Read the excerpt from Heart of a Samurai. The shape of the island—a tall, flat-topped mountain—became distinct. And yet not at all distinct. Its outline was blurred, as if the skin of the land quivered! As they drifted closer, it appeared as if pieces of the island broke off and floated up into the air. Or black specks floated down and joined the land. Which best states why the excerpt makes the reader want to keep reading?

You have been given the assignment of speaking about the affects of illegal drug use on youth in america. which of the following types of research is likely not to be necessary while preparing for your speech? a. a government website with statistics on convictions for possession among adolescents under the age of 18 b. a library book about the pharmaceutical drug industry in america c. a recent article from cnn.com about a special home for teenagers addicted to drugs d. a website that provides support for parents whose children are in rehab

Read the stanza from "i wandered lonely as a cloud" and answer the question. [1]i wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o'er vales and hills, when all at once i saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils; [5]beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze. what is the effect of describing all the places the daffodils can be seen? it conveys the idea that they are common. it creates a feeling of awe and delight. it makes the reader feel overwhelmed. it shows how difficult it is to grow daffodils.

Read this excerpt from i never had it made. "it's all that ought to count," he replied. "but it isn't. maybe one of these days it will be all that counts. that is one of the reasons i've got you here, robinson. if you're a good enough man, we can make this a start in the right direction. but let me tell you, it's going to take an awful lot of courage." he was back to the crossroads question that made me start to get angry minutes earlier. he asked it slowly and with great care. "have you got the guts to play the game no matter what happens? " "i think i can play the game, mr. rickey," i said. the next few minutes were tough. branch rickey had to make absolutely sure that i knew what i would face. beanballs would be thrown at me. i would be called the kind of names which would hurt and infuriate any man. i would be physically attacked. could i take all of this and control my temper, remain steadfastly loyal to our ultimate aim? which is the central idea of this excerpt?