Question

the golden boys and their new electric cell
by l. p. wyman (excerpt)

1 \say, jack, do you have any idea that this thing is going to work?\

2 \i dont know, bob, the theory is all right, but how it will work out in practice is a cat of another color; one thing is sure, though, and that is if it dont work we are out of the running in the race, for the new boat the jenkins boys have just bought, will run circles round the sprite.\

3 \well, well soon know, for its about ready to test.\

4 this conversation took place one afternoon in the latter part of july in the basement of a house in skowhegan, maine. the room was fitted up as a combined workshop and laboratory, and a single glance would indicate that the two boys were by no means novices, for it contained many expensive and intricate pieces of machinery.

5 jack and bob golden, 15 and 17 years old respectively, were sons of a rich manufacturer, who had made a large part of his fortune through his own inventions. mr. golden was an indulgent father and seeing that his inventive genius had descended to his sons, had fitted up a modern machine shop and laboratory for them and

select the correct answer.

which excerpt from the story helps develop the theme that it is wise to be observant and not trust others too easily?

\instantly jack threw over the lever, but, alas for the hopes of the boys, nothing resulted. as they looked at each other keen disappointment was evident on both faces.\ (paragraph 16)

\well, said bob slowly, it wont be the first time weve had to try again. if there is any trouble i feel sure its in the caps, for this manganese dioxide was made by the electric current.\ (paragraph 12)

\one thing is sure, though, and that is if it dont work we are out of the running in the race, for the new boat the jenkins boys have just bought, will run circles round the sprite.\ (paragraph 2)

\weve got to be mighty careful this time, continued bob, and not let one of those caps get into their hands, for the secret of the whole thing is in them,\ (paragraph 29)

Explanation:

Analyze the theme and target message

The target theme is "it is wise to be observant and not trust others too easily." This theme emphasizes caution, vigilance, and protecting valuable secrets from potential competitors or untrustworthy individuals.

Evaluate the given excerpts

• Option 1 ("Instantly Jack threw over the lever...") describes a failed test and disappointment, which relates to trial and error, not caution or trust.
• Option 2 ("'Well,' said Bob slowly, 'it won't be the first time...'") discusses troubleshooting a technical issue with manganese dioxide, which relates to perseverance and scientific inquiry.
• Option 3 ("'one thing is sure, though, and that is if it don't work...'") highlights the stakes of their competition with the Jenkins boys, but does not directly address being observant or cautious about trust.
• Option 4 ("'We've got to be mighty careful this time,' continued Bob, 'and not let one of those caps get into their hands, for the secret of the whole thing is in them,'") directly emphasizes being extremely careful ("mighty careful") and protecting their secret from others ("not let one of those caps get into their hands"), which directly supports the theme of being observant and not trusting others too easily.

Answer:

• "Instantly Jack threw over the lever, but, alas for the hopes of the boys, nothing resulted. As they looked at each other keen disappointment was evident on both faces." (paragraph 16)
• "'Well,' said Bob slowly, 'it won't be the first time we've had to try again. If there is any trouble I feel sure it's in the caps, for this manganese dioxide was made by the electric current.'" (paragraph 12)
• "one thing is sure, though, and that is if it don't work we are out of the running in the race, for the new boat the Jenkins boys have just bought, will run circles round the Sprite." (paragraph 2)
• "'We've got to be mighty careful this time,' continued Bob, 'and not let one of those caps get into their hands, for the secret of the whole thing is in them,'" (paragraph 29) (Correct answer)