Answer: A. To show a possibility of Steve winning the gold medal
Explanation:
False I think, what book is this from?!
B. it would change how the sailors voiced their concerns. "mutterings" suggests that it was only something the crew was saying under their breath, or saying only between themselves--privately. "conversations" is much more general, giving you the idea that they spoke about it openly. when you think "muttering" you might get an image of a kid muttering some smart reply under their breath in response to authority. it's like a petty complaint, almost. when you hear the word "conversation" you might picture a group of people sitting together having a full discussion. changing from one word to the other definitely changes the image of how the sailors are speaking amongst themselves.
