What does the epitome of hyperbole mean?

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.

Why does the author's description of the mercury boiler—"the mercury, when vaporized, going into a mercury turbine and then into a condenser, remaining hot enough to generate steam in a steam boiler"—intentionally incorporate such highly technical language? using technical language establishes the expertise of the writer and convey the complex nature of the process being described. using technical language allows the writer to subtly poke fun at those who seek to make basic processes seem overly complicated. using technical language encourages readers to develop deeper and more meaningful personal connections to the information. using technical language lets the writer make clear to readers that the article is intended for readers who are themselves experts on electricity.

Can someone me with the question in the bottom of the page .