1. The purpose of the line "<span>In these days we can kindle a fire without any trouble, because we can easily get a match..." is to imply the main idea of the article. The statement that we can easily kindle fire today implies that there was a time when it wasn't so easy. That is why people had to figure out a way to kindle a fire without looking for a natural source. All of this supports the article's main idea, that match was a brilliant invention, which we shouldn't take for granted.
2. This line shows the need for matches. People had troubles with finding the fire, but it got even harder because any fire can easily get extinguished. This proves there was an urgent need to find a way to kindle fire without having to resort to nature at all times. The line doesn't show how dependable nature is - on the contrary, it shows that humans had to find a way to not depend on it. It doesn't show how people got the fire, or how long it took to make matches.
3. The correct answer is thesaurus. It is not an encyclopedia or an ordinary dictionary, but a dictionary of synonyms, that is words with similar meanings. It also contains antonyms (words with opposite meanings) and words with related meanings. When we don't know what a word means, we use a dictionary or an encyclopedia (or Wikipedia, for that matter). However, when we know its meaning, but are looking for a more appropriate word, we use a thesaurus.</span>
The main character is the girl ( the salesman could be considered one too but since you said character not characters its most probs the girl). The story takes place mostly at the store since thats her destination, the place where she forgot the money, and the place that had sympathy on her when she did (basically where all the events took place). Finally, the information that makes the readers want to continue reading is perhaps the fact that she will pay the store back which sort of already develops a plot for the next bit.
Honestly I would do like encouraging ativites with kids. Fun coloring activies, crafts, outside running games, games where they need to use each other.
I would set some goals for you and the kids and see how far you come to meeting them. Message me if you want some more tips.