The Evolution of Timekeeping

Paragraph 1 supports the belief that thousands of years ago, people used​ ​ 1) ​ (a)   in order to ​ ​ 2)​ ​ (b)  

• 1) natural cycles
• 2) keep time
• 1) special events
• 1) complex devices
• 2) make appointments
• 2) improve accuracy

In paragraph 1, the expression "rhythm of their lives" suggests that people's lives were filled with -

• tedium and consistency

• patterns and routines

• difficulties and changes

• pleasure and seriousness

Based on paragraph 4, the reader can determine that the sundial was

the first timekeeping device to —

• measure time more accurately than an obelisk

• have a rod that indicated the location of the sun

• make timekeeping more accessible

• divide the day into specific hours

The main idea of paragraph 5 focuses on the concept that water

clocks were —

• important technology of the ancient world

• first developed by Egyptians and then improved by Greeks

• developed so that people could tell time without relying on the sun

• known as “water thieves” by the Egyptians and the Greeks

This selection supports all these statements about

timekeeping EXCEPT —

• timekeeping divides moments into segments

• timekeeping relies on observable movement

• timekeeping requires functioning mechanical parts

• timekeeping satisfies a human need for order

Based on information in the selection, which statement represents the

author’s opinion?

• The most precise clock now uses an aluminum ion for accuracy.

• Life in ancient times was simpler because people relied on nature to

  organize their days.

• Sundials are smaller versions of the obelisks used by an

  ancient civilization.

• By the end of the 16th century, mechanical clocks were used in

  many homes.

DIRECTIONS: This question has two parts. First Answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

PART A

Which word best describes the movement of water in a water clock?

• Intermittent

• Turbulent

• Rapid

• Regulated

PART B:

Which sentence from paragraph 6 of the article best supports the answer to Part A

• Outflow clocks had sloping sides

  and a small hole in the bottom.

• Water would drip through the hole in the

  bottom of the container at a constant rate.

• As the water drained out, markings

  on the side of the clepsydra would be revealed, telling the observer how much

  time had passed.

• As water filled the

  container and reached the marks on the inside of it, the observer could tell how

  much time had elapsed.

Which two phrases from the sentence in paragraph 8 convey the most positive connotation?

• remarkable advances

• timekeeping machines

• people of yore

• rhythms of nature

• increasing accuracy

Which idea from the selection helps explain why people developed means of keeping time?