When the speaker's words are interpreted by the listener differently than what was originally intended, what is most likely to occur

In the context of the passage, what does the word torpid mean? b. predatory a. energetic c. dormant d. aquatic

Plagiarism can be avoid by a. copying and planting articles found online b.using language directly from outside resources c.using mla format to cite source d.changing a few words when quoting another writer

Which two sentences in this excerpt from theodore dreiser my brother paul are examples of characterization that suggest paul is a superstitious person?