Select the correct answer. Monty is writing an argumentative text about not having exotic animals as pets. He needs help clarifying his claim in the introductory paragraph. Read an excerpt and notice his claim in bold.

For years, human beings have been fascinated by wild animals. We visit zoos to attain some type of intimacy with these animals in their new homes. We sit through shows watching them perform tricks and depending on the animal, we get to pet them. All these experiences are educational for many. However, some people’s fascination with these animals has grown to the point that they desire to have these animals as pets. Exotic animals are becoming popular, and I wonder if they make good pets.

Exotic animals are meant to live in their natural habitats. If they are not in their natural homes, then they should be in controlled settings such as zoos. The average person is not equipped to care for them in a typical home. Experts estimate that approximately 20,000 exotic wild cats are living as pets in the United States. Sadly, that is almost more than the number of tigers that exist in their natural environment. In states such as Texas, people must have a license to own wild animals such as tigers, however, the state does not have regulations to guarantee the protection of those animals once they have been bought.

Caring for exotic pets is extremely costly and can become dangerous. Annual food costs for one tiger cub can cost up to $6,000. These cubs can even weigh up to 500 pounds in a just a few short months and become strong enough to overpower the average adult. These animals require plenty of space to roam and feel comfortable. Luckily, when pet owners are worried about not doing a good job raising these animals, there are pet sanctuaries that are willing to take the animals and care for them.

Which statement below best serves as a claim to replace Monty’s current claim?

A.
Exotic pets are not ideal for everyone.
B.
The popularity of exotic pets is becoming alarming and must stop.
C.
Wild animals are becoming increasingly popular.
D.
Exotic animals are more difficult and expensive to care for and as such should not be pets.
If right, you'll get big brain!

Adapt the speech you delivered in lesson 2 to an audience of professionals, teachers, and parents. the audience expects a more formal delivery. your listeners also expect you to use media such as images and audio to make your speech more convincing and easier to understand. your assignment should include the following elements: -at least four sources to back up your ideas -media elements to illustrate your ideas -changes to both the style and content of the speech to make it more appropriate to the audience -citations that follow mla guidelines as you revise your presentation, research and cite at least four sources. at least two of these sources must provide supporting evidence, such as charts and graphs or quotes from newspapers or other credible sources. the other two sources can provide material to grab the audience's attention — for example, photos that your audience visualize what you're talking about or music that sets the mood. you can also create original images, but these will not count as sources. here are some types of media that you may use to either show evidence or move the audience: quotes tables, charts, and graphs images video audio (including music) mix up the types of media you use so that no medium is used more than twice. take care that all your sources contribute to your speech in an obvious way. they should either back up what you're saying or make your ideas easier for your audience to understand logically or emotionally. avoid visual aids that are off topic or confusing. ask yourself these questions as you revise: am i still fulfilling the requirements of the speech i gave in lesson 2? is my speech still about a theme in franklin roosevelt's four freedoms speech? do i connect that theme to my own life and to a current issue? are my sources credible and relevant? will they convince an audience of parents, teachers, and professionals? do my media elements enhance my speech? do they set the mood, explain something difficult, or offer convincing proof? do i avoid media elements that are more distracting than ? did i cite my sources according to mla guidelines? did i check my works-cited page against sample works-cited pages to make sure it's correct?