Final answer:
The author's use of four consecutive questions in paragraph 4 could serve as a rhetorical device to engage readers and outline key points for forthcoming discussion, providing a structured and logical flow of information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author might have posed four questions in succession in paragraph 4 as a rhetorical strategy to engage the reader's curiosity and thought process, prompting them to consider multiple aspects of the topic at hand. Such a technique allows the author to delve into the complexities of the subject matter and ensure that the reader keeps track of the critical elements of the discussion. This approach can also help to highlight the importance of the questions being asked, suggesting that they are central to understanding the author's argument or the passage's content.
Another reason for the series of questions could be to set up a clear structure for the rest of the text. By asking four questions consecutively, the author may be outlining the key points that will be addressed in the following paragraphs or segments. This not only serves to organize the content logically but also prepares the reader for what is to come, thereby enhancing the clarity of the communication. Such structure is critical for complex arguments or when addressing issues where it is essential to consider various viewpoints or pieces of evidence.