Stability of meta ethyl and meta methyl benzene carbocations respectively
We know that effect of neither hyperconjugation nor resonance is observed if the groups are attached in meta position. Hence, stability of structures I and IV will be decided on the basis of inductive effect only. Alkyl groups exert +I effect, and ethyl group exerts greater +I than methyl, hence stabilizing the electron deficient benzylic carbocation more. So, IV&gt;I.
Now note that both of these structures must be less stable than II and III, because these are stabilized by both hyperconjugation and inductive effect, and hyperconjugation is a more stabilizing phenomenon than inductive effect. Since II has more $\alpha$-H than III(3 and 2, respectively), there would be more hyperconjugative structures for II, hence more stability. Hence, finally, the order is I&lt;IV&lt;III&lt;II. This is the first option.