Question 10 • 8th Grade ELA Q1 Grade Recovery (2023-2024) K. Williams ELWM Q1
Read this excerpt from The Great Fire.At the same moment that Anderson's hose stopped, another steamer malfunctioned and its water also gave out. A well-aimed rap of a hammer got the engine working again, but then, at about 10:30, an old section of hose burst and the flow of water stopped again. Two valuable links in the chain of defense were gone, and there was nothing to stop the fire in these locations.Williams rushed to get the water going and to reposition his engines, but it was too late. The wind had pushed the fire past his circle, a wind that was blowing directly toward the heart of the city.
Answer
A
by demonstrating that there was no possible way to stop the blaze
B
by highlighting the human error that caused the flames to spread rapidly
C
by showing who was responsible for the equipment malfunctions
D
by explaining the effects of the steamer malfunctioning and the hose bursting
Explanation
The excerpt describes a steamer losing its water, briefly being repaired, and then an old hose bursting. These failures stopped the water flow and left gaps in the fire defenses, allowing the wind-driven fire to pass Williams’s engines. This shows the effects of the steamer malfunctioning and hose bursting, rather than identifying someone responsible or blaming human error.
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