Question 5 • 8th Grade ELA Q1 Grade Recovery (2023-2024) K. Williams ELWM Q1
Read this excerpt from The Great Fire.Schaffer's first signal went out at 9:30. Several minutes later, Schaffer realized his mistake and ordered Box 319 struck. This was still seven blocks away from the O'Learys', but close enough that firefighters could see the flames and alter their course. Unfortunately, Schaffer's young assistant, William J. Brown, stubbornly refused to strike Box 319, saying he was afraid it would confuse the situation. Brown was so stubborn about his decision that even after the fire he was able to write arrogantly in a letter that "I am still standing the watch that burned Chicago."
Answer
A
The fire was too small for them to see.
B
Several fires were burning at once.
C
Schaffer’s assistant refused to correct the signal.
D
Schaffer and his assistant struck multiple boxes.
Explanation
Schaffer realized the first signal was a mistake and ordered Box 319 struck, but his assistant, William J. Brown, refused to do it. Because Brown would not correct the signal, firefighters did not receive the updated warning. The correct choice is “Schaffer’s assistant refused to correct the signal.”
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