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Difficulty: EasyParagraph Reordering and Placement

[1]
In the winter of 1902, Mary Anderson visited New York City and saw a streetcar driver struggling to see through a snow-covered window. The driver had to constantly open the window and reach outside to wipe the glass, exposing himself and the passengers to the freezing wind.

[2]
After building a prototype, she finalized a design that featured a hand-operated lever controlling a rubber blade. This blade could sweep across the glass and then return to its starting position when not in use.

[3]
She received a patent for this window-cleaning device in 1903. While major manufacturing companies initially rejected the idea as a distraction, the windshield wiper eventually became standard equipment on automobiles worldwide.

[4]
Back home in Alabama, Anderson immediately set to work to resolve this travel safety issue. She envisioned a device that could be operated from inside the vehicle to keep the glass clear of rain and snow.

For the sake of the logic and cohesion of this essay, where should Paragraph 4 be placed?

  1. A
    where it is now
  2. B
    before Paragraph 1
  3. after Paragraph 1Answer
  4. D
    after Paragraph 2

Answer

after Paragraph 1
The option suggesting placement after Paragraph 1 is correct because it establishes a clear chronological order. Paragraph 1 describes the event that inspired the invention, and the paragraph in question explains that she returned home to work on a solution immediately after. This naturally leads into the subsequent paragraphs detailing the prototype construction and the patent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sequence of events and identify the logical transition markers.
Paragraph 1 describes Mary Anderson witnessing a driver struggle with snow on a windshield in New York. Paragraph 4 mentions her returning home to Alabama to resolve 'this travel safety issue' and setting to work on a solution.
To establish a logical chronology, the introduction of the problem must precede her decision to solve it.
2
Examine the connection between the remaining paragraphs.
Paragraph 2 details the creation of a prototype and a finalized design. Paragraph 3 details obtaining a patent in 1903.
The design details and the patent must logically follow her decision to begin work on the device.
3
Determine the correct placement of Paragraph 4.
Placing Paragraph 4 after Paragraph 1 creates a seamless transition: she sees the problem (Paragraph 1), returns home to solve it (Paragraph 4), builds a prototype (Paragraph 2), and gets a patent (Paragraph 3).
This order maintains a coherent narrative and chronological timeline.

Key Concept

Logical paragraph organization and chronological transition flow.
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Topics

Paragraph Reordering and Placement

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