Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph: 1. It is a process that involves systematic and objective examination of a subject to uncover new facts or verify existing ones. 2. Research serves as a fundamental pillar of academic and scientific advancement. 3. This may be either theoretical, intended to broaden knowledge, or applied, designed to address a practical problem. 4. The results of this investigation are then recorded and peer-reviewed to ensure validity and credibility.

Option (a) is the correct order of the given sentences. • 2 — Acts as the opening sentence, introducing research and establishing its importance. • 1 — Follows naturally by defining what research is and explaining its systematic nature. • 3 — Elaborates on the definition by classifying research into theoretical and applied forms. • 4 — Concludes the paragraph by describing the final stage of research, where findings are documented and validated through peer review. The flow is logically structured as: Introduction → Definition → Classification → Outcome/Validation, which ensures coherence and clarity.