When Dragons Swallowed the Sun Quiz

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.

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.

• Eclipses can affect animal behavior.

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.

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

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

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

Based on the story the authors include in the introduction, which pair of words could be used to describe how people in ancient China felt about solar eclipses?

• bored and uninterested

• alarmed and afraid

• content and thankful

• inspired and excited

The authors explain that solar eclipses happen when Earth, the sun, and the moon align. ALIGN most closely means __. ​ (a)  

• to be in or come into a straight line
• to become invisible
• to slow down immensely
• to move rather quickly