Read the excerpt from "Digging." 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?

“Firmly” describes how the father positions and presses the spade: his boot rests on the lug while the shaft is levered against his knee. The word suggests a deliberate, controlled movement, showing that he handles the tool with skill. It does not suggest that he dislikes the work or that the spade is too heavy.

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