What is the form of the underlined verb

How is the speaker's writing assignment in "theme for english b" affected by his setting in place and time? the speaker focuses more on his fascination with music than on the core of the assignment. the speaker reflects that he has nothing in common with his instructor, who will therefore not understand his essay. the speaker has trouble with the assignment because he questions what is true about his own identity.< < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < ,,