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Difficulty: Very hardSentence Reordering and Placement

The following paragraph may or may not be in the most logical order.

[1] In the 1970s, cognitive scientists began investigating how the human brain processes metaphors, challenging the traditional view that metaphor is merely a decorative literary device. [2] According to this conventional perspective, metaphors are secondary linguistic tools that are processed only after a literal interpretation has been analyzed and rejected as nonsensical. [3] To explain this immediacy, researchers proposed the conceptual mapping hypothesis, which asserts that we automatically understand abstract domains in terms of concrete physical experiences. [4] Later psycholinguistic experiments, however, demonstrated that participants comprehended metaphorical expressions just as quickly as literal ones. [5] This surprising speed suggests that metaphors are processed automatically and are fundamental to everyday communication.

For the sake of the logic and cohesion of the paragraph, where is the most logical placement for Sentence 3?

  1. A
    where it is now
  2. B
    after Sentence 1
  3. C
    after Sentence 4
  4. after Sentence 5Answer

Answer

Sentence 3 should be placed after Sentence 5.
Placing Sentence 3 after Sentence 5 is correct because it maintains a logical progression of ideas and preserves the referential integrity of the text. Sentence 4 introduces the observation that metaphorical language is understood 'just as quickly' as literal language. Sentence 5 immediately follows this observation, referencing 'This surprising speed' to conclude that metaphors are processed automatically. Sentence 3 then logically follows Sentence 5, using the phrase 'this immediacy' to refer back to this rapid, automatic processing and proposing the conceptual mapping hypothesis as an explanation for it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify key transition and reference words in the target sentence.
In Sentence 3, the phrase 'this immediacy' is identified as a demonstrative noun phrase requiring an antecedent that establishes speed or rapid processing.
Determining what 'this immediacy' refers to is necessary to find its logical placement in the paragraph.
2
Analyze the remaining sentences to locate the introduction and development of the concept of speed.
Sentence 4 states that participants comprehended metaphors 'just as quickly' as literal expressions, and Sentence 5 references 'This surprising speed' and notes that metaphors are processed 'automatically.'
This establishes that the concept of immediate processing is only introduced and defined in Sentences 4 and 5.
3
Evaluate the placement of Sentence 3 relative to Sentences 4 and 5 to ensure uninterrupted reference chains.
Sentence 5 must immediately follow Sentence 4 to maintain the link between 'just as quickly' and 'This surprising speed.' Consequently, Sentence 3 must follow Sentence 5 so that 'this immediacy' can refer back to the automatic, rapid processing described.
This configuration avoids separating linked sentences and ensures all demonstrative references have clear, immediate antecedents.

Key Concept

Sentence Reordering and Placement based on reference chains and transitions
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Topics

Sentence Reordering and Placement

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