The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. Out of the four…
2024
The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the sentences to form a coherent paragraph. P. As the Plains was settled and grassland converted for crops and grazing, fires were seen as a threat and extinguished. Q. Historically, fires set by lightning burned naturally at regular intervals across the Great Plains. R. Native Americans, who saw the benefits, periodically burned the prairie to improve grazing conditions for buffalo. S. In the last 50 years, as woody plants began increasing and transforming the grassland into a shrub ecosystem, fire has returned to the Plains in the form of controlled burns.
- A.
SRQP
- B.
PSQR
- C.
RSQP
- D.
QRPS
Attempted by 5 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
To determine the logical order of these sentences, we should look for chronological markers and thematic flow.
Analysis of Sentences
Q: "Historically, fires set by lightning burned naturally..." (This sets the initial, most distant historical context.)
R: "Native Americans, who saw the benefits, periodically burned the prairie..." (This follows the natural occurrence with human-led practices.)
P: "As the Plains was settled and grassland converted for crops and grazing, fires were seen as a threat and extinguished." (This marks the shift during the settlement era, showing a move away from the previous practices.)
S: "In the last 50 years, as woody plants began increasing... fire has returned to the Plains in the form of controlled burns." (This brings the narrative to the present day.)
Logical Flow (Chronological)
Q (Historical baseline): Natural lightning fires.
R (Pre-settlement human intervention): Native Americans using fire purposefully.
P (Settlement era intervention): Suppression and extinguishing of fires.
S (Modern era intervention): Return to fire via controlled burns.
This follows the sequence: Q → R → P → S.