Um...Help? I'm kind of confused with this

Explain how advancements in technology have affected the diversity of our news, how we receive it, and how it is portrayed by the media.

Which words in this excerpt from the count of monte cristo can be used as synonyms to determine the meaning of the word grotto? dant? s entered the second grotto. the second grotto was lower and more gloomy than the first; the air that could only enter by the newly formed opening had the mephitic smell dant? s was surprised not to find in the outer cavern. he waited in order to allow pure air to displace the foul atmosphere, and then went on. 1. air 2. opening 3. mephitic 4. cavern 5. pure 6. atmosphere

Who was influential in tolkien's life first? a) c. s. lewis b) the inklings c) tolkien's children d) fr. francis morgan