Exploring Themes and Evidence in Texts

Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the author's feelings towards windmills?

• The author thinks windmills are a waste of time.

• The author believes windmills could solve many problems.

• The author is indifferent to the idea of windmills.

• The author is afraid of using windmills.

What is the central idea of the passage?

• The author wants to build a windmill to generate electricity and improve life in Malawi.

• The author is fascinated by the concept of energy conversion.

• The author is interested in learning new English words.

• The author enjoys spending time in the library with Gilbert.

What does the word "hostile" most likely mean as used in the passage?

• friendly

• unfriendly

• broken

• open

How does the author distinguish his position on windmills in the passage?

• By showing skepticism about their effectiveness.

• By expressing a strong belief in their potential to change lives.

• By dismissing them as mere toys.

• By comparing them to traditional energy sources.

What evidence from the text supports the idea that the author sees windmills as a solution to hunger?

• The author mentions using windmills to power lights.

• The author describes how windmills can pump water for irrigation.

• The author talks about the beauty of windmills.

• The author recalls making pinwheel toys as a child.

Which inference is best supported by the phrase “Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope” in the excerpt’s title?

• The windmills have the potential to provide an escape from poverty.

• The people of Malawi believe their standard of living can be improved through prayer.

• The discovery of windmills could change the way science is taught in Malawi.

• The author has more interest in inspiring his countrymen than he does in developing new power sources.

Which detail from the text best supports the idea that the author is determined to build a windmill?

• The author spends hours in the library.

• The author recalls the hunger his family faced.

• The author decides to build a windmill after reading the book.

• The author asks Gilbert about the word "grapes."

What does the phrase "release ourselves from the troubles of darkness and hunger" suggest about the author's view of windmills?

• Windmills are a temporary solution.

• Windmills offer a sense of freedom and hope.

• Windmills are difficult to maintain.

• Windmills are only useful for generating electricity.

What inference can be made about the author's motivation to build a windmill?

• The author wants to impress his friends.

• The author seeks to improve his family's quality of life.

• The author is interested in becoming an engineer.

• The author wants to sell windmills for profit.

What does the author mean by "a windmill meant more than just power, it was freedom"?

• Windmills are expensive to build.

• Windmills can provide independence and self-sufficiency.

• Windmills are difficult to maintain.

• Windmills are only useful for generating electricity.