Determine the meaning of the word: portions (pg.103)

Determine the meaning of the word: threadbare (pg.106)

Determine the meaning of the word: meager (pg.109)

True or False: The following sentence demonstrates a metaphor. Explain.
"I was going to Kachokolo because my grades stunk." (pg.101)

The word "taut" in paragraph 1 most closely means-

The motor and blades were bolted and secured, the chain was taut and heavy with grease, and the tower stood steady on its legs.

Which statement describes the relationship between "steel bones" and "plastic arms"?
I reached the top, where I stood level with my creation. Its steel bones were welded and bent, and its plastic arms were blackened from fire.

As it is used in paragraph 6, what is the meaning of the word "clutched"?
In one hand I clutched a small reed that held a tiny lightbulb.

As it is used in paragraph 6, the word "cackled" most closely means-

Down below, the crowd cackled like hens.

Which phrase from the text provides the best clue to the meaning of the word "pleaded" as it is used in paragraph 9?
Slowly at first, then faster and faster, until the whole tower rocked back and forth. My knees turned to jelly, but I held on. I pleaded in silence: Don't let me down. Then I gripped the reed and wires and waited for the miracle of electricity.

As it is used in paragraph 1, "outskirts" most closely means-

The Kamkwambas hail from the center of the countyr, from a tiny village called Masitala, located on the outskirts of the town of Wimbe.

As it is used in paragraph 2, "dambos" most likely means-

For most of my life, our roofs were made from long grasses that we picked near the swamps, or dambos in our Chichewa language.