Correct Answer: 3, 2, 1, 4, 5

Solution : Given:
1. Continuation 2. Contention 3. Contain 4. Continuous 5. Count

Step 1: Compare the first letter of each word. Since all the words start with the same letter C , then move on to the next letter.
Step 2: The second letter of each word is the same, i.e., o . So, move on to the next letter.
Step 3: The third letter of each word is either n or u . Based on the alphabetical order of these letters, we can arrange them – Co n tinuation, Co n tention, Co n tain, Co n tinuous, Co u nt .
Step 4: The fourth letter of ( Con t inuation, Con t ention, Con t ain, Con t inuous ) is the same, i.e., t . So, move on to the next letter.
Step 5: Compare the fifth letter of ( Cont i nuation, Cont e ntion, Cont a in, Cont i nuous ). Contain will come before Continuation, Contention, and Continuous in the sequence as a comes before i and e . Similarly, Contention will come before Continuation, and Continuous as e comes before i .
Step 6: The sixth and the seventh letters of Conti nu ation and Conti nu ous are the same, i.e., n and u . So, move on to the next letter.
Step 7: Compare the eighth letter of (Continu a tion, Continu o us). Continuation will come before Continuous as a comes before o .

So, the sequence is Contain, Contention, Continuation, Continuous, Count, or 3, 2, 1, 4, 5. Hence, the fourth option is correct.