Question

read the passage.
1 benjamin franklin was one of the key figures in the founding of the united states. he was a statesman and journalist, but he was also an accomplished scientist who created practical inventions to address needs he saw in his community. the lightning rod and bifocals are some of his most famous inventions, but he is also credited with inventing swimming fins.
2 his ingenious swimming fin design used two flat, rounded pieces of wood that he called \palettes.\ to keep the fins in place, franklin had the simple, yet brilliant, idea of cutting a hole in each. the holes allowed him to easily hook the fins over his thumbs. he then grasped the fins with his fingers and used them to push the water behind him as he swam. when writing about the experience, franklin noted, \i remember i swam faster by means of these palettes, but they fatigued my wrists.\ franklin was only eleven years old when he created this invention, but age did not limit his imaginative spirit. he also made swimming fins for his feet, but those fins were less successful and were difficult to attach.
(question from the select works of benjamin franklin by benjamin franklin)
this question has two parts. answer part a, and then answer p
part a
what does the word ingenious mean in the passage?

1. clever
2. elaborate
3. popular
4. superior

part b
which detail from the passage best supports the correct answer from part a?

1. \address needs he saw in his community\ (paragraph 1)
2. \two flat, rounded pieces of wood\ (paragraph 2)
3. \simple, yet brilliant, idea\ (paragraph 2)
4. \difficult to attach\ (paragraph 2)

Explanation:

For Part A, "ingenious" means clever. The context clues like "simple, yet brilliant idea" in the passage support this. A "brilliant idea" implies cleverness.
For Part B, the phrase "simple, yet brilliant, idea" directly supports the meaning of "ingenious" (clever) as it shows a smart and creative concept.

Answer:

Part A: 1. clever
Part B: 3. "simple, yet brilliant, idea" (Paragraph 2)