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Difficulty: MediumSentence Reordering and Placement

The following paragraph contains numbered sentences.

[1] Beneath the forest floor, a vast network of fungal threads, or mycelium, links the roots of neighboring trees. [2] Through this underground system, trees are able to share essential nutrients and water with one another. [3] The largest and oldest trees, often called "mother trees," use this network to support younger saplings in the shaded undergrowth. [4] In addition, scientists discovered that trees use the network to send distress signals about pest infestations. [5] This cooperative exchange ensures the survival of the entire forest community rather than just individual trees.

For the sake of the logic and coherence of the paragraph, the following sentence should be added:

"Upon receiving these warning chemical signals, neighboring trees immediately begin producing defensive compounds to ward off the insects."

Where is the most logical placement for this sentence?

  1. A
    Before Sentence 1
  2. B
    After Sentence 2
  3. C
    After Sentence 3
  4. After Sentence 4Answer

Answer

After Sentence 4
The correct placement is after Sentence 4. Sentence 4 introduces 'distress signals about pest infestations,' which directly supports and defines 'these warning chemical signals' and 'the insects' mentioned in the added sentence. Placing it here also allows Sentence 5 to logically summarize both nutrient sharing and defense cooperation as parts of the 'cooperative exchange.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the added sentence to identify transition words, pronouns, or nouns that require preceding context.
The added sentence refers to 'these warning chemical signals' and 'the insects,' which implies that a previous sentence must mention signals and some kind of pest.
Identifying these key nouns helps narrow down where the sentence can be logically placed.
2
Scan the paragraph to locate where these concepts are first introduced.
Sentence 4 introduces the idea that trees send 'distress signals' about 'pest infestations.'
This sentence provides the necessary logical and grammatical antecedents for 'these warning chemical signals' and 'the insects' in the added sentence.
3
Verify that the flow of the entire paragraph remains coherent with the new sentence inserted.
Sentence 4 states that signals are sent, the new sentence explains how neighboring trees react to those signals, and Sentence 5 summarizes the overall 'cooperative exchange.' The paragraph flows chronologically and logically.
Ensuring the overall paragraph structure works confirms the correct placement.

Key Concept

Sentence Reordering and Placement
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Sentence Reordering and Placement

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