Could someone explain independent, dependent, and noun clauses for me?

you!

Now that you have been exposed to the four major sociological perspectives and in keeping with the concept of getting to know each other; this discussion question will ask for your general opinion as to which one of the four sociological perspectives make the most sense to you. (1. functionalist perspective 2. conflict perspective 3. symbolic interactionist perspective 4. postmodern perspective) in other words which one of the four perspectives do you believe best explains why people do the things they do in our society? which one of the four perspectives best explains why you believe the things you do, and why you act the way that you do?

[he] let his gaze wander to the swirling water of the stream racing madly beneath his feet. a piece of dancing driftwood caught his attention and his eyes followed it down the current. how slowly it appeared to move! what a sluggish stream! what contrasting words are used to describe the stream in this passage?

What element does susan b. anthony include in this passage to strengthen her argument?