Question

which statement best supports the author’s purpose in children of the drug wars, which is to persuade readers that the united states should do more to help immigrant children from honduras? three years ago, about 6,800 children were detained by united states immigration authorities and placed in federal custody; this year, as many as 90,000 children are expected to be picked up. these children are facing threats similar to the forcible conscription of child soldiers by warlords in sudan or during the civil war in bosnia. being forced to sell drugs by gangs is no different from being forced into military service. judges, who currently deny seven in 10 applications for asylum by people who are in deportation proceedings, must better understand the conditions these children are facing. by deporting them directly from the refugee centers, the united states would discourage future migrants by showing that immigrants cannot be caught and released, and then avoid deportation by ignoring court orders or immigration hearings.

Explanation:

To determine which statement best supports the author's purpose (arguing the US should help migrant children from Honduras), we analyze each option:

1. Option 1: States 6,800 children were detained, with 90,000 expected yearly. This provides data on the scale of detentions but does not directly argue for helping them (focuses on numbers, not need).
2. Option 2: Compares Honduran children’s forced conscription to child soldiers in Bosnia (forced to sell drugs). This highlights the harms/risks Honduran children face, creating a moral/empathetic case for US intervention (helping those in danger).
3. Option 3: Discusses a judge denying asylum applications. This focuses on legal processes, not the need for US help.
4. Option 4: Describes US policies discouraging refugees. This criticizes US policy but does not directly support helping Honduran children.

The strongest support for “the US should help” comes from showing the dire circumstances (forced conscription, danger) Honduran children face, as in Option 2.

Answer:

The option (second one, describing forced conscription similar to Bosnian child soldiers) best supports the author’s purpose. (Format based on the question’s context; if options are labeled, e.g., B. These children are facing threats similar to the forcible conscription of child soldiers by Serbs during the civil war in Bosnia. Being forced to sell drugs by gangs is no different from being forced into military service, then this is the answer.)