Toefl Enhancing: Reading Activity

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 eclipses

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

• A partial eclipse

• An annular eclipse

• A total eclipse

• A celestial eclipse

The word "ring" in line 3 could best be replaced by...

• piece of gold

• circle

• jewel

• bell

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 Earth's atmosphere

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

• The fact that the Moon is closer to 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 Earth, the Sun can be eclipsed by the Moon.

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

What is the meaning of "block out" in line 5?

• Square

• Cover

• Evaporate

• Shrink

The word "relative" in line 8 could best be replaced by...

• familial

• infinite

• comparative

• paternal

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. 6 kilometers per second.

• The Moon's shadow crosses Earth.

The word "rate" in line 9 is closest in meaning to...

• Form

• Speed

• Distance

• rotation

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