Rock and minerals are both considered to be natural substances and this is what they have in common.
The correct answer is b.
Hardly, as an adverb means "just", hardly, in this context is acting as a limiting modifier of the word ever. <em>Hardly ever</em> means very occasionally. We may use words like it to emphasize how infrequently an action takes place. You should note also that there could be other ways to give quite the same meaning, like when you use <em>rarely</em> or <em>seldom</em>, but, hardly ever has also a <u>negative</u> connotation.
He says this to reassure ralph that things will be ok. Simon is one of the most sensitive characters in the book and becomes aware of Ralph's worry. This is also an example of the books theme of herd mentality and social reliance since simon is aware of the effect his words and examples have on the others.
Sentence 1 because it speaks positively about robert king
