which excerpt is the best example of an appeal to pathos?

Answer: D.
Pathos is the name given to an emotional appeal. This is a type of argument in which a speaker attempts to convince an audience by appealing to their emotions. In this case, the author employs pathos by choosing words that have a negative connotation. He explains the scenario as a "nightmare," the competition as "cut-throat" and the supplies as "shrinking." All these words are likely to give the reader a negative feeling.