." o Introduces the earliest phase of computing history. Naturally serves as the starting point. 2. (D) – "In the 19th century, Charles Babbage conceptualized the Analytical Engine, often regarded as the first mechanical computer design." o Chronologically follows (B), introducing a key historical figure and innovation in computing history. 3. (A) – "The development of the electronic computer began in the 20th century, with machines like ENIAC marking a significant leap." o Moves into the next major era: the rise of electronic computers. 4. (C) – "Over time, computers evolved rapidly, moving from bulky machines to compact, powerful personal computers." o Continues from (A) to explain the progression in computer size and accessibility. 5. (E) – "This evolution continued into the 21st century, leading to innovations like smartphones and cloud computing." o Concludes the paragraph by connecting the historical narrative to the modern era and current technologies. Why this order works (chronological flow): • B introduces the earliest devices (abacus, mechanical calculators) as the foundation. • D moves to the 19th century with Babbage’s Analytical Engine concept. • A shifts to the 20th century and the first electronic computers like ENIAC. • C explains the rapid evolution from bulky machines to personal computers. • E brings it to the 21st century: smartphones and cloud computing. Why This Is the Only Possible Sequence: • The paragraph follows a clear chronological structure: from ancient → 19th century → 20th century → personal computers → modern innovations. • Each sentence builds logically and temporally upon the previous. • Reordering disrupts the historical flow and leaves pronouns like “this evolution” (in E) without an antecedent. • For example: o Starting with (A) skips foundational history. o Ending with (B) or (D) disrupts the timeline by ending on older technologies.