Question

not all fold mountains are soaring peaks. the appalachians, stretching along north americas east coast, are generally low - lying, gentle slopes. millions of years ago, the appalachians were taller than the himalayas!
why did the author use the word \gentle\?
a to convey the amount of time it took for the mountain ranges to form
b to convey the length and width of north americas east coast mountains
c to convey the rounded and smooth appearance of the appalachians
d to convey the contrast with the force of most mountains formation

Explanation:

The word "gentle" is used to describe the slopes of the Appalachians. "Gentle slopes" implies a rounded and smooth appearance rather than steep and jagged. Option A is about time (not related to "gentle"), Option B is about length and width (not relevant to the meaning of "gentle" here), and Option D is about contrast with formation force (not what "gentle" conveys in this context of slope description).

Answer:

C. to convey the rounded and smooth appearance of the Appalachians