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Question

Difficulty: HardSentence Reordering and Placement

The following paragraph is from an essay about the preservation of historical architecture.

[1] Carved directly into the red volcanic tuff of northern Ethiopia, the eleven monolithic churches of Lalibela stand as masterpieces of medieval architecture. [2] Because these subterranean structures are dug entirely below ground level, they are uniquely vulnerable to water damage from seasonal rains. [3] For centuries, local priests and caretakers have struggled to siphon out the pooling rainwater that collects in the deep trenches surrounding the sanctuaries. [4] Recognizing this threat, international conservation teams recently constructed large, modern shelters over several of the churches to block incoming rain. [5] Unfortunately, these massive metal structures have generated controversy among locals who argue that the modern canopies disrupt the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred site.

The writer wants to add the following sentence to the paragraph:

"This persistent dampness, however, does not merely inconvenience the clergy; it actively dissolves the delicate volcanic stone from which the carvings are fashioned."

To make the paragraph most logical, this sentence should be placed:

  1. A
    before Sentence 1.
  2. B
    after Sentence 2.
  3. after Sentence 3.Answer
  4. D
    after Sentence 5.

Answer

after Sentence 3.
The correct option places the sentence after Sentence 3 because it creates a seamless transition. The phrase 'This persistent dampness' logically refers back to the 'pooling rainwater' in Sentence 3, while the description of the stone dissolving provides the necessary context for the 'threat' mentioned at the start of Sentence 4.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence to be inserted for transition markers and pronouns.
The target sentence contains 'This persistent dampness, however,' which requires a preceding mention of water, rain, or moisture, and describes a damage process that constitutes a 'threat'.
Identifying cohesive markers helps narrow down the surrounding sentences.
2
Examine the paragraph for the most appropriate antecedent for 'This persistent dampness'.
Sentence 3 introduces 'pooling rainwater' and the continuous struggle to remove it, which directly sets up the concept of 'persistent dampness'.
A logical narrative flow requires pronouns to immediately follow their clear antecedents.
3
Check the connection with the subsequent sentence to ensure cohesion.
Sentence 4 begins with 'Recognizing this threat'. If the target sentence is placed after Sentence 3, 'this threat' refers directly to the dissolution of the volcanic stone, which is a far more serious threat than simply siphoning water.
Confirming the connection both forward and backward ensures the placement is optimal.

Key Concept

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

Sentence Reordering and Placement

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