What does Mrs. Starch threaten to do to Nick and Marta if they tell anyone about the baby panther?

The correct choice highlights the emotional and social implications of Mrs. Starch's threat rather than a tangible consequence related to academic performance or disciplinary action. By threatening to lose all respect for Nick and Marta, Mrs. Starch emphasizes the importance of reputation and peer perception, which can often weigh more heavily on students than grades or expulsion. This type of threat is designed to instill a sense of guilt or pressure based on the values of trust and respect among students and authority figures, which are crucial in school environments.

As such, this answer reflects the nuanced relational dynamics between teachers and students, where respect plays a pivotal role in their interactions. The implications of this choice resonate more personally with Nick and Marta, potentially affecting their self-image and relationships with others if Mrs. Starch acts on her threat.