Please hurry! One reason why national monuments are important is because they help give us an identity. This is especially important in our nation. Our citizens do not have the same background. We come from different places with different customs and different languages. But we are all Americans because we believe certain things. A new memorial was dedicated in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. in 2011 on the Washington, DC, mall. It shows King’s special place in our history. Some say that symbols are not important because they have no actual function, like a bridge or a dam. But symbols have a powerful effect on people. For example, before 9/11 the World Trade Towers held business offices and restaurants. When the towers fell, people across the country were very upset. It was both a huge loss of life as well as a symbolic loss. When the new skyscraper rises in that place, it will be a symbol to the world that America will always stand for freedom.

Where do you think these essay excerpts belong? Check all that apply.

□ in the opening
□ in the body, as a reason
□ in the body, addressing a counterclaim
□ in the closing