The beginning of the universe had, of course, been discussed for a long time
The first line (S1) is fixed. Arrange the other four lines P, Q, R and S in a logical sequence.
- S1: The beginning of the universe had, of course, been discussed for a long time.
- P: One argument of such a beginning was the feeling that it was necessary to have a first cause to explain the existence of the universe.
- Q: He pointed out that civilization is progressing, and we remember who performed this deed or developed that technique;
- R: According to a number of early cosmologies in the Jewish/Christian/Muslim tradition, the universe started at a finite and not very distant time in the past.
- S: Another argument was put forward by St. Augustine in his book, The City of God.
- QRSP
- RPSQ
- PSQR
- SQPR
Solution
The passage starts off by saying that the beginning of the universe has long been a topic of discussion. This will ideally be followed by statement R, which mentions one theory: that the start of the universe was at a definite point in time. This is supported by the reasoning in statement P where it is said that a "first cause" explains the universe’s existence. Then statements S and Q put forth another theory by St. Augustine and elaborate upon it. The pronoun "He" in statement Q is for St. Augustine in the statement S. So, SQ is mandatory pair.
The correct sequence is RPSQ.
The correct option is B.