I don’t see an italicized word? But gazed could be looking intently and in admiration. Dazzled could be amazed or kind of charming. Exotic could be unique or special.
It is important because this is what pulls everything all together. This is where the main character is introduced and the character that is telling him an important story is introduced as well
The answer is B because an autobiography is a real life story written by that person.
If the mother goes to the capital to give her speech she would take the kids with her or leave them at home
It would most likely be an informational/explanatory essay because she is seeking to inform the readers about the school event.