Directions: Read the following information carefully and answer the question that follows.

Eight speakers — A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H — deliver their presentations one after another in a seminar. Exactly three speakers give their presentations after F. Two speakers present between F and E. C presents immediately before E. The number of speakers who present before C is equal to the number of speakers who present after H. A presents immediately before G, and both present before F. B presents somewhere between F and H. D presents after B.

Who among the following is the second to last speaker to deliver their presentation?

The correct option is D.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

There are eight positions for the presentations, numbered from 1 to 8 in sequential order of delivery (1st to 8th presentation).

Step 1: Determine the position of F
It is given that exactly three speakers present after F.
Since there are 8 speakers in total, F must be the 5th speaker (so that positions 6, 7, and 8 are after F).
Position of F = 5.

Step 2: Determine the positions of E, C, and H
Two speakers present between F and E. This means E can be in position 2 (5 - 3 = 2) or position 8 (5 + 3 = 8).
C presents immediately before E.
• Case 1: If E is in position 2, C is in position 1.
The number of speakers before C (which is 0) equals the number of speakers after H. Thus, H must be in position 8.
• Case 2: If E is in position 8, C is in position 7.
The number of speakers before C (which is 6) equals the number of speakers after H. Thus, H would be in position 2.
However, it is given that B presents somewhere between F (5) and H (2), which leaves positions 3 and 4, but A presents immediately before G prior to F (occupying 3 and 4). This creates a contradiction. Hence, Case 2 is invalid.

Thus, C is in position 1, E is in position 2, and H is in position 8.

Step 3: Determine the positions of A and G
A presents immediately before G, and both present before F (which is at position 5).
Since positions 1 and 2 are already occupied by C and E, the only available consecutive positions before position 5 are 3 and 4.
Therefore, A is in position 3 and G is in position 4.

Step 4: Determine the positions of B and D
Positions 6 and 7 are remaining between F (position 5) and H (position 8).
B presents between F and H, and D presents after B.
Therefore, B is in position 6 and D is in position 7.

Final Order of Presentations:
1st: C
2nd: E
3rd: A
4th: G
5th: F
6th: B
7th: D
8th: H

Conclusion:
The second to last speaker (7th speaker) to deliver their presentation is D.