I believe it's B, parentheses.
Comment the correct answer.
D. gerund phrase as a direct object
Gerund is one of three kinds of verbals. Like all verbals, gerunds are nouns derived from verbs. Gerunds end in -ing. In the sentence, "leading" is the gerund. This gerund phrase is used as the direct object.
Answer: When writing a persuasive essay, place the reader in the persons shoes. For example when writing a debatable persuasive essay like school uniforms, try something likes this " Imagine this, you're walking down a hallway in school, and everywhere you look, you see the same thing..." Or you could always start off with a question (which is a very effective hook) this gets the reader thinking. "What is one thing you .....?" etc etc Everyone has a different preference. Also, another way to start it is with the classic "Did you know?" question, not only asking a question, but listing facts afterwards to back up your claim.
Explanation: Hope these help :)
The correct answer is answer C ("The words with positive connotations soften the ones with negative connotations to create a serious, matter-of-fact tone").
The tone of this excerpt is remarkably pragmatic for speaking about such horrific matter. Machiavelli achieves this by never losing sight of his aim, which is to instruct efficiency. <u>He's very aware of the delicate nature of the subject matter</u>. Without omitting important details even though they may seem cruel or gruesome, he's able to keep a cold tone by neutralizing these negative connotations with positive language.
This effect is made more clear in the last paragraph:
"For <u>injuries</u> ought to be done all at one time, so that, <u>being tasted less,</u> <u>offend less</u>..." - Here he's talking about necessary punishment and mercy at the same time.
"Benefits ought to be given <u>little by little</u>, so that the <u>flavour may last longer</u>..." - Machiavelli is talking about manipulation and using the word flavour which has a positive connotation that softens the cruel nature of the act.
Hope this helps!