First sentence: Why this is the first line? This paragraph is the first line because it introduces the main topic of the text. It talks about the loss of grassland and sets the stage for the discussion. It does not refer to any previous information. This follows the rule of Topic Sentence. Why other lines are not chosen? Paragraph 2 starts with "The main tool..." which is not independent because it refers to a tool without introducing the topic first. Paragraph 3 starts with "Now, Dirac Twidwell..." which uses a pronoun "he" that refers back to Dirac Twidwell, so it is not independent. Paragraph 4 starts with "Yet these fires..." which assumes knowledge of the fires mentioned before, making it not independent. Paragraph 5 starts with "The problem is not..." which also assumes knowledge of the problem, so it is not independent.

Concluding sentence: Why this is the last line? This paragraph is the last line because it wraps up the discussion by stating the main problem. It provides a clear conclusion to the ideas presented in the text. This follows the rule of Conclusive Words, as it summarizes the issue with controlled burns.

Paragraph pairs:

• Pair 1 (Paragraph 1 → Paragraph 2): Paragraph 2 connects to Paragraph 1 because it explains the main tool used to help the grassland. This follows the Logical Order rule, as it continues the idea of the grassland disappearing and introduces controlled fires as a solution.
• Pair 2 (Paragraph 2 → Paragraph 3): Paragraph 3 connects to Paragraph 2 because it shows a problem with the controlled fires. This follows the Cause and Effect Relationship rule, as it explains that even with the fires, the trees and shrubs still advance.
• Pair 3 (Paragraph 3 → Paragraph 4): Paragraph 4 connects to Paragraph 3 because it introduces Dirac Twidwell, who explains the reason for the problem. This follows the Question→Answer Structure rule, as the third paragraph poses a question about why the fires do not work, and the fourth provides the answer.
• Pair 4 (Paragraph 4 → Paragraph 5): Paragraph 5 connects to Paragraph 4 because it gives the specific problem that Dirac Twidwell has identified. This follows the Broader to Specific Strategy rule, as it goes from the general idea of figuring out the problem to the specific issue with controlled burns.