What does it mean learner permit

Read this statement: "but old fears have a way of clinging like cobwebs." how is this statement related to figurative language? this statement demonstrates personification. this statement demonstrates a hyperbole. this statement demonstrates a onomatoepia. this demonstrates a simile.

Which is not among the style choices a writer would use, if he or she is trying to establish a formal writing style/

The missionaries who appear in the novel are colonists from a) britain b) portugal c) spain d) italy