From the earliest times, the complications inherent in deciphering the movements of planets in the night sky must have seemed a curse to baffled astronomers. In the long run, though, they proved a blessing to the development of cosmology, the study of the physical universe. Had the celestial motions been simple, it might have been possible to explain them solely in terms of the simple, poetic tales that had characterized the early cosmologies. Instead, these motions proved to be so intricate and subtle that astronomers could not predict them accurately without eventually coming to terms with the physical reality of how and where the Sun, Moon, and planets actually move in real, three-dimensional space.
The passage indicates that ancient astronomers were 'baffled' because:
- A. Their observations disproved the poetic tales of early cosmologies
- B. They lacked the mathematical sophistication needed to calculate astronomical distances
- C. Their theories of planetary movements were more complicated than the movements themselves
- D. They could not reliably predict observable celestial phenomena
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' primarily because they struggled to reliably predict observable celestial phenomena. This unpredictability challenged their understanding and led to confusion in their astronomical models. Option A is incorrect as it implies a conflict with poetic tales, which was not the primary concern of astronomers. Option B misrepresents the issue; while mathematical sophistication was limited, the core problem was not solely about calculations. Option C inaccurately suggests that their theories were overly complex; rather, the issue lay in their inability to accurately forecast celestial events, which is the essence of their bafflement.
Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' primarily because they struggled to reliably predict observable celestial phenomena. This unpredictability challenged their understanding and led to confusion in their astronomical models. Option A is incorrect as it implies a conflict with poetic tales, which was not the primary concern of astronomers. Option B misrepresents the issue; while mathematical sophistication was limited, the core problem was not solely about calculations. Option C inaccurately suggests that their theories were overly complex; rather, the issue lay in their inability to accurately forecast celestial events, which is the essence of their bafflement.
Other Related Questions
In context, which of the following sentences would be best to insert between sentences 11 and 12 (reproduced below)? By those calculations, it would have taken sauropods a century to reach their full size. A different perspective developed when scientists began to more closely examine various features of sauropod bones.
- A. Like all dinosaurs, sauropods hatched from eggs.
- B. This rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years.
- C. For decades, sauropods were considered emblematic of the phenomenon of extinction.
- D. Sauropod fossils continue to be discovered in regions spread across the globe.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B effectively bridges the gap between the two sentences by highlighting the skepticism surrounding the lengthy growth period of sauropods. It acknowledges the implausibility of the previous conclusion, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about new scientific insights into sauropod bones. Option A is irrelevant, as it provides basic information about sauropod reproduction that does not relate to their growth or the scientific debate at hand. Option C introduces a different topic—extinction—diverting focus from the growth discussion. Option D, while factual, does not connect to the analysis of growth rates and their implications, making it less suitable for the context.
Option B effectively bridges the gap between the two sentences by highlighting the skepticism surrounding the lengthy growth period of sauropods. It acknowledges the implausibility of the previous conclusion, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about new scientific insights into sauropod bones. Option A is irrelevant, as it provides basic information about sauropod reproduction that does not relate to their growth or the scientific debate at hand. Option C introduces a different topic—extinction—diverting focus from the growth discussion. Option D, while factual, does not connect to the analysis of growth rates and their implications, making it less suitable for the context.
Which sentence should be deleted because it contains irrelevant information?
- A. Sentence 6
- B. Sentence 7
- C. Sentence 9
- D. Sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Sentence 9 introduces information that does not directly support the main argument or theme of the passage, making it irrelevant to the central discussion. In contrast, Sentence 6 provides context, Sentence 7 offers a critical example, and Sentence 14 concludes the argument effectively. Each of these sentences contributes meaningfully to the overall coherence and purpose of the text. Removing Sentence 9 enhances clarity by eliminating distractions, allowing the reader to focus on the essential points being made.
Sentence 9 introduces information that does not directly support the main argument or theme of the passage, making it irrelevant to the central discussion. In contrast, Sentence 6 provides context, Sentence 7 offers a critical example, and Sentence 14 concludes the argument effectively. Each of these sentences contributes meaningfully to the overall coherence and purpose of the text. Removing Sentence 9 enhances clarity by eliminating distractions, allowing the reader to focus on the essential points being made.
Which choice best replaces the underlined portion in sentence 6 (reproduced below) to suggest that, for a time, people were completely caught up with news of the Leonid meteor shower? In the center of the quilt, the 'falling of the stars' illustrates the hours-long Leonid meteor shower that interested people on November 13, 1833.
- A. affected
- B. enthralled
- C. involved
- D. worried
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The term "enthralled" effectively conveys a sense of deep fascination and engagement, suggesting that people were completely captivated by the Leonid meteor shower. Option A, "affected," lacks the intensity and emotional connection implied in the context; it merely indicates a change rather than a strong interest. Option C, "involved," suggests participation but does not capture the sense of wonder that the meteor shower inspired. Option D, "worried," introduces an inappropriate negative connotation, as the context is one of excitement and awe, not concern.
The term "enthralled" effectively conveys a sense of deep fascination and engagement, suggesting that people were completely captivated by the Leonid meteor shower. Option A, "affected," lacks the intensity and emotional connection implied in the context; it merely indicates a change rather than a strong interest. Option C, "involved," suggests participation but does not capture the sense of wonder that the meteor shower inspired. Option D, "worried," introduces an inappropriate negative connotation, as the context is one of excitement and awe, not concern.
In the passage, the author refers to the photography technique of double exposure primarily to:
- A. Explain that Rodriguez frequently uses that technique to create eerie and distorted representations of city life
- B. Illustrate how Rodriguez's innovative use of double exposure inspired other photographers to do so as well
- C. Provide an example of how Rodriguez explored the tension between his identity as a photographer and as a scholar
- D. Set up a metaphor comparing that technique to the way Rodriguez's work depicts the duality of Los Angeles
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The reference to double exposure serves as a metaphor for the duality of Los Angeles, highlighting the complexity and contrasting elements within the city. This choice effectively encapsulates Rodriguez's artistic vision, illustrating how his work reflects both the vibrant and shadowy aspects of urban life. Option A inaccurately suggests a focus on Rodriguez's frequent use of the technique rather than its metaphorical significance. Option B misinterprets the intent, as the passage emphasizes Rodriguez's personal exploration rather than his influence on others. Option C, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of the metaphor, which centers on the depiction of duality rather than identity tension.
The reference to double exposure serves as a metaphor for the duality of Los Angeles, highlighting the complexity and contrasting elements within the city. This choice effectively encapsulates Rodriguez's artistic vision, illustrating how his work reflects both the vibrant and shadowy aspects of urban life. Option A inaccurately suggests a focus on Rodriguez's frequent use of the technique rather than its metaphorical significance. Option B misinterprets the intent, as the passage emphasizes Rodriguez's personal exploration rather than his influence on others. Option C, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of the metaphor, which centers on the depiction of duality rather than identity tension.