Sentences can be formed by phrases or clauses, in this case the italicized words are a phrase. A phrase is a grammatical unit composed by a set of words without subject and predicate whereas a clause is a grammatical unit formed by a set of words that includes a subject and a predicate.
The noun phrase “Wishing to be heard” is modifying the noun “speaker” since it is providing an explanation of why the subject is performing an action.
Answer:
I agree. Withered, "as though swept by fire," and "once so attractive" create a despairing tone.
The caged bird singswith a joyous songof the captive life that kept it safe all along.This answer exemplifies the two birds: free and caged. Free in such a way that it is able to sing a song of its choice, and caged, because even if it is in captive it has something to be thankful for, its safety.
Since a participle takes the form: verb + -ing, the only word in this sentence which has such a form is B, 'challenging'. 'Puzzle' is a noun, 'crossword' is an adjective, 'created' is a verb.
A background/preface to give you background information
