Final answer:
The component that holds the paper securely against the cylinder in a typewriter is called a paper holder or paper bail, not to be confused with the tabulator, which is used for tabbing, or the carriage lever, which is used to return the carriage. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component that holds the paper securely against the cylinder is known as a paper holder or paper bail. This device ensures that the paper does not move or slip while it is being printed or typed on, which is important for maintaining the alignment of text on the page.
When the paper is held firmly against the cylinder, it allows the typist to easily keep track of the number of spaces by using the scale provided on the typewriter.
The tabulator, on the other hand, is used for setting and clearing tab stops and does not hold the paper. The carriage lever is typically used to manually move the carriage back to the starting position at the beginning of a new line. The correct option is a.