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Difficulty: EasySelecting Concluding Sentences and Transitions

Termites are master builders, constructing towering mounds that can reach up to thirty feet in height on the African savanna. Despite the scorching daytime heat, the temperature inside these mounds remains remarkably stable. This thermal regulation is achieved through a complex network of vents and tunnels that facilitate passive ventilation. Warm air rises and escapes through a central chimney, while cooler air is drawn in at the base.

Which of the following sentences, if added at the end of the paragraph, would provide the most effective conclusion to the paragraph?

  1. A
    Consequently, the ventilation system works day and night, it requires no active energy from the termites.
  2. Ultimately, this continuous flow of air ensures that the mound remains cool even in the hottest weather.Answer
  3. C
    In contrast, the colony had maintained this balance by adjusting the vents as needed.
  4. D
    Furthermore, termites are social insects that belong to the infraorder Isoptera.

Answer

Ultimately, this continuous flow of air ensures that the mound remains cool even in the hottest weather.
The correct option effectively concludes the paragraph by reinforcing the main topic of passive ventilation and temperature control. It connects the explanation of rising warm air and incoming cool air to the overall thermal stability of the mound.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main focus of the paragraph.
The paragraph explains how termite mounds maintain a stable internal temperature through passive ventilation.
The concluding sentence must summarize or logically wrap up this main focus.
2
Evaluate the choices for grammatical correctness.
The option containing 'Consequently, the ventilation system...' contains a comma splice. The option containing 'In contrast, the colony had maintained...' has an incorrect tense shift.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect options helps narrow down the choices.
3
Evaluate the remaining choices for relevance and closure.
The option introducing the classification of termites as social insects adds a new, unrelated detail. The option concluding with 'Ultimately, this continuous flow of air...' directly wraps up the passive ventilation explanation.
An effective conclusion must summarize the topic rather than introduce new, unrelated ideas.

Key Concept

Selecting Concluding Sentences
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Selecting Concluding Sentences and Transitions

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