Responding to Literature: Grade 5

Responding to Literature: Grade 5

Read the instructions carefully for each section. Answer all questions using complete sentences and specific details from the text.

Read the following passage from 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' by William Kamkwamba carefully:

In a small village in Malawi, a thirteen-year-old boy named William Kamkwamba faced a terrible famine. His family, like many others, struggled to find enough food. Despite having to drop out of school because his family could no longer afford the fees, William was determined to learn. He started visiting the local library, where he read science books. One day, he found a book about windmills. He learned how windmills could generate electricity and pump water, which could help his village. With discarded materials like bicycle parts, plastic pipes, and old flip-flops, William began to build his own windmill. Many people in his village thought he was crazy, but William kept working. Slowly, his windmill took shape, and soon, it began to spin, bringing electricity and hope to his family and eventually his entire village.

1. In your own words, summarize the main idea of the passage you just read.

2. What was the main problem William and his village faced?

3. Describe two character traits that William demonstrates in the passage. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

4. Complete the sentences using words related to the passage:

a. William's determination helped him overcome the   in his village.

b. He used   materials to build his windmill, showing his creativity.

c. The windmill brought   and hope to his community.

5. Read the statements below and circle True or False.

a. William's family easily afforded his school fees.

b. William learned about windmills from a book in the library.

6. Have you ever faced a challenge like William's and found a creative solution? Explain your experience or describe what you would do if you were in William's situation.