The description helps readers understand how Alfonso's concern about his appearance is affecting him. The description of his thumbs after pushing on his teeth as "tired and wrinkled and pink" shows how far Alfonso will go to improve his image. The comparison of his bike to "a handful of dimes" shows how careful he is. These descriptions contribute to the theme that the way you look does not always reflect who you want to be.

Explanation:

It's how Alfonso feels his apperance is affecting him and how far he will go to fix it

the following key ideas correctly express the key sentence.

restate key idea: most people can learn to swim in ten short lessons.

restate key idea: the majority of water-accident victims require mouth-to-mouth breathing.

restate key idea: an empty, tightly closed gallon jug will support a tired swimmer.  

restate key idea: first aid is to prevent accidents as well as assist in rescue.

explanation: the key idea needs to have the same topic as the key sentence (drowning and safety).

what are the choices?