14. A softer, more gentle way of describing something harsh A. Euphemism
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Inference

17. Subtle characterizatuon in which you the reader must put the clues together as to what the character traits the character has
A. Complex character
B. Direct characterization
C. Main Character
D. Indirect Characterization

14. A. Euphemism

17. D. Indirect Characterization

Explanation:

A euphemism is a gentler way of describing something harsh or offensive. Rather than saying someone died, you could say they "passed away." It's a more polite way to say something unpleasant or too direct.

Indirect characterization is when an author indicates what a character is like by revealing their personality through descriptions of their appearance, speech, actions, and interactions/dialogue with other characters. Indirect characterization is showing, not telling. The reader must put the clues together as to how the character acts, rather than the author doing it for them.

For example, instead of writing that a character is patient, you could say, "Rose quietly waited for her name to be called by her teacher as she raised her hand." This shows that Rose is patient through her actions.

c

explanation:

the following key ideas correctly express the key sentence.

restate key idea: most people can learn to swim in ten short lessons.

restate key idea: the majority of water-accident victims require mouth-to-mouth breathing.

restate key idea: an empty, tightly closed gallon jug will support a tired swimmer.  

restate key idea: first aid is to prevent accidents as well as assist in rescue.

explanation: the key idea needs to have the same topic as the key sentence (drowning and safety).