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Difficulty: MediumEssay Structure and Paragraphing

Arrange the following sentences in the correct order to form a logically structured and cohesive body paragraph for an argumentative essay about the implementation of a four-day workweek.

  1. 1Por un lado, la reducción de la jornada laboral a cuatro días ha demostrado aumentar significativamente la productividad de los empleados. (On one hand, reducing the workweek to four days has been shown to significantly increase employee productivity.)
  2. 2Según un estudio reciente de la Universidad de Cambridge, las empresas que adoptaron este modelo reportaron una disminución del 65% en los días de enfermedad. (According to a recent study by Cambridge University, companies that adopted this model reported a 65% decrease in sick days.)
  3. 3Estos datos sugieren que cuando los trabajadores tienen más tiempo para descansar, regresan a sus puestos con mayor energía y concentración. (These data suggest that when workers have more time to rest, they return to their positions with greater energy and focus.)
  4. 4En consecuencia, los beneficios de este modelo impactan positivamente no solo al individuo, sino también a la rentabilidad general de la empresa. (Consequently, the benefits of this model positively impact not only the individual, but also the overall profitability of the company.)

Answer

The correct logical sequence is: topic sentence (the main claim), supporting evidence (the cited study), synthesis of the evidence (analysis of the data), and a concluding thought.
A highly cohesive body paragraph in an argumentative essay follows a strict structural progression. First, it establishes a clear claim (the topic sentence starting with 'Por un lado'). Next, it integrates external source material as evidence ('Según un estudio...'). Crucially, the writer must then synthesize that evidence and explain its relevance in their own words ('Estos datos sugieren...'). Finally, the paragraph should close with a concluding thought that summarizes the impact and prepares for the next transition ('En consecuencia...').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the topic sentence that establishes the foundation of the paragraph.
The sentence beginning with 'Por un lado...' introduces the paragraph's main argument regarding productivity.
A well-structured argumentative paragraph must begin with a clear, broad claim before introducing specific data.
2
Locate the evidence that directly supports the initial claim.
The sentence beginning with 'Según un estudio...' provides specific cited data (a 65% decrease in sick days).
Evidence and source integration must directly follow and substantiate the claim.
3
Find the synthesis or explanation of the provided evidence.
The sentence beginning with 'Estos datos sugieren...' interprets the study's findings.
In strong essays, evidence must be synthesized, not just summarized. The phrase 'Estos datos' creates a mandatory logical link to the previous statistics.
4
Identify the concluding sentence that closes the paragraph's thought process.
The sentence beginning with 'En consecuencia...' wraps up the paragraph's point.
A strong body paragraph ends with a concluding thought that connects the synthesized evidence back to the broader argument or thesis.

Key Concept

Logical progression of an argumentative body paragraph (Claim, Evidence, Synthesis, Conclusion).
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Topics

Essay Structure and Paragraphing

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