Which statement correctly describes the characterization in this except

Which of these introductory paragraphs is missing a thesis statement? lori lanson wrote, “the city, no matter how small, is corrupt and unrepentant, while the sun shines brighter in the country, making people more wholesome.” like the writer, some people think living in the country is better than living in the city. others disagree, believing that the city is full of excitement, diversity, and opportunities. when deciding whether to live in the country or the city, first consider the pros and cons of living in each environment. did you know that there are over 33 grams of sugar in a can of soda? that is over the daily limit of total sugar for most people. so if just having one can of soda can put you over your daily limit, think about how all the sugar in cookies, candy, and other treats can add up. the average american has up to 82 grams of sugar each day. that's almost three times the recommended amount! americans consume large amounts of sugar in their daily diets, which leads to a variety of health problems. go outside on a windy day and you can feel the power of the energy of the future. wind energy is created by using large wind turbines which changes the energy from the wind into electricity to power our homes and workplaces. wind power is available every day of the year, rain or shine. a large fan, called a wind turbine, is made up of a blade, a rotor, a drive train, a tower, and other things like electrical wires. a clenched stomach; tight, painful shoulders and neck; a racing mind. these are just a few of the symptoms of stress that many people feel on a daily basis. the pressures of work, school, and relationships can affect our bodies and our minds. fortunately, we can counteract these negative symptoms. mindfulness techniques, such as daily meditation, have been proven to increase wellbeing and reduce stress, illness, and disease. people should consider making daily habits out of these practices.

What is the meaning of the word checking as it is used in this sentence from the second paragraph of the passage?

8. "caged bird" right now, i feel like a bird caged without a key everyone comes to stare at me with so much joy and reverie they don't know how i feel inside through my smile, i cry they don't know what they're doing to me keeping me from flying that's why i say i know why the caged bird sings only joy comes from song she's so rare and beautiful to others why not just set her free? so she can fly, fly, fly spreading her wings and her song let her fly, fly fly for the whole world to see she's like caged bird fly, fly ooh just let her fly just let her fly just let her fly spread the wings spread the beauty what is the allusion found in the poem? question 8 options: a) alicia keys b) i know why the caged bird sings c) spreading her wings and her song d) fly, fly, fly