Read this excerpt from "Gravity" by Judith Ortiz Cofer:
"Actually, though I would never have admitted it then, I loved the dancing and the food, and especially listening to the women tell dirty jokes at their tables while the men played dominoes and got drunk at theirs. But I had taken my battle position."
Which statement best describes the intended aesthetic impact of this excerpt?
A. By Elenita's fighting against her heritage despite her love of aspects of it, the author shows her contradictions.
B. By having Elenita admit that she actually enjoyed aspects of her culture, the author shows how much she has matured, leaving the reader satisfied.
C. By having her admit to listening to the women tell dirty jokes, the author shows Elenita's sense of humor.
D. By having Elenita admit to choosing her "battle position," the author reveals that she will embrace her heritage, leaving the reader hopeful.

ANSWER: B. By having Elenita admit that she actually enjoyed aspects of her culture, the author shows how much she has matured, leaving the reader satisfied.

the price of our current war is high; it costs money and it costs lives.

but it does not cost our pride. it does not cost the guilt that would arise from knowing that we did nothing to intervene while our neighboring nations fell to despotic leaders.

it does not cost the terror of knowing that our allies are unstable. it does not cost the fear that we, too, will be next to fall.

which sentence most accurately explains why the speaker's use of the parallel structure is effective in this passage?

a. it underscores that disagreement will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly.

b. it makes the speaker seem like a decisive and capable leader.

c. it emphasizes reasons to fight and inspires listeners to aid the war effort.

d. it establishes the speaker's credibility by acknowledging the difficulties of war.