Solar Eclipse: "Dragons Swallowed the Sun"

In the introduction the authors write, “There are no computers, cars, or electric lights—those things won’t be invented for thousands of years. There are no books or schools either.” Which idea that comes later in the article do these details support?

• Looking at the sun during an eclipse can harm your eyes.

• A total solar eclipse is what was happening that day in ancient China.

• Back then, people didn't possess the scientific knowledge to understand why the sun had disappeared.

• It will be visible in an area extending from Texas to Maine and could last up to four minutes.

Answer explanation

The details about the absence of modern inventions support the idea that back then, people didn't possess the scientific knowledge to understand why the sun had disappeared.

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7.6C

What is the central idea of the section “Blocking the Sun’s Light”?

• Earth orbits the sun at a shockingly high speed.

• The darkness in 2134 B.C. was not caused by a dragon, but by a solar eclipse.

• The moon orbits Earth behavior.

• Eclipses can affect animal behavior.

Answer explanation

The central idea of the section 'Blocking the Sun’s Light' is that the darkness in 2134 B.C. was not caused by a dragon, but by a solar eclipse.

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7.8D.i

7.5G

Which of the following best explains the cause of a solar eclipse?

• Earth passes between the sun and the moon.

• The moon passes between Earth and the sun.

• The sun passes between Earth and the moon.

• Earth casts a shadow on the moon.

Answer explanation

The moon passes between Earth and the sun, causing a solar eclipse. This alignment blocks the sunlight from reaching Earth, creating a shadow on the Earth's surface.

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7.5F

7.8D

Which words can be associated with people’s feelings about solar eclipses today? Choose TWO.

• threatened, panicked

• curious, fascinated

• indifferent, unconcerned

• enthusiastic, full of anticipation

Answer explanation

People's feelings about solar eclipses today are often associated with curiosity, fascination, enthusiasm, and anticipation, making 'curious, fascinated' and 'enthusiastic, full of anticipation' the correct choices.

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7.9F

When speaking of the eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024, the authors write, “It will be 20 years before another total solar eclipse is visible from the U.S.” This line supports the idea that solar eclipses ________.

• are rare experiences

• are dangerous to observe

• are better understood today than they once were

• capture the attention of people young and old

Answer explanation

The line indicates that total solar eclipses visible from the U.S. are rare occurrences, supporting the idea that solar eclipses are rare experiences.

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7.8D

7.5F

7.6C

The main purpose of the article is to ________.

• compare and contrast the beliefs of various ancient civilizations

• illustrate the path the moon follows as it revolves around Earth

• describe the challenges that can arise when studying the sun’s corona

• describe how human understanding of solar eclipses has changed over time

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the article is to describe how human understanding of solar eclipses has changed over time, which aligns with the correct answer choice.

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7.9A

#7 Choose the best topic sentence:

Based on the information in the article, when a solar eclipse occurs, can everyone on Earth see it?

• Yes, everyone on Earth can see it.

• No, only people in certain areas can see it.

• I am going to tell you about solar eclipses.

• When a solar eclipse occurs, not everyone on Earth can see it.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'When a solar eclipse occurs, not everyone on Earth can see it.' as it directly addresses the question by stating that not everyone can see the eclipse.

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7.10B.i

7.10B

#7 Choose two (2) pieces of relevant text evidence.

Based on the information in the article, when a solar eclipse occurs, can everyone on Earth see it?

• The authors explain that when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, “the moon temporarily blocks the sun’s light, casting a shadow on part of Earth” (21)

• Today we understand that the eclipses happen when the sun, moon, and Earth align during the day, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on part of the Earth (20-21).

• As the illustration in the text feature “What Is a Solar Eclipse?” helps make clear, people on parts of Earth where it is nighttime when an eclipse occurs do not see.

• “Back then, people didn’t possess the scientific knowledge to understand why the sun had disappeared. So around the world, people created stories to explain what they were observing.” (21)

Answer explanation

The correct choices are supported by text evidence explaining how the moon blocks the sun's light, casting a shadow on part of Earth, and that people in nighttime regions do not see the eclipse.

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7.6C

7.10B.ii

What phenomenon occurs when the moon blocks part of the sun?

• A full lunar eclipse

• A total solar eclipse

• A partial solar eclipse

• A meteor shower

Answer explanation

When the moon's shadow falls on Earth, it results in a solar eclipse, not a lunar eclipse, planetary transit, or meteor shower.

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7.5F

Why is it dangerous to look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse?

• The eclipse makes the sun brighter.

• The moon's shadow can cause temporary blindness.

• Looking at the sun can damage your eyes at any time, not just during an eclipse.

• The sun emits harmful gases during an eclipse.

Answer explanation

Looking at the sun can damage your eyes at any time, not just during an eclipse.

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7.5F