Consider the following international languages: 1. Arabic 2. French 3. Spanish The correct sequence of the languages given above in the decreasing order of the number of their speakers is :

1. The question asks for the correct sequence of the given international languages (Arabic, French, Spanish) in decreasing order of the number of their speakers (considering both native and non-native speakers, total speakers globally around 2004). 2. Estimating total speakers around 2004: - Spanish: Had a very large number of native speakers (primarily in Spain and Latin America) and significant non-native speakers. Total estimates often placed it very high, potentially around 400 million+. - Arabic: Had a large number of native speakers across the Middle East and North Africa, plus many non-native speakers for religious/cultural reasons. Total estimates varied but were substantial, perhaps around 250-300 million+. - French: Had a significant number of native speakers (France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland) and a very large number of second-language speakers across Africa, Europe, and internationally due to its historical and diplomatic importance. Total estimates were also substantial, perhaps around 200 million+, but generally considered less than Spanish and potentially Arabic in total speakers. 3. Based on these rough estimates, the likely decreasing order of total speakers around 2004 would be Spanish > Arabic > French OR Spanish > French > Arabic, depending on the specific data source and year for total speakers. 4. The provided answer is 'C' (3-2-1), which corresponds to Spanish - French - Arabic. 5. Therefore, the sequence is Spanish (3) > French (2) > Arabic (1).