How should you evaluate persuasive media texts?

Which is it? the desert is than the mountains? 1. drier 2. more dry

The institute of international research is holding its annual convention. this year more than 500 scholars have been invited to hear research reports on many timely topics. approximately 250 big name scientists will be winging their way to washington, d.c. how can the underlined sentence be revised so that it fits the tone of the passage? a) approximately 250 people will be in washington, d.c. b) approximately 250 bigwigs will be flying to washington, d.c. c) approximately 250 science people will be going to washington, d.c. d) approximately 250 well-known scientists will be arriving in washington, d.c.

"alice wondered a little at this,but she was too much in awe of the queen to disbelieve it".what is the effect of the author's word choice in this sentence?