Answer: B-----meaning and effects of words
Explanation: because diction is the choice of words in a writing you should be considering the meaning and effect of words when you analyze diction.
The answer is b, are.
The reason is because it is the only one that fits in the sentence that makes sense!
The main conflicts in the story are internal. Both boys are struggling with the inadequacies of their own bodies or minds. In other words, Max has to learn to deal with being slow and Kevin has to learn to deal with not having a body that works. The external conflicts are between Max and Kevin and the bullies. Hope this helped! :)