Which word could be substituted for the word ascertaining in this sentence from the third paragraph of the passage? a) amusing b) leaning c) observing d) staring

Plz asap read this sentence from paragraph 3 of the article. the boys and girls are merely asked to obtain the signatures of ten friends or relatives. how does the word "merely" affect the meaning of the sentence? a- it suggests that asking people to subscribe to the washington times is something negative. b- it implies that obtaining ten signatures is not a requirement for receiving a prize. c- it downplays the fact that to win the prize, children must ask people to subscribe to the washington times. d- it emphasizes that children receive the prize only if they obtain ten signatures.

Who was the last member of the stuart line whose death left britain without a clear successor? a. george i b. queen anne c. charles ii d. queen elizabeth

How does the author's use of hyperbole to characterize jim smily? a) it characterizes smily as an introverted loner who prefers books to people. b) it characterizes smily as a man who is kind and nurturing toward others who are less fortunate. c) it characterizes smily as a man who is evil and vindictive toward any one who crosses his path. d) it characterizes smily as a man who is a risk-taker who willing bets on anything and with anyone.