Question

Reading

Read the selection, and choose the best answer to each question.

from Nobel Lecture
by Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist who has been fighting for the educational rights of women and girls for years. In 2014, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work, becoming the youngest person to receive that distinction. The following excerpt comes from her Nobel Prize Lecture, given on December 10, 2014.
1 The world can no longer accept that basic education is enough. Why do leaders accept that for children in developing countries, only basic literacy is sufficient, when their own children do homework in algebra, mathematics, science and physics?
2 Leaders must seize this opportunity to guarantee a free, quality, primary and secondary education for every child.
3 Some will say this is impractical, or too expensive, or too hard. Or maybe even impossible. But it is time the world thinks bigger.
4 Dear sisters and brothers, the so-called world of adults may understand it, but we children don’t. Why is it that countries which we call “strong” are so powerful in creating wars but are so weak in bringing peace? Why is it that giving guns is so easy but giving books is so hard? Why is it, why is it that making tanks is so easy, but building schools is so hard?
5 We are living in the modern age and we believe that nothing is impossible. We have reached the moon 45 years ago and maybe will soon land on Mars. Then, in this twenty-first century, we must be able to give every child quality education.
6 Dear sisters and brothers, dear fellow children, we must work . . . not wait. Not just the politicians and the world leaders, we all need to contribute. Me. You. We. It is our duty.
7 Let us become the first generation that decides to be the last that sees empty classrooms, lost childhoods, and wasted potentials.
8 Let this be the last time that a girl or a boy spends their childhood in a factory.
9 Let this be the last time that a girl is forced into early child marriage.
10 Let this be the last time that a child loses life in war.
11 Let this be the last time that we see a child out of school.
12 Let this end with us.
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©Nobel Prize Outreach AB


Reread paragraphs 7–11. What tone does the author create with her appeals to shared values related to children and education?
A. pessimistic
B. cheerful
C. determined
D. hesitant

Answer 1

C. determined

The repeated calls to "Let us..." and "Let this be the last time..." create a strong, resolute call to action and commitment to change, showing determination rather than pessimism, cheerfulness, or hesitation.