Malala Yousafzai, the teen activist from Pakistan, has just become the youngest person ever to win a Nobel Prize. In 2012, Malala survived from being shot by terrorists for speaking out for a girl’s right to be educated in her native country. She is being recognized today for her global activism on education for girls. Winning this award is a huge honor, especially for such a young person.
Malala’s journey to the Nobel Prize has not been easy. She grew up in a dangerous district of Pakistan called the Swat Valley. This area was taken over by the Taliban. The Taliban ruled the district with an iron fist. They were especially cruel to women, not allowing them to go shopping, have jobs, or go to school.
In 2009, Malala began speaking out publicly for every girl's right to an education. She blogged about how the Taliban didn’t want her to go to school. She also continued to attend her local school, despite the danger involved.
Then, in 2012, the Taliban tried to kill Malala to silence her. Two Taliban gunmen shot her and two other students while they were on a school bus. Malala was flown to the United Kingdom for immediate medical treatment.
Malala eventually recovered from her injuries. She now lives in Birmingham, England, and continues to work hard to support girls' and women’s rights around the world.
“The terrorists thought that they would change my aims and stop my ambitions,” she said, “but nothing changed in my life except this. Weakness, fear, and hopelessness died. Strength, power, and courage were born.”
The 17-year-old girl from Pakistan is sharing the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize with a children’s activist Kailash Satyarthi, who is from India Satyarthi leads many campaigns dedicated to removing child labor.
21. Which of the following is the correct order of the events relevant to Malala?
a. She recovered from the serious injuries.
b. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.
c. She began speaking out publicly for girls' education.
d. She was shot by the terrorists on a school bus.
A. c, d, a, b B. a, d, c, b C. a, c. d, b D. c, a, d, b
22. What can we mainly infer from the second paragraph?
A. People in Pakistan were brave.
B. Women in Pakistan were not allowed to go shopping.
C. The Taliban’s cruelty was severe.
D. Malala’s journey contributed to her Nobel Prize.
23. After recovering from being shot, Malala ________.
A. felt depressed B. was devoted to removing child labor
C. decided to stop her ambitions D. continued to fight for women’s right
24. Which words can best describe Malala according to the passage?
A. Sensitive and stubborn. B. Devoted and fearless.
C. Proud and optimistic. D. Creative and outgoing.