46. Which of the following best describes the controlling organizational feature of the passage?

Answer: D

Explanation:

Sequential order

The passage is organized in a sequential manner, presenting information about carbon in a logical flow that progresses from its basic characteristics to its applications. This structure allows the reader to follow the development of ideas clearly and understand the relationships between them.

A) General to specific

This option is incorrect because the passage does not start with a broad overview before narrowing down to specific details. Instead, it follows a sequence that directly addresses specific information about carbon.

B) Specific to general

This choice is also incorrect as the passage does not begin with specific instances and then generalize to a broader concept. It presents specific details about carbon in a step-by-step manner rather than culminating in a general statement.

C) Spatial order

This option is not suitable as the content does not describe a physical layout or arrangement of items in space. The information is presented in a sequence related to the properties and uses of carbon rather than a spatial context.

D) Sequential order

This is the correct answer because the passage logically presents information in a sequence, starting from the definition and atomic structure of carbon, then moving on to its combinations and applications. This clear progression is characteristic of sequential organization.

Conclusion

The sequential order of the passage allows for a coherent understanding of the topic, as it connects the characteristics of carbon with its practical uses in a logical flow. Other options fail to represent the structure accurately, focusing instead on different organizational methods that do not apply to the text. Therefore, sequential order is the most fitting description of the passage's organizational feature.