At first I was going to say my favorite tropical rainforest animal is the toucan, but second thought, my favorite is the tapir.

At first I was going to say my favorite tropical rainforest animal is the toucan, but on second thought, my favorite is the tapir.

Explanation:

We must fill in the blank with a preposition that completes the phrase used. In this case, we are using a fixed expression: "on second thought." Thus, no other preposition would be possible here, since the phase is always "on second thought."

"On second thought" is used to indicate that we have changed our opinion or decision about something after thinking about it again. For example: "She was going to order some chocolate ice cream. But, on second thought, she went for the mint one."

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.

a

explanation: