Out over the slushy snow the two started, the boy with his light single-barrelled shotgun slung over one shoulder, the dog trotting close at his heels. the march thaw was changing to a sharp freeze. the deep and soggy snow was crusted over, just thick enough to make walking a genuine difficulty for both dog and boy. how does the setting develop as the boy and wolf set off towards "the place"? a. the setting remains neutral. b. the setting becomes even more foreboding and dangerous. c. the setting changes to reflect the boy's excitement and enthusiasm. d. the setting becomes brighter and peaceful as the boy nears the marsh.

Which statement best evaluates the author's use of pacing in the passage? a. the author's use of pacing is not effective, because the imagery and figurative language don't adequately describe either the cheetah or the gazelle. b. the author's use of pacing is effective, because the imagery and figurative language speed up the action, making the scene come alive for the reader. c. the author's use of pacing is effective, because the long, complex sentences the reader fully understand the power and beauty of nature. d. the author's use of pacing is not effective, because the long, complex sentences distract from the sense of stress and anxiety the passage should convey.