Item 7 Too Fast

Batnik’s father was a great inventor. He had created many things that made people’s lives easier. One of his inventions was a car that could operate on both water and land; this car was Batnik’s favorite. On water, it could float and travel at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. But on land, it could travel at speeds over 200 miles per hour. Batnik’s father had created this special car to help people from their island get to the mainland and other islands faster. When Batnik's father was a boy, the only method of travel from one island to another was by ferry, and the trip often took hours. People who were sick and needed medical help from the mainland would have to endure the long crossing or not go at all because of delays. Batnik’s father loved his homeland and wanted to ease the burden on the people, so he created the water car.

When he showed the car to Batnik, Batnik’s father warned Batnik that the car should not be driven at the maximum speed on land or water because the engine could burst into flame. One day when his father was away, Batnik decided that he wanted to show the car to his friends. He drove it on the water, at first going only half the possible speed. Then, as his excitement grew, he increased his speed on the water and was nearing maximum speed. When he reached the land, he continued to accelerate. His exhilaration grew. Like the mythological Greek boy Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, Batnik forgot his father’s warning and pushed the gas pedal to the floor. When the car exceeded 200 miles per hour, it burst into flames.
Question 1
Part A

What is a theme in "Too Fast"?

Great inventors are passionate about their work.

Technology is more harmful than helpful.

Helping people is often its own reward.

Excessive enthusiasm can lead to bad choices.
Question 2
Part B

How is the theme identified in Part A best developed in the passage?

Batnik makes a terrible mistake because he wants to show off for his friends.

Batnik’s dad invents things because he loves his homeland.

Batnik’s dad wants to help people by making their lives easier.

The car is built to go very fast on both land and water.