Read the following description.
the canoe glided along the placid surface of the river like a
leaf that had fallen from one of the many fluffy maples that
stood timidly on the shore
what is most likely the intent of the author's word choice in this sentence?
a. to depict nature as peaceful
b. to portray the trees as characters
c. to contrast the trees and the river
d. to describe where the trees are

Which is the best rebuttal to the following counter-argument? playing video games can be beneficial to youth because it enhances their hand and eye coordination, sharpens their reflexes, and keeps them out of trouble if they were playing outdoors. a. playing video games can be harmful because it is often done in isolation, which hinders the development of social skills b. playing video games can be harmful because excessive playing can lead to obsessive dependence, which can be dangerous. c. playing video games can be armful because it deprives kids of healthful exercise they would normally get by playing outdoors. d. playing video games can be harmful because the more attached youth are to the games, the more detached they become from reality.