First sentence: Why this is the first line? This paragraph is the first sentence because it introduces the main topic of the text. It shows that writing a history is difficult. This is a general statement that does not need other sentences for context. It does not start with a conjunction or use pronouns. Why other lines are not chosen? Paragraph 2 starts with 'As' which is a conjunction, so it cannot be first. Paragraph 3 uses 'Thula Simpson's' which is specific and assumes prior knowledge. Paragraph 4 uses 'It' which is a pronoun and needs context.

Concluding sentence: Why this is the last line? This paragraph is the last sentence because it gives a specific conclusion about South Africa's history. It wraps up the discussion by providing a key date in the history of South Africa.

Paragraph pairs:

• Pair 1 (Paragraph 1 → Paragraph 2): Paragraph 2 connects with Paragraph 1 because it gives more detail about the complexity of South Africa. It explains why writing its history is hard. This follows the Broader to Specific Strategy.
• Pair 2 (Paragraph 2 → Paragraph 3): Paragraph 3 connects with Paragraph 2 because it talks about how Thula Simpson's book deals with the complexity mentioned in Paragraph 2. This shows a Logical Order of ideas.
• Pair 3 (Paragraph 3 → Paragraph 4): Paragraph 4 connects with Paragraph 3 because it gives a specific historical fact about South Africa. This follows the General to Specific Strategy.