Support or Doesn't Support
Paragraph 18 supports or doesn’t support the idea that the formation leader is a strong, experienced pilot.
"Flight-Lieutenant Pattle, the ace of aces . . .”
Support
The purpose of paragraph 20?
To demonstrate the difficulty of flying a Hurricane into battle.
Dahl’s experience during the battle:
“I was quite literally overwhelmed by the feeling that I had been into the very bowels of the fiery furnace and had managed to claw my way out.”
In paragraph 24, how does Dahl compare himself to the other pilots in the Operations Room?
He noticed the other pilots were just as wet and shaky as he was.
Paragraph 18 supports or doesn’t support the idea that the formation leader is a strong, experienced pilot. “They came down on us from high above, not only 109s but also the twin-engined 110s.”
Doesn't Support
What role does the description of the Hurricane in paragraphs 19–20 play in the story?
It helps the reader better understand what Dahl went through in the Battle of Athens.
Dahl’s experience after the battle:
“All around me now the sun was shining and wild flowers were blossoming in the grass of the airfield, and I thought how fortunate I was to be seeing the good earth again.”
What can you infer from this comparison?
The other pilots also flew in the battle and had the same reaction as Dahl.
Paragraph 18 supports or doesn’t support the idea that the formation leader is a strong, experienced pilot. “. . . he led us one hell of a dance around the skies above the city.”
Supports
In paragraph 22, Dahl uses figurative language when he writes, “The controls were very soggy and there was no response at all to the rudder.” What does he mean by this?
The plane was very difficult to navigate.
Based on this sentence, what does the author believe about FlightLieutenant Pattle?
He is reckless in his leadership of lesser skilled pilots.
What purpose does paragraph 23 serve in the passage?
It helps transition the scene from inside the fighter plane to the Operations Room.
Paragraph 18 supports or doesn’t support the idea that the formation leader is a strong, experienced pilot. “We broke formation and now it was every man for himself.”
Doesn't Support
Based on the text, Dahl could be considered a brave pilot because he __________.
stayed in the battle until he had no ammunition left
“I am quite sure that the German planes must have often got in each other’s way because there were so many of them, and that, together with the fact that there were so few of us, probably saved quite a number of our skins.” What can you infer about the battle from this detail?
The German planes likely collided with their own aircraft.
Who wrote Going Solo and what Battle are these questions based on?
“The Battle of Athens – the Twentieth of April” from Going Solo by Roald Dahl