Read the excerpt from "the gift of the magi."

and here i have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. but in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.

the theme expressed in this paragraph is that

even wise people do foolish things at times.
those who sacrifice for others are great people.
sacrificing one’s most prized possessions is foolish.
wise people are often those with the fewest possessions

Introduction to making a difference: it’s our world, too!

When lawrence saw the posters for the circus hanging on the bulletin board, as he swept up the trimmings at slim's barbershop, he knew he would be taking his little cousins. they loved animals, and he was looking forward to seeing the smiles on their faces as the circus performers amazed them with their stunts. but sweeping up hair clippings didn't pay a whole lot. lawrence spent 45 dollars just getting tickets. but it was worth it to see his cousins' faces. the day finally came and everyone was excited as they walked into that big circus tent. but lawrence soon realized that he and his cousins would be thirsty and hungry. as they sat in their seats, the drink vendor walked by selling beverages. desperately thirsty, lawrence asked him how much a lemonade would cost, and the drink vendor said, "eleven dollars each." lawrence replied, "oh, that's it? just eleven dollars? what a great deal for one cup of lemonade. that's totally worth it." the drink vendor walked away. which type of irony is used?

Read the passage from an argumentative essay. many endangered species are currently threatened by climate change. there are some laws already in place, but are they effective enough? anyone with a conscience knows that these creatures deserve the chance to survive without outside threats impeding their survival. i suppose this is a tough decision for lawmakers, but i hope they choose wisely. which statement best evaluates the claim in the passage?