What is the proper wording for "i kid you not" for an essay?

Which excerpt best represents the central conflict of “ everyday use”

Hyperbole in the book messenger by lois lowry

Must read story will give if ! in “perseverance,” which theme is reflected in the lines, “life’s field will yield as we make it / a harvest of thorns or of flowers”? a: life is a field in which flowers and thorns will grow. b: accept what you are given, because you cannot change it. c: your life is the result of the work you put into it. d: working together people achieve their goals in life.