Question

read the excerpt from esperanza rising.
isabel shook out the clean diapers and hung them on the line stretched between the chinaberry and mulberry trees. then she started on the clothes. esperanza was amazed. she had never washed anything in her life and isabel, who was only eight years old, made it look so easy.
how does the author’s description of esperanza best help the reader understand isabel’s character?

• esperanza’s surprise helps readers see that isabel is a very capable worker.
• esperanza’s surprise helps readers see that isabel is a very messy girl.
• esperanza’s surprise helps readers see that isabel has never washed anything.
• esperanza’s surprise helps readers see that isabel shakes out clean laundry.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the excerpt and options:

• The excerpt says Habel (8 years old) made washing look easy, and Esperanza (who never washed) was amazed.
• Option 1: Esperanza's surprise (at Habel's ease) shows Habel is capable. This matches the excerpt (Habel made washing look easy, so she's capable).
• Option 2: The excerpt doesn't suggest Habel is messy—she made washing look easy. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The surprise is about Habel's capability, not Habel never washing (Esperanza never washed). Eliminate.
• Option 4: The excerpt is about Habel washing easily, not shaking out clean laundry (that's part of the process, not the character trait). Eliminate.

Answer:

A. Esperanza’s surprise helps readers see that Habel is a very capable worker.