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OHCS Graduate Entrance study materials
OHCS Graduate Entrance study resources

OHCS Graduate Entrance practice questions

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Question 1Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

What is the primary role of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service (OHCS) in Ghana?

  1. To manage the human resources, capacity development, and organizational structures of the Civil Service Correct answer.
  2. To formulate national economic policies and manage the country's national debt
  3. To prosecute corrupt public officials and enforce criminal laws
  4. To coordinate and supervise all security services and police operations

Explanation

The OHCS is responsible for the human resource management of the Civil Service, which includes recruitment guidelines, training policies, performance management, promotion processes, and organizational development of ministries and departments.

Question 2Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Which of the following is considered a core value of the Ghana Civil Service?

  1. Political Neutrality Correct answer.
  2. Partisan Activism
  3. Public Whistleblowing without Verification
  4. Commercial Profit Maximization

Explanation

Political neutrality is a cornerstone of the Ghana Civil Service. Civil servants must serve the government of the day with loyalty and dedication, regardless of their own personal political beliefs, and must not engage in active partisan politics.

Question 3Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

On which date did Ghana transition into a sovereign independent nation, ending British colonial rule?

  1. 6th March 1957 Correct answer.
  2. 1st July 1960
  3. 7th January 1993
  4. 28th February 1948

Explanation

Ghana gained independence on 6th March 1957 under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule.

Question 4Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Who was the first President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana?

  1. Jerry John Rawlings Correct answer.
  2. John Agyekum Kufuor
  3. Kwame Nkrumah
  4. Hilla Limann

Explanation

Jerry John Rawlings was elected in 1992 and sworn in on 7th January 1993 as the first President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, serving two terms until 2001.

Question 5Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

What does the abbreviation 'MDA' stand for in Ghanaian public administration?

  1. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies Correct answer.
  2. Municipal and District Assemblies
  3. Management and Development Authority
  4. Ministry of Defense and Aviation

Explanation

MDAs stands for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, which represent the central government institutions responsible for policy formulation and implementation in Ghana.

Question 6Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

In public administration, what does the term 'impartiality' require of a civil servant?

  1. Providing advice and services to the public and government without bias, prejudice, or favoritism Correct answer.
  2. Refusing to make any decisions to avoid showing bias
  3. Supporting the policies of all political parties equally in public
  4. Favouring candidates from one's own region to ensure equity

Explanation

Impartiality means that civil servants must perform their duties and serve the public in a fair, objective, and unbiased manner, without allowing personal relationships, ethnicity, or political bias to influence their actions.

Question 7Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Choose the option that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word 'DILIGENT'.

  1. Indolent Correct answer.
  2. Assiduous
  3. Meticulous
  4. Tenacious

Explanation

Diligent means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. Indolent, which means lazy or wanting to avoid activity, is its direct antonym. Assiduous, meticulous, and tenacious are all synonyms or related positive traits.

Question 8Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Read the following statement and choose the logical deduction: 'All graduates of the academy are fluent in French. Kwame is a graduate of the academy.'

  1. Kwame is fluent in French. Correct answer.
  2. Kwame is the only graduate who is fluent in French.
  3. French is Kwame's first language.
  4. Everyone who is fluent in French graduated from the academy.

Explanation

This is a classic syllogism. Since the first premise states that all graduates are fluent in French, and the second premise places Kwame within that group, it logically follows that Kwame must be fluent in French. The other options make unsupported claims.

Question 9Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Complete the following analogy: 'EPIDEMIC is to DISEASE as INFLATION is to ______'.

  1. Currency Correct answer.
  2. Recession
  3. Deflation
  4. Economy

Explanation

An epidemic is a rapid, widespread increase or outbreak of a disease. Similarly, inflation is a rapid, widespread increase in the price level, which directly diminishes the purchasing power of currency. Thus, currency is the most appropriate counterpart in this analogy.

Question 10Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Identify the sentence that is grammatically correct.

  1. Each of the civil servants is expected to submit their report by Friday.
  2. Each of the civil servants are expected to submit their report by Friday.
  3. Each of the civil servants is expected to submit his or her report by Friday. Correct answer.
  4. Each of the civil servants are expected to submit his or her report by Friday.

Explanation

The pronoun 'each' is singular and must take a singular verb ('is') and a singular pronoun ('his or her'). Although plural 'their' is widely accepted in casual usage, 'his or her' is grammatically correct in formal, prescriptive grammar when referring back to a singular antecedent.

Question 11Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Select the word that is most nearly similar in meaning to 'EQUIVOCAL'.

  1. Ambiguous Correct answer.
  2. Unmistakable
  3. Resolute
  4. Transparent

Explanation

Equivocal means open to more than one interpretation or ambiguous. It refers to something that is intentionally vague or misleading. Unmistakable, resolute, and transparent are antonyms.

Question 12Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

In the sentence, 'The director's explanation was so _____ that no one understood the new policy,' which word best fits the blank?

  1. Convoluted Correct answer.
  2. Lucid
  3. Succinct
  4. Plausible

Explanation

The sentence indicates that the explanation resulted in no one understanding the policy, which means the explanation must have been complex or confusing. Convoluted means extremely complex and difficult to follow, fitting the context perfectly. Lucid and succinct mean clear and brief, which would have helped understanding, and plausible means believable.

Question 13Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined portion: 'The minister, along with his deputies, have arrived at the conference hall.'

  1. has arrived Correct answer.
  2. have arrived
  3. having arrived
  4. are arriving

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is 'The minister', which is singular. Parenthetical phrases introduced by 'along with', 'as well as', or 'together with' do not change the number of the singular subject. Therefore, the singular verb 'has arrived' is required.

Question 14Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Read the passage and answer the question: 'Ghana's public sector reforms aim to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery. However, resistance to change among mid-level managers poses a significant hurdle. Without targeted training and performance-based incentives, these reforms risk becoming mere paperwork.' What is the primary bottleneck identified in the passage?

  1. Resistance to change by mid-level managers Correct answer.
  2. Lack of financial funding from the government
  3. Inefficient top-level leadership
  4. The excessive use of physical paperwork

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that 'resistance to change among mid-level managers poses a significant hurdle' to the public sector reforms. This identifies them as the primary bottleneck or hurdle to successful implementation.

Question 15Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Choose the word that does NOT belong with the other three.

  1. Pragmatic
  2. Idealistic Correct answer.
  3. Practical
  4. Utilitarian

Explanation

Pragmatic, practical, and utilitarian all relate to being realistic, functional, and hands-on. Idealistic means guided by ideals or principles, often in a way that is impractical, making it the odd one out.

Question 16Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Select the option that represents the logical conclusion: 'If it rains, the civil service outdoor event will be postponed. The event was not postponed.'

  1. It did not rain. Correct answer.
  2. It did rain, but they ignored the rule.
  3. The event was held indoors.
  4. It will rain tomorrow instead.

Explanation

This follows the logical rule of Modus Tollens (denying the consequent). If P implies Q, and Q is false (not postponed), then P must be false (it did not rain).

Question 17Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Complete the following: 'An administrative officer who is described as 'scrupulous' is one who is extremely _____.'

  1. Honest and attentive to details Correct answer.
  2. Hesitant and unsure of decisions
  3. Clever and politically active
  4. Severe and harsh in discipline

Explanation

Scrupulous means diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details, as well as very concerned to avoid doing wrong (honorable/honest). This is a vital trait for civil servants.

Question 18Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

What is the synonym of the word 'EFFICACY'?

  1. Effectiveness Correct answer.
  2. Efficiency
  3. Effort
  4. Elegance

Explanation

Efficacy refers to the ability to produce a desired or intended result, which is the definition of effectiveness. Efficiency is about minimizing waste in resources, effort is physical/mental energy, and elegance is grace.

Question 19Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Identify the word that best completes the sentence: 'The committee was impressed by the candidate's ____ and clear presentation of complex economic data.'

  1. Coherent Correct answer.
  2. Ambivalent
  3. Superfluous
  4. Tedious

Explanation

A clear and logical presentation is best described as coherent. Ambivalent means having mixed feelings, superfluous means unnecessary, and tedious means boring and slow.

Question 20Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: 'To throw cold water on' an initiative.

  1. To discourage or be negative about it Correct answer.
  2. To wash away its flaws
  3. To accelerate its approval
  4. To refresh the team's energy

Explanation

To throw/pour cold water on something means to discourage, criticize, or express doubt about an idea or plan, dampening enthusiasm for it.

Question 21Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

In public administration reports, clarity is paramount. Choose the option that is most concise and free of redundancy.

  1. The ministry will review the policy annually. Correct answer.
  2. The ministry will review the policy on an annual basis every year.
  3. The ministry will perform a review of the policy once a year annually.
  4. The ministry will review the policy on a year-by-year basis each year.

Explanation

Option A is concise and directly expresses the message. The other options contain redundant phrases (e.g., 'annual basis every year', 'once a year annually', 'year-by-year basis each year') which repeat the same time frequency constraint.

Question 22Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Choose the word that is closest in meaning to 'REDUNDANT'.

  1. Superfluous Correct answer.
  2. Essential
  3. Deficient
  4. Innovative

Explanation

Redundant means no longer needed or useful; superfluous. Essential means absolutely necessary, deficient means lacking, and innovative means introducing new ideas.

Question 23Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: 'Due to the _____ of data, the board decided to postpone their decision until more information could be gathered.'

  1. Paucity Correct answer.
  2. Plethora
  3. Credibility
  4. Redundancy

Explanation

The sentence indicates that the board postponed the decision because they needed 'more information', meaning there was a lack of data. Paucity means the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or scarcity. Plethora means an excess, which would not require gathering more info.

Question 24Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Read the following argument: 'Governments should invest in digital literacy. If citizens are digitally literate, they can access e-government portals. Accessing these portals reduces processing times for administrative requests.' What is the primary conclusion of the argument?

  1. Digital literacy investment leads to reduced administrative processing times. Correct answer.
  2. E-government portals are difficult to build.
  3. All citizens currently have access to the internet.
  4. Digital literacy is more important than basic numeracy.

Explanation

The argument links three clauses: Investment in digital literacy -> Citizens access portals -> Portals reduce processing times. The ultimate outcome (primary conclusion) is that investing in digital literacy leads to reduced processing times.

Question 25Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Identify the misspelled word from the list below.

  1. Bureaucracy
  2. Commitment
  3. Harrassment Correct answer.
  4. Liaison

Explanation

The correct spelling of the word is 'Harassment' (with a single 'r' and double 's'). Bureaucracy, commitment, and liaison are spelled correctly.

Question 26Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Which of the following is the most logical order of sentences to form a coherent paragraph? 1. This decentralization aims to empower local communities. 2. In recent years, Ghana has pushed for greater local governance. 3. Consequently, decision-making is brought closer to the citizens.

  1. 2, 1, 3 Correct answer.
  2. 1, 2, 3
  3. 3, 2, 1
  4. 2, 3, 1

Explanation

Sentence 2 introduces the topic (local governance). Sentence 1 explains a feature of this topic ('This decentralization...'). Sentence 3 shows the final result of that feature ('Consequently...'). The logical flow is therefore 2, 1, 3.

Question 27Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A clerk processes 25 files in 4 hours. At this rate, how many files can the clerk process in a 40-hour work week?

  1. 250 Correct answer.
  2. 100
  3. 200
  4. 400

Explanation

The processing rate is 25 files per 4 hours. To find the files processed in 40 hours, set up a proportion: (25 files / 4 hours) * 40 hours = 25 * 10 = 250 files.

Question 28Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

The price of an office printer increases by 20%, and then decreases by 10%. What is the net percentage change in the price of the printer?

  1. 8% increase Correct answer.
  2. 10% increase
  3. 12% increase
  4. 18% increase

Explanation

Let the initial price be 100. After a 20% increase, the price becomes 120. A 10% decrease on 120 is 12 (120 * 0.10). The final price is 120 - 12 = 108. The net change is 108 - 100 = 8% increase.

Question 29Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A project team of 6 workers can complete a data entry task in 10 days. How many days will it take 15 workers to complete the same task, assuming all work at the same rate?

  1. 4 days Correct answer.
  2. 3 days
  3. 5 days
  4. 8 days

Explanation

This is an inverse proportion problem. The total work is measured in worker-days: 6 workers * 10 days = 60 worker-days. To find the days needed by 15 workers: 60 worker-days / 15 workers = 4 days.

Question 30Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

If a government department spends 3/8 of its annual budget on salaries and 1/4 on equipment, what fraction of the budget is left for development projects?

  1. 3/8 Correct answer.
  2. 5/8
  3. 1/2
  4. 1/8

Explanation

Add the fractions of spent budget: 3/8 + 1/4 = 3/8 + 2/8 = 5/8. The remaining budget is the whole minus the spent portion: 1 - 5/8 = 8/8 - 5/8 = 3/8.

Question 31Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

The average score of 5 candidates in an entry interview is 72. If the scores of four candidates are 65, 80, 70, and 75, what is the score of the fifth candidate?

  1. 70 Correct answer.
  2. 68
  3. 72
  4. 78

Explanation

The total score of all 5 candidates is average * count = 72 * 5 = 360. Sum the four known scores: 65 + 80 + 70 + 75 = 290. The fifth score is 360 - 290 = 70.

Question 32Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A file cabinet is purchased for GH¢ 800 and sold later for GH¢ 640. What is the percentage loss on the sale?

  1. 20% Correct answer.
  2. 16%
  3. 25%
  4. 15%

Explanation

The loss amount is cost price minus selling price: GH¢ 800 - GH¢ 640 = GH¢ 160. The percentage loss is (loss / cost price) * 100 = (160 / 800) * 100 = 0.20 * 100 = 20%.

Question 33Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A sum of GH¢ 5,000 is invested at a simple interest rate of 6% per annum. What is the total value of the investment after 3 years?

  1. GH¢ 5,900 Correct answer.
  2. GH¢ 5,300
  3. GH¢ 5,600
  4. GH¢ 6,000

Explanation

Simple Interest (SI) = Principal * Rate * Time = 5000 * 0.06 * 3 = 900. The total value is Principal + Interest = 5000 + 900 = GH¢ 5,900.

Question 34Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A bag contains 4 red pens, 5 blue pens, and 3 black pens. If one pen is drawn at random, what is the probability that it is NOT a blue pen?

  1. 7/12 Correct answer.
  2. 5/12
  3. 1/3
  4. 1/4

Explanation

The total number of pens is 4 + 5 + 3 = 12. The number of pens that are NOT blue is red + black = 4 + 3 = 7. Thus, the probability is 7/12.

Question 35Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

The ratio of administrative officers to technical officers in a department is 3:5. If there are 45 technical officers, what is the number of administrative officers?

  1. 27 Correct answer.
  2. 15
  3. 25
  4. 75

Explanation

Let the number of administrative officers be x. The ratio x/45 = 3/5. Solving for x: x = (3 * 45) / 5 = 3 * 9 = 27 administrative officers.

Question 36Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A driver travels from Accra to Kumasi at an average speed of 60 km/h and returns along the same route at an average speed of 40 km/h. What is the average speed for the entire round trip?

  1. 48 km/h Correct answer.
  2. 50 km/h
  3. 45 km/h
  4. 52 km/h

Explanation

For a round trip of equal distance, the average speed is the harmonic mean of the speeds: 2xy / (x + y). Here, average speed = (2 * 60 * 40) / (60 + 40) = 4800 / 100 = 48 km/h.

Question 37Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

The age of a father is three times the age of his son. In 12 years, the father's age will be twice the age of his son. What is the current age of the son?

  1. 12 years Correct answer.
  2. 10 years
  3. 8 years
  4. 15 years

Explanation

Let the son's current age be s, and the father's age be f. We have f = 3s. In 12 years: f + 12 = 2(s + 12). Substitute f: 3s + 12 = 2s + 24. Solving for s: s = 12 years.

Question 38Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

What is the next number in the following sequence: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ___?

  1. 42 Correct answer.
  2. 40
  3. 36
  4. 45

Explanation

The difference between consecutive terms increases by 2 each time: 6 - 2 = 4; 12 - 6 = 6; 20 - 12 = 8; 30 - 20 = 10. The next difference should be 12. Therefore, the next term is 30 + 12 = 42. (Alternatively, the sequence is n^2 + n for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: 6^2 + 6 = 42).

Question 39Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A rectangular office space has a length that is 4 meters longer than its width. If the perimeter of the office is 48 meters, what is the area of the office?

  1. 140 square meters Correct answer.
  2. 96 square meters
  3. 144 square meters
  4. 80 square meters

Explanation

Let the width be w, so length is w + 4. The perimeter is 2(length + width) = 2(w + w + 4) = 2(2w + 4) = 4w + 8 = 48. Solving for w: 4w = 40, which means w = 10 meters. The length is 10 + 4 = 14 meters. The area is width * length = 10 * 14 = 140 square meters.

Question 40Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

In a survey of 120 civil servants, 65 prefer tea, 55 prefer coffee, and 15 prefer both. How many civil servants prefer NEITHER tea nor coffee?

  1. 15 Correct answer.
  2. 20
  3. 10
  4. 25

Explanation

By the Principle of Inclusion-Exclusion, the number of civil servants who prefer tea or coffee is: Prefer Tea + Prefer Coffee - Prefer Both = 65 + 55 - 15 = 105. The number of people who prefer neither is Total - 105 = 120 - 105 = 15.

Question 41Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A cylinder water tank has a radius of 2 meters and a height of 7 meters. What is the volume of the tank in cubic meters? (Take pi = 22/7)

  1. 88 Correct answer.
  2. 44
  3. 154
  4. 176

Explanation

The formula for the volume of a cylinder is V = pi * r^2 * h. Here, V = (22/7) * 2^2 * 7 = (22/7) * 4 * 7 = 22 * 4 = 88 cubic meters.

Question 42Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A train leaves Accra at 8:00 AM traveling at 80 km/h. A second train leaves Accra at 9:30 AM traveling along the same track at 120 km/h. At what time will the second train catch up with the first train?

  1. 12:30 PM Correct answer.
  2. 11:30 AM
  3. 1:00 PM
  4. 12:00 PM

Explanation

By 9:30 AM, the first train has traveled for 1.5 hours: 80 km/h * 1.5 h = 120 km. The relative speed of the second train is 120 km/h - 80 km/h = 40 km/h. The time needed to close the 120 km gap is 120 km / 40 km/h = 3 hours. Adding 3 hours to 9:30 AM gives 12:30 PM.

Question 43Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Solve the following equation for x: 3(x - 4) + 5 = 2(x + 1).

  1. 9 Correct answer.
  2. 7
  3. 5
  4. 11

Explanation

Expand both sides: 3x - 12 + 5 = 2x + 2, which simplifies to 3x - 7 = 2x + 2. Subtract 2x from both sides: x - 7 = 2. Add 7 to both sides: x = 9.

Question 44Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A candidate is selected for an interview. The probability of passing the written exam is 0.6, and the probability of passing the oral interview after passing the written is 0.8. What is the probability that the candidate passes both stages?

  1. 0.48 Correct answer.
  2. 0.70
  3. 0.14
  4. 0.50

Explanation

This is a joint probability problem. The probability of both events occurring is P(Written) * P(Oral | Written) = 0.6 * 0.8 = 0.48.

Question 45Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

The following data shows the budget allocation of a department: Administration: 40%, Operations: 35%, Research: 15%, Training: 10%. If the total budget is GH¢ 200,000, how much is spent on Operations?

  1. GH¢ 70,000 Correct answer.
  2. GH¢ 80,000
  3. GH¢ 30,000
  4. GH¢ 20,000

Explanation

Operations accounts for 35% of the total budget. Amount spent = 35% of GH¢ 200,000 = 0.35 * 200,000 = GH¢ 70,000.

Question 46Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

A factory produces 150 items per day. If the production capacity is increased by 8%, what is the new daily production?

  1. 162 Correct answer.
  2. 158
  3. 160
  4. 165

Explanation

The increase in production is 8% of 150 = 0.08 * 150 = 12 items. The new daily production is 150 + 12 = 162 items.

Question 47Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

If 'PUBLIC' is coded as 'QVCMJD' in a certain code language, how would 'OFFICE' be coded?

  1. PGGJDF Correct answer.
  2. NGGHBD
  3. PEEJBD
  4. PFFJDF

Explanation

The coding pattern shifts each letter forward by one position in the alphabet: P->Q, U->V, B->C, L->M, I->J, C->D. Applying the same rule to OFFICE: O->P, F->G, F->G, I->J, C->D, E->F, resulting in PGGJDF.

Question 48Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Identify the logical pattern and determine the missing term in the sequence: C3, F6, I9, L12, ____.

  1. O15 Correct answer.
  2. N14
  3. O18
  4. P15

Explanation

The letter component advances by 3 letters each time (C->F->I->L->O) and the number component increases by 3 each time (3->6->9->12->15). Thus, the next term is O15.

Question 49Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Consider the following premises: 'Some administrators are managers. All managers are leaders.' Which of the following conclusions must logically follow?

  1. Some administrators are leaders. Correct answer.
  2. All administrators are leaders.
  3. No administrators are leaders.
  4. All leaders are managers.

Explanation

Since some administrators are managers, and all managers are leaders, the administrators who are managers must also be leaders. Therefore, some administrators are leaders.

Question 50Integrated english, quant, formal, professional, ghana foundations

Five colleagues (A, B, C, D, E) sit in a row. A sits next to B but not next to C. C sits next to D. If D sits at the extreme left, who must sit in the middle of the row?

  1. E Correct answer.
  2. B
  3. A
  4. C

Explanation

The rows have 5 positions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. D sits at the extreme left (Position 1). Since C sits next to D, C must be in Position 2. A sits next to B but not next to C, so A cannot be in Position 3. This means A and B must occupy Positions 4 and 5 (either A-B or B-A). Position 3 must be occupied by E. Thus, E sits in the middle.