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The sentences given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the numbers as your answer.

  1. A popular response is the exhortation to plant more trees.
  2. It seems all but certain that global warming will go well above two degrees—quite how high no one knows yet.
  3. Burning them releases it, which is why the scale of forest fires in the Amazon basin last year garnered headlines.
  4. This is because trees sequester carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Entered answer:

Solution

✅ Correct Answer: 2143

From passage: The sentences discuss global warming, tree planting as a solution, and the science behind it.

First, identify what each sentence does:

  • Sentence 2: States a problem (global warming)
  • Sentence 1: Gives a solution (plant trees)
  • Sentence 4: Explains why the solution works (trees absorb carbon)
  • Sentence 3: Shows the opposite effect (burning releases carbon)

Thought process: Problem -> Solution -> Why solution works -> Why opposite is bad

The key connector is "it" in sentence 3, which must refer to "carbon" from sentence 4. This means sentence 4 must come before sentence 3.


Step-by-step elimination:

Look for the starting sentence -> Sentence 2 introduces the main problem (global warming), so it should start the paragraph.

Find the logical sequence -> After stating the problem, we need the response (sentence 1), then explanation (sentence 4), then the contrasting example (sentence 3).

Check pronoun references -> "This" in sentence 4 refers to tree planting from sentence 1. "It" in sentence 3 refers to carbon from sentence 4.

The flow: Global warming concern (2) -> Popular solution (1) -> Scientific explanation (4) -> Contrasting example showing why fires are bad (3)

Answer: 2143

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