Sign up for FREE

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Final Assessment

Last updated over 4 years ago

7 questions

Note from the author:

Final Assessment

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Question 1

1.

Directions: Identify the meaning of the underlined word in the following excerpt:
“So I went into the kitchen and stuck the cob-handled nail into the fire, and once it glowed hot, I bored a square pattern of four holes into the top of each plastic blade, plus two more in the center.” (188) In this context the word bored means:

to make (someone) tired and annoyed by being uninteresting or too much the same

to make (a hole, tunnel, etc.) in something with a tool or by digging

a giant wave that rushes into a river or bay

the space inside a gun barrel that is shaped like a tube

Question 2

2.

Directions: Identify the meaning of the underlined word in the following excerpt:
“So I went into the kitchen and stuck the cob-handled nail into the fire, and once it glowed hot, I bored a square pattern of four holes into the top of each plastic blade, plus two more in the center.” (188) In this context the word bored means:

to make (someone) tired and annoyed by being uninteresting or too much the same

to make (a hole, tunnel, etc.) in something with a tool or by digging

a giant wave that rushes into a river or bay

the space inside a gun barrel that is shaped like a tube

Question 3

3.

Directions: Identify the meaning of the underlined word in the following excerpt:
"The bicycle was not only heavy but cumbersome, especially with a giant shock absorber stick ou from the crankset. In this context, the word cumbersome means:

hard to handle or manage because of size or weight

complicated and hard to do

long and difficult to read, say, etc.

Question 4

4.

In Chapter 11, which of the following best describes the structure used by the writers in this text?

Cause/Effect

Problem/Solution

Chronological/Sequential

Compare/Contrast

Question 5

5.

Reread these sentences from chapter 11:
"The following afternoon I began assembling the machine" (187).
"I finally came down when the bulb strated to burn my hand" (201).
"That first night with light, I stayed awake reading Explaining Physics trying to prepare for my next step" (207).

Which of the following best describes the function of these three sentences within the structure of the chapter?

Each of these sentences marks an important moment in the sequence of events. 

Each of these sentences introduces a problem William faces as he builds the windmill. 

Each of these sentneces contrasts William's earlier tries at building the windmill with this one. 

Each of these sentences details how William was thinking as he buillt the windmill. 

Question 6

6.

1. Part A “After making some modifications to the wires, I had a new wall jack” (213). Which synonym of the word modifications best matches how it is used in the sentence?

 adjustments

 additions

upgrades

variations

Question 7

7.

Which word in the sentence best helps in understanding the meaning of modifications?
Carefully read these two sentences:

“So taking my knife, I carved out several round buttons from a pair of old flip-flops, then mounted them inside small boxes I’d made from melted PVC pipe” (214).

So taking my knife, I hacked out several round buttons from a pair of old flip-flops, then mounted them inside small boxes I’d made from melted PVC pipe.
The words in bold have very similar meanings. Given the context of the text, what does the connotation of the word carved add to the reader’s understanding of the text?

It suggests the idea that William works carelessly yet skillfully.  

It suggests the idea that William works without skill.

It suggests the idea that William works carefully and skillfully. 

It suggests the idea that William works carelessly.