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Question

Difficulty: EasyDetermining Stated Sequence of Events

Read the following passage carefully:

In June 1977, oceanographers aboard the research vessel Lulu prepared the submersible Alvin for a deep dive near the Galápagos Rift. Before the crew boarded the vessel, engineers conducted a thorough pressure-test of the hull at sunrise. Once Alvin was lowered into the Pacific waters, the pilot engaged the flood tanks to begin the two-hour descent to the ocean floor. Near the mid-point of the dive, the team activated the external halogen lights to navigate the pitch-black midwater zone. Finally, upon reaching the seabed, the scientists recorded water temperature anomalies that led directly to the discovery of hydrothermal vents.

Based on the passage, in what chronological order did these events occur during the expedition?

  1. 1Engineers conducted a pressure-test of the submersible's hull.
  2. 2The pilot engaged the flood tanks to begin the descent.
  3. 3The team activated the external halogen lights.
  4. 4The scientists recorded water temperature anomalies on the ocean floor.

Answer

The correct chronological order of events is: first, engineers conducted a pressure-test of the hull; second, the pilot engaged the flood tanks; third, the team activated the external halogen lights; and fourth, the scientists recorded water temperature anomalies on the ocean floor.
The passage follows a clear chronological structure marked by explicit temporal transition words: 'Before the crew boarded' establishes the pressure-test as the first event; 'Once Alvin was lowered' introduces the engagement of flood tanks second; 'Near the mid-point of the dive' sets the activation of halogen lights third; and 'Finally, upon reaching the seabed' signals that recording temperature anomalies occurred fourth.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial event using temporal clues in the text.
The text states 'Before the crew boarded... engineers conducted a thorough pressure-test of the hull at sunrise', establishing the pressure-test as the first event.
The word 'Before' indicates this action preceded all boarding and diving activities.
2
Trace the start of the underwater dive sequence.
The text states 'Once Alvin was lowered into the Pacific waters, the pilot engaged the flood tanks', placing this second.
The phrase 'Once Alvin was lowered' places this action right after lowering the vessel into the sea.
3
Locate actions taken during the descent phase.
The text states 'Near the mid-point of the dive, the team activated the external halogen lights', placing light activation third.
'Mid-point of the dive' indicates this occurred midway through the two-hour descent.
4
Determine the final milestone upon reaching the destination.
The text states 'Finally, upon reaching the seabed, the scientists recorded water temperature anomalies', placing temperature recording fourth.
The transition word 'Finally' and the phrase 'upon reaching the seabed' mark this as the ultimate event in the sequence.

Key Concept

Determining Stated Sequence of Events
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Determining Stated Sequence of Events

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