Explanation
$$E1cB$$ reaction is a second-order and unimolecular reaction. The reaction proceeds in two steps. In the first step, the base abstracts an acidic hydrogen atom from the beta carbon atom to form the carbanion transition state, which is stabilized by resonance. In the second step, the lone pair of electrons on the anion moves to the neighbouring atom forming a pi bond with elimination of leaving group. The rate law for this reaction can be given as
$$Rate\quad =k\left[ concentration\ of\ substrate \right] \left[ concentration\ of\ base \right] $$
Hence, greater the stability of carbanion intermediate faster will be reaction. Hence, both assertion and reason are correct.
Since the methyl group activates the ring at ortho and para position more than meta position, the electrophilic substitution occurs mostly at these positions.
Again, among these, the para isomer is the major product due to sterric reasons.
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