Answer
a) faster when closer to the Sun
b) II
Work Step by Step
(a) We know that the Earth orbits the Sun faster when it is closer to it. In January, the orbital speed of the Earth is faster than July as that is when the Earth is closer to the Sun.
(b) We know that the correct option is statement (II) -- that is, the Earth sweeps out equal areas in equal time, thus it must be closer to the Sun when it is moving faster.
