"it seems your central character has a really cool power: being able to hear what others are thinking,” tom said.
“actually, i think it was more of a jinx,” replied ben. “being able to hear what people are really thinking is one of those things you think would be great until you can do it.”

which stage of the short story’s plot is discussed in this passage?

a. rising action
b. setting
c. conflict
d. climax

The correct answer is option A. "Rising Action". In literature, Rising Actions are defined as all the background circumstances that create suspense and lead to the climax. In the excerpts shown in the question it can be noted that the central character can hear other's people thoughts but it is seen as a jinx. These are circumstances that lead to the climax of the story.

the illustration   that would give a reader a clear understanding of the text is a picture of men constructing the frame of a building.the frame is made of iron bars. the text describes the job of blacksmiths'. these were very organised and they had different names: "the driver" and "the heater". the text describes the way in which these men worked ; they worked iron pieces as if they were playing a sport. in fact, the text wants to show the men's skills. the text also puts some emphasis on the use of '' rivets'' in construction. this kind of nails were not always used in the construction of manhattan.

some examples:

"and with an underhand toss he hurled the smoking rivet straight at the catcher, who caught it in mid-air in his catching can." men's skills

"when the driver was ready for a new " the emphasis on the rivet ( special nail used in construction).

" it against a beam to remove any cinders, and jammed it into the waiting hole. " the emphasis on the rivet.

sorry but can you explain the question because i didn’t understand it