Read the text and do the tasks. In the late 1600s, the Enlightenment swept through Europe, bringing with it an explosion of invention and innovation.…

Read the text and do the tasks.

In the late 1600s, the Enlightenment swept through Europe, bringing with it an explosion of invention and innovation. Although separated from Europe by the Atlantic Ocean, Sybilla Masters contributed to this outpouring of innovation. She was the first English colonist to receive a royal patent.

Sybilla Masters was the mistress of a prosperous household in Philadelphia. Still, she made time to play with ideas on how to improve life in the colonies. Sybilla had watched Native women pound corn with a mortar and pestle. Their methods inspired her. Sybilla invented a corn gin that could do the same work with less human effort. In 1712, Sybilla sailed to London to get a patent for her invention. A patent is a document issued by the government that gives a person full rights over their invention.

Because she was a woman who lived under the English practice of dependence on men, Sybilla could not apply for the patent in her own name. Instead, she submitted it in her husband's name. Thankfully, her husband was proud of her work and supportive of her efforts. He insisted that she be listed as the true inventor in the government records. If he had not, her story would be lost to history. After receiving her patent, Sybilla and her husband sold the corn meal that her invention produced. They called this product "Tuscarora Rice." It was similar to the dish that people call "grits" today.

The patent for the corn gin was not the only patent she received in her lifetime! Sybilla also invented a method for weaving palmetto leaves together. She used this method to make hats, bonnets, and furniture. She received a patent from the English government for this method, too. Sybilla was a very creative and productive inventor. Her ingenuity ensured her legacy as the only colonial woman to receive a patent from the English government.

A. Match the meanings in 'Column A' with the words from the text in 'Column B'. One word doesn't have a match. (5x1=5)

B. Answer the following questions. (5x1=5)

(i) Who was the first English colonist to receive a royal patent?

(ii) What inspired Sybilla's invention of the corn gin?

(iii) Do you think Sybilla's husband supported her? Give a reason.

(iv) Why did Sybilla take a patent in her husband's name?

(v) How did Sybilla receive the second patent from the English government?

C. Fill in the gaps with the correct information from the text. (5x1=5)

(i) Despite living away from Europe, Sybilla was influenced by the European trend of ..........

(ii) After making the corn meal Sybilla went to London to apply for a/an ..............

(iii) Sybilla's husband helped to maintain Sybilla's achievement history in ..........

(iv) Sybilla and her husband produced the corn meal named ..........

(v) Sybilla was the only woman to receive a patent from the English government from ............ background.