Why does the author use the word slough in this line?

Even the insistent cough of the woman next to him wasn't enough to draw his eyes away from the tiny type of the ancient book its pages were brittle and felt like they could crumble at the slightest disturbance he noticed the musty odor if each page as he carefully it over.

It is true that prior to 1914 the united states often had been disturbed by events in other continents. we had even engaged in two wars with european nations and in a number of undeclared wars in the west indies, in the mediterranean and in the pacific for the maintenance of american rights and for the principles of peaceful commerce. but in no case had a serious threat been raised against our national safety or our continued independence. what is the theme of this excerpt? a. the responsibility for americans to avoid involvement in war.b. america’s history of international involvement.c. a new kind of threat to american security.d. america’s history as a peaceful nation.

What is the best way to brainstorm ideas for an argumentative essay? generate ideas for both sides of the argument compile a list of possible sources for the topic list descriptive details that illustrate the main argument craft a strong thesis statement that is the focus of the essay