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Difficulty: HardParagraph Reordering and Placement

The following paragraphs are from an essay about a major marine science breakthrough. For the sake of the logic and cohesion of this essay, arrange the paragraphs in the most logical order.

  1. 1For decades, oceanographers operated under the assumption that the deep ocean floor was a biological desert, reasoning that no complex life could survive in the complete absence of sunlight and under the crushing pressures of the abyss.
  2. 2This prevailing view was dramatically challenged in 1977, when scientists aboard the submersible 'Alvin' descended into the Galapagos Rift to study hydrothermal activity.
  3. 3Expecting to find only volcanic rocks and temperature readings, the explorers were instead astonished to discover dense communities of strange organisms, including giant tubeworms and blind crabs, clustered around chimneys spewing superheated water.
  4. 4Rather than relying on solar energy, these unique creatures, as scientists soon determined, thrived on energy produced by microbes through chemosynthesis—the conversion of toxic chemical compounds into food.
  5. 5This landmark discovery not only revolutionized the field of marine biology but also expanded the criteria for the search for life on other celestial bodies, such as the icy oceans of Jupiter's moon Europa.

Answer

The correct sequence of paragraphs is: the paragraph introducing the historical view of the ocean floor as a desert; followed by the paragraph describing how this view was challenged by the 1977 expedition; followed by the paragraph describing the explorers' surprise discovery of dense marine life; followed by the paragraph explaining that these creatures survived via chemosynthesis; and concluding with the paragraph detailing the landmark legacy of the discovery.
The correct order follows a clear logical progression: first introducing the initial scientific assumption, then introducing the event that challenged it, then describing the findings of the event, followed by explaining the mechanism of these findings, and finally detailing the legacy of the entire discovery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory paragraph that establishes the main topic and context without relying on preceding context.
The paragraph starting with 'For decades, oceanographers operated under the assumption...' is the only one that does not contain transition words, backward-looking pronouns, or references to prior events. It establishes the baseline assumption that the deep ocean floor is devoid of life.
An essay must begin with a clear introduction that provides necessary context for subsequent details.
2
Look for a paragraph that directly connects to the introductory assumption.
The paragraph starting with 'This prevailing view was dramatically challenged in 1977...' contains the demonstrative phrase 'This prevailing view,' which refers directly to the assumption that the ocean floor is a biological desert. This paragraph also introduces the 1977 expedition.
Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives must immediately follow their antecedents to maintain cohesion.
3
Trace the narrative of the expedition introduced in the previous step.
The paragraph starting with 'Expecting to find only volcanic rocks...' refers to the scientists from the previous paragraph as 'the explorers' and describes what they found upon descending into the Galapagos Rift.
Chronological and narrative flow dictates that the arrival and immediate observations of the expedition must follow its introduction.
4
Find the paragraph that explains the details of the creatures discovered.
The paragraph starting with 'Rather than relying on solar energy, these unique creatures...' refers back to the giant tubeworms and blind crabs from the previous paragraph using the phrase 'these unique creatures.' It explains the chemical process (chemosynthesis) behind their survival.
Noun phrases like 'these unique creatures' require a clear, preceding referent to make logical sense.
5
Identify the concluding paragraph that summarizes the significance of the event.
The paragraph starting with 'This landmark discovery...' refers to the entire sequence of events and findings as 'this landmark discovery' and explains its long-term impact on marine biology and space exploration.
Concluding paragraphs typically synthesize the information presented and discuss its broader implications, often starting with summarizing references.

Key Concept

Using transition words, pronoun antecedents, and logical narrative progression to determine the correct order of paragraphs in a passage.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Paragraph Reordering and Placement

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