A.I. Explanation:

First sentence: Why this is the first line? This paragraph is the first line because it introduces the main topic. It talks about students getting good grades but still lacking skills. This sets the stage for the discussion about intelligence. It does not refer to any previous information, making it independent. Why other lines are not chosen? Other paragraphs are not chosen because they do not stand alone. For example, Paragraph 2 starts with "But," which is a conjunction. Paragraph 3 uses "But" too, and it refers back to the previous idea. Paragraph 4 talks about research but does not introduce the topic. Paragraph 5 mentions a finding but assumes knowledge of the topic. Paragraph 6 uses "In other words," which connects to a previous idea. Paragraph 7 starts with "Similarly," which also connects back.

Concluding sentence: Why this is the last line? This paragraph is the last line because it wraps up the discussion. It summarizes the main idea about practical intelligence and academic success. It connects back to the earlier points and gives a final thought on the topic.

Paragraph pairs:

• Pair 1 (Paragraph 1 → Paragraph 2): Paragraph 2 connects to Paragraph 1 because it gives a possible reason for the problem mentioned in Paragraph 1. The phrase "The only explanation offered" shows a cause and effect relationship.
• Pair 2 (Paragraph 2 → Paragraph 3): Paragraph 3 connects to Paragraph 2 because it introduces a new idea that challenges the explanation in Paragraph 2. The word "But" shows a contrast between the two ideas.
• Pair 3 (Paragraph 3 → Paragraph 4): Paragraph 4 connects to Paragraph 3 because it provides details about the study mentioned in Paragraph 3. It continues the topic of Professor Sternberg's research.
• Pair 4 (Paragraph 4 → Paragraph 5): Paragraph 5 connects to Paragraph 4 because it explains what practical intelligence is and its importance. It gives more specific information about the topic introduced in Paragraph 4.
• Pair 5 (Paragraph 5 → Paragraph 6): Paragraph 6 connects to Paragraph 5 because it explains the finding in simpler terms. The phrase "In other words" shows that it is giving a clearer explanation.
• Pair 6 (Paragraph 6 → Paragraph 7): Paragraph 7 connects to Paragraph 6 because it gives another example of the same idea. The word "Similarly" shows that it is related to the previous point.