Windmill Power
When Malawi, an agricultural country in southern Africa long troubled by poverty, was
struck by severe famine in 2002, a widespread lack of electricity and running water
hampered its recovery. To lessen his own family's'struggles, teenager William
Kamkwamba decided to build a windmill to generate power. Others doubted the viability
of his idea; Kamkwamba didn't have the finances to buy the proper supplies for such a
project. However, Kamkwamba persevered. His first windmill, completed when he was
just fourteen, was largely built out of scrap materials-including an old bicycle frame and
a tractor fan-and generated enough power for only one light bulb. Kamkwamba then
built a stronger windmill, which powered four bulbs. He went on to build several more
windmills, including one for pumping water, allowing his family to use electrical appliances
and to irrigate their crops. Kamkwamba's success garnered international attention and
inspired similar projects.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Many Malawians faced problems following a 2002 famine because they lacked
electricity and running water.
B. William Kamkwamba managed to build windmills from scrap materials and
generate power for his family.
C. William Kamkwamba did not have the proper supplies to build a windmill, so
he used scrap materials.
