Answer:
#1: It's Something You're Interested In
A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.
Answer:
When the author says "was not motivated by literary ambition", the author means that they did not have anything to write about something that happened. Basically they didn't have much to go off of.
Assuming the question asks which of the following is found in the sentence, neither A. a dependent clause or C. a subordinating conjunction exist in the sentence, so the only possible answer is B. an independent clause.
"The harsh wind scoured the scant remaining leaves from the trees" ⇒ This is an independent clause because it represents a complete thought.
"<span>a desolate landscape remained in its wake</span>" ⇒ This is also an independent clause.
", and" ⇒ This is a coordinating conjunction, connecting two independent clauses.
I think C stresses the the point of the storm missing a certain area better most specifically. Mostly because it gives the direction that it headed after skipping a certain sector.