Max made his way down the aisle and chose a seat halfway back, just as the bus released its brakes with a loud sigh. Max wore headphones and studied his laces, and nobody tried to start up a conversation. For that, Max was
grateful, as he was mentally reviewing his course schedule and room numbers. He tapped his toe erratically and
checked his pocket for his locker combination. It will be fine, he thought, putting in a piece of gum to absorb some of
his energy. He snapped a bubble, tapped his toe, and glanced out the window at the approaching school.
How does this passage use characterization?
The characterization reveals Max's shyness toward others.
The characterization reveals Max's nervousness
The characterization reveals Max's academic interests.
O The characterization reveals Max's love of music.

The characterization reveals Max's nervousness.

Explanation:

It is clear that he's having obvious anxiety. He's fidgeting and repeatedly checking things, purposely trying to make himself seem busy so no one talks to him. These are all signs of nervousness and anxiety.

explanation:

the silver bells of the sleds are merry and keep time in the winter nights while the sky twinkles happily. the golden bells of weddings are delightful in their peaceful happiness, foretelling a rapturous future. meanwhile, the brazen alarm bells scream frightfully in the night, with a discordant and desperate sound. in their clamor, these bells convey terror, horror, and anger. finally, the iron bells are solemn and melancholy, while those in the church steeple are like ghouls who feel happiness. the king of the ghouls, who rings the bells, cheerfully keeps time with the moaning and groaning bells.

quite an interesting way to teach topic sentences, because the answer to this question is the best definition of a topic sentence that one can present, it is as if answering the questions taught you how to do it, this is some real teaching, it is terribly well-done.

the topic sentence in this paragraph is:

topic sentences writers stay on track and keep a paragraph from becoming an aimless collection of sentences about an idea.

which incidentally tells you what a topic sentence should be.