Once, I remember, we came upon a man-of-war anchored off the coast. There wasn't even a shed there, and she was shelling the bush. It appears the French had one of their wars going on thereabouts. Her ensign dropped limp like a rag; the muzzles of the long six-inch guns stuck out all over the low hull; the greasy, slimy swell swung her up lazily and let her down, swaying her thin masts. In the empty immensity of earth, sky, and water, there she was, incomprehensible, firing into a continent. Pop, would go one of the six-inch guns; a small flame would dart and vanish, a little white smoke would disappear, a tiny projectile would give a feeble screech—and nothing happened. Nothing could happen. There was a touch of insanity in the proceeding, a sense of lugubrious drollery in the sight; and it was not dissipated by somebody on board assuring me earnestly there was a camp of natives—he called them enemies!—hidden out of sight somewhere. What is the main purpose of the passage? Write a short argument to answer the question. Develop your ideas by analyzing specific details from the passage. You are writing an argument, so be careful to include a clear thesis and to respond to at least one counter-argument.

The brother of a presidential candidate writes an editorial in which he defends this candidate against charges of corruption. in such a circumstance, it is most appropriate for the reader to a) suspect that the candidate may have been framed. b) consider whether the candidate has the best family or not. c) wonder if the writer may be biased, due to his family connection. d) wonder if the writer may be inaccurate, due to wanting to get people to read his column. \

Read the following excerpt from leslie marmon silko’s story "the man to send rain clouds." the priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. “for a christian burial it was necessary.” his voice was distant, and leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. “it's o. k., father, we just want him to have plenty of water.” the priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. he turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them. “you know i can't do that, leon. there should have been the last rites and a funeral mass at the very least.” leon put on his green cap and pulled the flaps down over his ears. “it's getting late, father. i've got to go.” which of the following statements best describes the thematic significance of this dialogue? this dialogue emphasizes the ongoing personal conflict between leon and father paul. this conversation between leon and father paul makes it clear that they will never come to an agreement. leon’s and father paul’s differing perspectives of the situation reflect their larger cultural conflicts. leon’s hasty exit from father paul’s house reflects his discomfort with the priest and christianity.

Which two former presidents continued to work in government after leaving the white house, and in what capacity?