Women in Aviation Check for Understanding

The authors include information about women hot air balloonists in order to

• prove that women tend to avoid careers in aviation

• give examples that help readers know what an "aeronaut" is

• explain that women have been interested in aviation for a long time

• entertain readers with amusing stories about women who inspired pilots

Which fact from the selection most clearly explains why Harriet Quimby and Bessie Coleman died?

• Both pilots performed daredevil maneuvers in the air.

• They did not take safety precautions that are standard today.

• Their planes suddenly malfunctioned during test flights.

• Both women were victims of racial and gender prejudice.

The author's main purpose for ending the selection by mentioning Bessie Coleman's flight training school is to

• show one effect of her inspiring example

• remind readers that she died doing something she loved

• explain how women today learn to become pilots

• persuade readers to consider a career in aviation