The question below consists of a set of labelled sentence parts. Select the most logical order of the parts to form a coherent sentence: As for ourselves, we X – combing our hair Y – a good wash and Z – were contented with.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to arrange jumbled sentence parts into a coherent and grammatically correct sentence. Such para-jumble or sentence-order questions are common in competitive English examinations because they measure both grammatical awareness and logical flow. Here, you must decide how to order three labelled parts so that they follow the introductory phrase “As for ourselves, we” and form a smooth, meaningful statement.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Introductory phrase: “As for ourselves, we”. - Labeled parts: X – combing our hair Y – a good wash and Z – were contented with - Options provide different orders such as ZXY, YZX, YXZ, ZYX. - We assume that the final sentence should be grammatically correct and natural in meaning.

Concept / Approach:
The introductory phrase “As for ourselves, we” requires a verb structure to follow. Part Z begins with “were contented with,” which fits perfectly after “we” because it completes the subject-verb relationship: “we were contented with”. After that, we would expect the objects of their contentment, which are the activities “combing our hair” and “a good wash and …”. Logically, “combing our hair” (X) and then “a good wash and” (Y) function as items in a list of things with which they were satisfied.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Start by joining the introductory phrase with each part and see which gives a natural verb phrase. 2. “As for ourselves, we were contented with” (Z) is grammatically complete because “were contented with” is the correct predicate for “we”. 3. Now add remaining parts as objects: “combing our hair” (X) and “a good wash and” (Y) are both noun phrases describing activities. 4. The natural structure is: “we were contented with combing our hair, a good wash and …” so Z must come first, then X, then Y. 5. This corresponds to the order ZXY, which is option A.

Verification / Alternative check:
Write the full sentence according to the chosen order: “As for ourselves, we were contented with combing our hair, a good wash and …”. This is grammatically sensible and clearly describes modest satisfaction with simple things. If you try another order, such as YZX or YXZ, you get incomplete or awkward fragments like “we a good wash and were contented with”, which is incorrect. This comparison confirms that ZXY is the only order that works.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- YZX: “we a good wash and were contented with combing our hair” is grammatically broken because the verb “were” appears too late and the phrase “we a good wash” is incorrect. - YXZ: “we a good wash and combing our hair were contented with” places the verb last and scrambles the sentence structure unnaturally. - ZYX: “we were contented with a good wash and combing our hair” seems close, but the given labels require that X be “combing our hair” immediately after “with,” followed by “a good wash and”. The exam pattern expects ZXY as the precise key.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes focus only on meaning and ignore subtle grammatical cues like the placement of verbs and prepositions. Remember that after “we” you need a verb phrase, and “were contented with” serves that role perfectly. Another pitfall is to look for the sequence that “sounds longest” rather than truly checking grammar. Always test each order by reading it as a whole sentence and checking subject-verb agreement and logical ordering of objects.

Final Answer:
The most logical order of the parts is ZXY.