Reading Comprehension A

1. This passage mainly ...

• describes how long an eclipse will last

• gives facts about the Moon

• explains how the Sun is able to obscure the Moon

• informs the reader about solar eclipse

2. In which type of eclipse is the Sun obscured in its entirety?

• A partial eclipse

• An annular eclipse

• A total eclipse

• A celestial eclipse

3. The word “ring” in line 3 could best be replaced by …

• piece of gold

• circle

• jewel

• bell

4. A “celestial body” in line 5 is most probably one that is found …

• within the Moon’s shadow

• somewhere in the sky

• on the surface of the Sun

• inside the Earth’s atmosphere

5. What is the meaning of “block out” in line 6?

• Square

• Cover

• Evaporate

• Shrink

6. According to the passage, how can the Moon hide the Sun during a total eclipse?

• The fact that the Moon is closer to the Earth than the Sun makes up for the Moon’s smaller size.

• The Moon can only obscure the Sun because of the Moon’s great distance from the Earth.

• Because the Sun is relatively close to the Earth, the Sun can be eclipsed by the Moon.

• The Moon hides the Sun because of the Moon’s considerable size.

7. The word “relative” in line 8 could best be replaced by …

• familial

• infinite

• comparative

• paternal

8. The passage states that which of the following happens during an eclipse?

• The Moon hides from the Sun.

• The Moon is obscured by the Sun.

• The moon begins moving at a speed of 0.6 km per second.

• The Moon’s shadow crosses the Earth.

9. The word “rate” in line 9 is closest in meaning to …

• form

• speed

• distance

• rotation

10. Where in the passage does the author mention the rate of a total eclipse?

• Lines 1 – 2

• Lines 2 – 4

• Lines 5 – 6

• Lines 8 – 9