Correct Answer: 2, 1, 4, 3

Solution : Given:
1. Smoulder 2. Smother 3. Smuggle 4. Smudge

Step 1: Compare the first letter of each word. Since all the words start with the same letter S , then move on to the next letter.
Step 2: Compare the second letter of each word. Since all words have the same second letter m , then move on to the next letter.
Step 3: The third letter of each word is either o or u . Based on the alphabetical order, the order is – Sm o ulder, Sm o ther, Sm u ggle, Sm u dge.
Step 4: Compare the fourth letter of (Smo u lder, Smo t her), and (Smu g gle, Smu d ge). Smother will come before Smoulder in the sequence as t comes before u in the alphabetical system. Similarly, Smudge will come before Smuggle as d comes before g in the alphabetical system.

So, the sequence is Smother, Smoulder, Smudge, Smuggle, or 2, 1, 4, 3. Hence, the fourth option is correct.