Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

Question

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

1. These factors include the amount of sunlight received, the composition of the atmosphere, and the Earth's orbit.

2. The long-term variations in Earth's climate are influenced by a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors.

3. The most significant anthropogenic factor is the emission of greenhouse gases from industrial activities.

4. Together, these elements determine the planet's overall energy balance and, consequently, its average temperature.

1. A. 2, 1, 4, 3 (Correct answer)
2. B. 1, 2, 3, 4
3. C. 3, 4, 1, 2
4. D. 4, 2, 3, 1

Correct Answer

Option A — 2, 1, 4, 3

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 2, 1, 4, 3.

Key Points

• Sentence 2 is the opener: it introduces the topic in general terms — long-term climate variation shaped by natural and anthropogenic factors — and uses no back-reference.
• Sentence 1 follows directly, since "These factors include…" must point back to the factors just named.
• Sentence 4 then closes that thread with "Together, these elements determine…", summarising the list given in 1.
• Sentence 3 comes last, narrowing to the most significant anthropogenic factor — a specific case that only makes sense once the general framework is set.
• Look for the pronoun and determiner chain — *these factors*, *these elements* — because each one locks a sentence to the one before it and fixes the order without guesswork.

Additional Information

• Mandatory pairs are the strongest tool: two sentences that must sit together, in a fixed order, eliminate most options at once.
• General-to-specific is the commonest structure — a broad statement, then its components, then a summary, then a particular case.
• Once you have fixed the first sentence, check only the options beginning with it; here that single step reduces four choices to one.