Which word is the closest in meaning to comforting as it is used in this excerpt? I was glad enough when I reached my room and locked out the mold and the darkness. A cheery fire was burning in the gate, and I sat down before it with a comforting sense of relief.

•soothing
•warm
•happy
•friendly

Which of the following factors most consistently contributes to the speaker’s believability? a the age and experience of the speaker b the physical environment in which the speech is delivered c the sincerity, knowledge, and trustworthiness of the speaker d the position of the thesis statement in the speech