Five men A, B, C, D, E read a newspaper one after another. The first reader passes it to C (so C reads second). The last reader received it from A (so A reads just before last). E is neither first nor last. There are exactly two readers between B and A. Who read last?

Introduction / Context:
This is an order-ranking puzzle. Careful translation of each sentence into positional constraints allows a unique sequence of five readers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Readers are in order positions 1 through 5.
• “First gives it to C” ⇒ C is position 2.
• “Last had taken it from A” ⇒ A is position 4, and position 5 is the last reader.
• E is neither first nor last ⇒ E ∈ {2,3,4} but 2 and 4 are already taken by C and A; thus E is position 3.
• Exactly two readers between B and A ⇒ With A at position 4, B must be position 1.

Concept / Approach:
Fill the fixed slots first (C second, A fourth), then apply exclusions (E not first/last) and the gap rule (two between B and A) to place B and E. The remaining person automatically becomes the last reader.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Sequence is B (1) → C (2) → E (3) → A (4) → D (5). All clues satisfied.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
E cannot be last; A is penultimate by statement; B is first by the gap rule.

Common Pitfalls:
Misplacing the “two between B and A,” or forgetting that C must be second.

Final Answer:
D