Which best identifies and explains the function of the word gardening as it is used in this sentence?

gardening is a pleasant and productive pastime for people of all ages. a) in the selected sentence, the word gardening is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as the subject.
b) in the selected sentence, the word gardening is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as a direct object.
c) in the selected sentence, the word gardening is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as a subject complement.
d) in the selected sentence, the word gardening is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as the object of the preposition.

Which statement would you identify as being correct? a. it is important to learn the etymology of every word in a text. b. it is important to understand the etymology of every word in a text. c. it is important to study the etymology of every word in a text. d. it is important to study the etymology of some words in a text.

Constructed response paragraph: after reading “the case for short words,” do you think the author makes a convincing case that short words are effective? explain your answer and support it with evidence from the selection.

Jenna stood in front of the closed door. she knew she hadevery right to be here. your exam scores are just as high ascora's, she said to herself. there's no reason you shouldhave been left off the math team while cora was namedcaptain. she had never been one to rock the boat, but shecouldn't just let this lie.she pushed the door open and saw ms. jenson, the mathteam advisor, sitting at her desk. "ms. jenson? can i talk toyou for a minute? " her voice wavered, but she tried to lookconfident."sure," said ms. jenson, "but i hope this isn't about namingcora captain of the math team. i'm afraid my decision isfinal."jenna took a deep breath and prepared to plead her case.which statement best describes the external conflict in this passage?