D. Examine her own perception and then check in with Ivan about his behavior
The question asks about what Tamara should to do better interpret the situation and communicate appropriately. In order for her to better interpret the situation she needs to examine her own perception. Why does she feel that Ivan is unusually quiet? Does she truly think that it is directed towards her? Then she should check in with him. Telling him that he's being inconsiderate as option A suggests is not helpful. Option B also does not solve the problem either. And if Ivan is going through something, offering him help or support may be what he needs. Option C is also not correct because Tamara should not be providing therapy and she doesn't even know what is going on.
The prefix would be epi-, as in epidermis. (The outer layer of skin)
The correct answer is a.Holding her note cards, the woman stepped up to the microphone ready to give her speech..
That is because it is the most grammatically acceptable sentence of all the ones mentioned here as it has both the proper syntax and proper punctuation.