Question

read the passage from animal farm. on the third sunday after snowballs expulsion, the animals were somewhat surprised to hear napoleon announce that the windmill was to be built after all. he did not give any reason for having changed his mind, but merely warned the animals that this extra task would mean very hard work, it might even be necessary to reduce their rations. what is the central idea of this passage? the animals cannot believe that snowball is gone. napoleon expects the animals to work harder and eat less. the animals do not understand why they have to build a windmill. napoleon steals ideas from snowball and pretends they are his own.

Explanation:

The passage shows that Napoleon, after expelling Snowball, decides to build the windmill (an idea associated with Snowball). He gives no reason for the change (stealing the idea) and just warns of hard work and ration reduction. The other options are not the central idea. The animals' belief about Snowball's absence is not the main point. The focus isn't on animals' lack of understanding of building the windmill in general (but rather Napoleon's actions regarding it). And while hard work and less food are mentioned, the key is Napoleon's appropriation of the idea.

Answer:

Napoleon steals ideas from Snowball and pretends they are his own.