Best Order of Paragraphs
Question
A four-paragraph essay describes (P1) a problem, (P2) a proposed solution, (P3) the history of the problem, (P4) the results of implementing the solution. Which order is most logical?
Answer choices
- P1, P3, P2, P4
- P3, P1, P2, P4
- P3, P1, P4, P2
- P1, P2, P3, P4
A Correct answer: A) P1, P3, P2, P4
A reader needs the problem introduced (P1), then context for that problem (P3), then a proposed solution (P2), then the results (P4). The order P1, P3, P2, P4 follows that pattern; the alternatives either bury the problem statement or split the solution from its results.
The other options either introduce a grammatical error or change the intended meaning. The ACT consistently rewards the most concise, grammatically correct option.
Read the sentence with each option substituted in. The version that preserves meaning while obeying the underlying rule is the correct answer; on the ACT, that is almost always the shortest option that still works.
The underlying rule
Logical exposition usually moves: problem → background → solution → result. History contextualizes the problem and should come immediately after introducing it, before discussing solutions.
Why each wrong answer is wrong
- B) P3, P1, P2, P4: This ordering disrupts the standard problem-background-solution-result expository flow.
- C) P3, P1, P4, P2: This ordering disrupts the standard problem-background-solution-result expository flow.
- D) P1, P2, P3, P4: This ordering disrupts the standard problem-background-solution-result expository flow.
Study tip
For paragraph-order questions, look for the most natural exposition flow: introduce → contextualize → propose → conclude. Then check whether each paragraph's content fits its assigned slot.
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