To learn more about an author's diction, you ask:

a) are the sentences and paragraphs organized in an interesting way?
b) do i like the connotation of the words the author has chosen to use?
c) what is the meaning and effect of the words the author has used?
d) what techniques has the author used that i can use in my writing?

Why does lewis thomas express concern about what we would say to beings from another planet

He said it was because a private detective sees the dark side of human nature. but whatever the reason, gill landers had an innate suspicion of politicians. when senator randy brill walked into his office on that summer day in august, mopping his flushed features with a monogrammed handkerchief, gill could think of no good reason to change his attitude. he'd only met brill once. that had been two years ago at a country club reception for state political notables. since then, he'd learned all he wanted to know about the senator's sinister reputation. gill sat back in his chair, put his feet on his desk, and fought to keep a poker face. but there was no way he could stop the chill that coursed along his spine like a rush of ice water. 29. in this paragraph, the word notables probably signifies that the persons so described a. would like to be politicians. b. are wealthy people. c. have political influence. d. are contributors to charity.

Why does the author of exploring the titanic give background information about his youth and education? to show his lifelong love for the ocean