Questions: Which evidence best supports the conclusion that this story was written for children? The story is set in a forest. The battle was won by a trick. The excerpt describes a battle. The characters are talking animals.

The answer is D: The characters are talking animals.

Explanation for each option:

A. The story is set in a forest. - While many children's stories are set in forests, this setting alone does not specifically indicate that a story is written for children. Forests can be settings for stories aimed at any age group.

B. The battle was won by a trick. - Although clever tricks are often found in children's stories, they are also common in literature for adults. This element alone does not strongly indicate that the story is specifically for children.

C. The excerpt describes a battle. - Descriptions of battles can be found in literature for all age groups, including adult literature. This does not specifically suggest that the story is for children.

D. The characters are talking animals. - This is a strong indicator that the story is written for children. Talking animals are a common feature in children's literature, as they appeal to children's imaginations and often convey moral lessons in an engaging way. Examples include classic children's stories like "Charlotte's Web" and "The Wind in the Willows."