Question

Difficulty: EasyFulfilling Specific Rhetorical and Writing Goals

The writer wants to arrange the sentences to logically explain the progression of Mary Anderson's invention from identifying the problem to developing and ultimately establishing the solution. Arrange the sentences in the most logical order to achieve this goal.

  1. 1During a freezing trolley ride in New York City in 1903, Mary Anderson noticed that the driver had to keep the front window open to clear off the falling sleet.
  2. 2This manual clearing method chilled the passengers and obstructed the driver's view, prompting Anderson to brainstorm a safer alternative.
  3. 3Upon returning home to Alabama, she designed a hand-operated wooden arm with a rubber blade that could wipe the windshield from inside the cabin.
  4. 4Although car manufacturers initially rejected her patent, believing it would distract drivers, her device eventually became standard equipment on all commercial automobiles.

Answer

The sentences should be ordered: first, the initial observation of the driver clearing sleet; second, the negative consequences of that method; third, the design of the hand-operated wiper; and fourth, the commercial rejection and eventual standard adoption.
The correct order follows a clear chronological and causal progression: first, Anderson observes the driver's problem in 1903; second, she reflects on the negative impacts of this manual clearing method; third, she designs a hand-operated wooden arm as a solution; and fourth, the design moves from initial rejection to standard adoption.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the sentence that introduces the primary setting and the initial problem.
The sentence about Mary Anderson's 1903 trolley ride introduces the setting and the problem of the driver clearing sleet.
A logical narrative paragraph must establish the context and problem before explaining any subsequent reactions or designs.
2
Find the sentence that details the immediate consequences of the identified problem.
The sentence describing how the manual clearing method chilled the passengers and obstructed the view connects directly to the sleet-clearing problem.
This maintains continuity by defining the specific issues that motivated Anderson to brainstorm a safer alternative.
3
Determine which sentence describes the development of the solution.
The sentence detailing her return to Alabama and the design of the hand-operated wooden arm with a rubber blade represents the creation of the solution.
This step logically follows the intention to brainstorm an alternative.
4
Locate the sentence showing the long-term resolution or ultimate outcome.
The sentence explaining that manufacturers initially rejected the patent but eventually made it standard equipment completes the narrative arc.
Historical outcome and future standard adoption naturally conclude the discussion of the invention's progression.

Key Concept

Sentence-level logic and narrative coherence in establishing a chronological progression from problem to solution.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question