The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft against the inside knee was levered firmly. which statement best explains the effect of the word "firmly” in this excerpt? a. it directs the reader’s attention back to the squat pen. b. it suggests that the spade is too heavy for the father. c. it emphasizes the speaker’s distaste for hard work. d. it shows that the father works with skill and control.

The statement that best explains the effect of the word "firmly" in the excerpt is the following one:

D. It shows that the father works with skill and control.

"Firmly" is an adverb of manner, meaning "in a firm way or manner", which clearly shows how the father worked: in a firm, precise, accurate way. It shows the father had no hesitation and knew his stuff.

you didnt put the link on, so i cant read the paraphrase

compare & contrast informative essay/speech

when speaking or writing for the sole purpose of providing information in order to give audience members a good basis for making a decision, you would present an informative speech or essay.   because you wouldn’t want to be persuading the audience by arguing for one type of exercise over the other, you wouldn’t choose a persuasive/argumentative technique.   to fairly, and without bias, present information about the pros and cons of each type exercise, a compare/contrast, informative speech/essay would be the best bet.