Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

Question

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

1. A key strategy is to diversify energy sources, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives like solar, wind, and geothermal power.

2. To mitigate the worst effects of climate change, the global community must drastically reduce its reliance on carbon-intensive energy production.

3. This shift not only decreases greenhouse gas emissions but also improves air quality and creates new economic opportunities.

4. Additionally, policies that promote energy efficiency in buildings and transportation can further lower overall energy consumption.

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

Correct Answer

Option A — 2, 1, 3, 4

Detailed Solution & Explanation

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

Key Points

• Sentence 2 opens the paragraph: it states the problem and the goal — reducing reliance on carbon-intensive energy 'to mitigate the worst effects of climate change'.
• Sentence 1 follows with 'A key strategy is…', which presupposes a goal already stated, and proposes diversifying to renewables.
• Sentence 3 begins with 'This shift', referring directly to the transition described in sentence 1, so it must come immediately after it.
• Sentence 4 starts with 'Additionally', adding a second measure, which places it last — giving 2, 1, 3, 4.

Additional Information

• Demonstratives are decisive here: *'This shift'* has no antecedent unless sentence 1 precedes it, which locks the pair 1–3 together before any other ordering is considered.
• *Additionally* marks a supplementary point, so it can never introduce the first idea; the same is true of *Moreover*, *Furthermore* and *Besides*.
• A reliable method for parajumbles is to fix mandatory pairs first — here 1–3 — then find the opener, and only then slot in the remaining sentences.