Arrange the linguistic units in increasing order of size to show how text is built up from the smallest element to the largest. a) Sentence b) Word c) Chapter d) Phrase e) Paragraph Choose the correct sequence from smallest to largest.

Introduction / Context:
Written language is hierarchical. Small elements combine to form larger ones. Knowing this hierarchy helps in grammar, composition, and reading comprehension. Starting from the smallest meaningful units, we move upward to structures that group ideas and finally to chapters that organize content at a higher level.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Word is the smallest given unit with independent meaning.
• Phrase is a small group of words functioning as a unit but not expressing a complete thought.
• Sentence expresses a complete thought and contains at least one clause.
• Paragraph groups sentences around a single idea.
• Chapter groups multiple paragraphs and sections into a larger thematic unit.

Concept / Approach:
Build from atomic to composite: words combine to make phrases, phrases combine to make sentences, sentences combine to make paragraphs, and paragraphs organize into chapters. The order therefore follows linguistic construction rather than frequency of use.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Word (b) is the basic building block.Step 2: Phrase (d) is a group of words without a full thought.Step 3: Sentence (a) states a complete thought.Step 4: Paragraph (e) unifies related sentences.Step 5: Chapter (c) collects paragraphs into a major section.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider composing a textbook: you first write words that become phrases and sentences. Sentences are arranged into paragraphs, which are then allocated to chapters. This confirms the bottom up hierarchy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• b, a, d, e, c: Phrases cannot be formed after sentences; the dependency is reversed.
• d, b, a, e, c: A phrase cannot precede the words that form it.
• b, d, e, a, c: Paragraphs cannot be built before sentences.
• b, d, a, c, e: Chapters should come after paragraphs.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing phrase and sentence is common. A phrase lacks a complete subject predicate structure, whereas a sentence expresses a full idea. Another pitfall is to treat paragraph and chapter as interchangeable; chapters are higher level organizing units.

Final Answer:
b, d, a, e, c