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Difficulty: MediumParagraph Reordering and Placement

The following paragraphs are from an essay about the invention of a popular toy.

[1]
In 1943, marine engineer Richard James was working in a Philadelphia shipyard, attempting to develop a system of springs that could stabilize sensitive instruments on shipboard during rough seas.

[2]
After realizing the spring's potential, James spent the next two years refining the steel wire tension to optimize its walking motion. His wife, Betty, then coined the name "Slinky" after finding a dictionary definition that described the spring’s sleek, graceful movement.

[3]
The breakthrough occurred quite by accident when James knocked one of his prototype tension springs off a high shelf. Instead of falling flat, the spring "walked" down a stack of books, onto a table, and coiled itself upright on the floor.

[4]
Despite their excitement, initial sales were sluggish when the toy first hit the market. However, after a successful demonstration at a Philadelphia department store in November 1945, all 400 of their original stock sold out in ninety minutes, cementing the Slinky’s place in toy history.

For the sake of the logic and cohesion of this essay, Paragraph 3 should be placed:

  1. A
    where it is now
  2. B
    before Paragraph 1
  3. after Paragraph 1Answer
  4. D
    after Paragraph 4

Answer

after Paragraph 1
Placing the paragraph after Paragraph 1 is correct because it creates a logical chronological progression. Paragraph 1 introduces Richard James working on prototype springs. Placing the paragraph describing the accident immediately after establishes how James discovered the toy's movement, which then provides a logical antecedent for Paragraph 2's opening phrase, 'After realizing the spring's potential.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the transition phrases and pronoun references in each paragraph.
Paragraph 2 begins with 'After realizing the spring's potential' and references 'the spring,' indicating it must follow a paragraph that describes the spring and the realization of its potential. Paragraph 3 describes the accidental event where the spring 'walked' and James realized its potential.
Identifying cohesive clues helps establish the logical relationship between paragraphs.
2
Determine the chronological relationship between the introduction of the springs and the accident.
Paragraph 1 introduces Richard James working on prototype springs in 1943. Paragraph 3 describes the accident involving one of these prototype springs. Therefore, Paragraph 3 must follow Paragraph 1.
A narrative must introduce the general context of the work before detailing a specific incident that occurred during that work.
3
Verify the flow of the entire essay with the new placement.
Paragraph 1 introduces the project, Paragraph 3 describes the accident, Paragraph 2 describes the refinement and naming based on the accident, and Paragraph 4 details the market release and success. This flow is logical and cohesive.
Testing the proposed sequence ensures no other transitions are broken.

Key Concept

Paragraph Reordering and Placement
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Topics

Paragraph Reordering and Placement

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