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Difficulty: MediumParallel Structure

The following segments describe the sequential steps in restoring an artwork. How should these segments be ordered to complete the sentence in a grammatically correct sequence that maintains parallel structure and presents the steps chronologically?

'To restore the historic painting, the conservator focused on ________, ________, and ________.'

  1. 1cleaning the surface grime
  2. 2repairing the torn canvas
  3. 3varnishing the completed work

Answer

The correct chronological and parallel order is: cleaning the surface grime, repairing the torn canvas, and varnishing the completed work.
The correct order follows the logical timeline of art restoration (cleaning first, repairing second, and varnishing last) while maintaining parallel structure by using three gerund phrases ('cleaning', 'repairing', 'varnishing') that all correctly follow the preposition 'on'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical constraint set by the sentence introduction.
The preposition 'on' requires a list of parallel gerund phrases ('cleaning', 'repairing', 'varnishing') to function as objects of the preposition.
This ensures the sentence maintains a consistent and parallel grammatical structure.
2
Determine the logical and chronological sequence of the art restoration process.
Surface cleaning must happen first, followed by structural repairs to the canvas, and finally the protective varnishing.
Varnishing cannot occur before repairing, and repairing cannot occur before cleaning the surface.
3
Assemble the segments in the determined order and verify the conjunction placement.
The resulting sentence is: 'To restore the historic painting, the conservator focused on cleaning the surface grime, repairing the torn canvas, and varnishing the completed work.'
This order places the conjunction 'and' before the final element, satisfying both chronological logic and parallel syntax.

Key Concept

Parallel Structure
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Parallel Structure

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