Meaning: The hard outer layer of the tree kept the trunk safe.
Choice of Words: "Bark" is the hard outer layer of the tree. "Protected" tells us it served as a shield. "The tree's trunk" tells us what the bark was protecting.
Alternative Expressions
Bark protected the tree's trunk.
Meaning: The outer layer of the tree kept the tree safe from harm.
Choice of Words: **Bark** is the tough, outer layer of a tree. **Protected** means to keep safe or prevent from harm. **Trunk** is the main stem of a tree.
The tree's skin shielded its body.
Meaning: The outer layer of the tree kept the tree safe.
Choice of Words: **Skin** is the outer layer of something, like a tree. **Shielded** means to protect or cover something. **Body** is the main part of something, like a tree.
The tree's coat guarded its heart.
Meaning: The outer layer of the tree kept the tree safe.
Choice of Words: **Coat** is the outer covering of something, like a tree. **Guarded** means to protect or keep safe. **Heart** is the center or most important part of something, like a tree.