Question

Read this excerpt from Leah Missbach Day’s foreword to Wheels of Change.

Studies continue to prove that if a girl stays in school she will strengthen her family, community, and nation. A long list of benefits of educating a girl in a developing country compiled by the World Health Organization includes later marriages, smaller families, better hygiene, greatly increased likelihood that further children will receive education, and my favorite—greater confidence.

What is the central idea of the excerpt?

The World Health Organization improves women’s lives.
Developing countries strive to educate youth about social issues.
Confidence is the best tool for providing women independence.
Educating women greatly increases their quality of life.

Answer 1

Educating women greatly increases their quality of life.

The excerpt lists multiple benefits (later marriages, smaller families, better hygiene, more education for children, greater confidence) that result when girls stay in school.