Third Term Examination : Astronomy

Site Reviewer

PART I : (15 pts)
a. Comprehension ( 8pts)
Read the text carefully then do the activities.

Astronomy is the science that deals with the origin, evolution, composition, distance and motion of all bodies and scattered matter in the universe. It includes astrophysics, which discusses the physical properties and structure of all cosmic matter.
Until the invention of the telescope and the discovery of the law of motion and gravity in the 17th century, astronomy was primarily concerned with noting and predicting the position of the sun, moon and planets, initially for calendar and astrological purposes and later for navigational applications and scientific interest.
During the 20th century, astronomy has expanded to include astrophysics, the application of physical and chemical knowledge to an understanding of the nature of celestial objects and the physical processes that control their formation, evolution and emission of radiation.
Its great advances notwithstanding, astronomy is still subject to a major constraint, it is inherently an observational rather than an experimental science. All measurements must be performed at great distances from the objects of interest, with no control over such quantities as their temperature pressure or chemical composition.

1. What type of text is the reading passage? Choose the right answer.
a. narrative b. descriptive c. expository

2. Say whether the following statements are true or false.
a. The definition of astronomy is given in paragraph 1.
b. In the 17th century, astrophysics became a part of astronomy.
c. The telescope was invented in the 17th century.
d. Astronomy is an experimental science.

3. Answer the following question according to the text.
a. What does astronomy deal with?
b. What were the purposes of astronomy?

4. In which paragraph is it mentioned that “ astronomy is just an observational science”?

b. Text Exploration (7pts)
1.Find in the text a word which means “aims” (§2)
2. Find in the text a word whose definition is:
“the force which attracts an object of any mass towards any other object of any mass” (§2)
3. Find in the text a word opposite in meaning to: “minor” (§4)
4. Complete the chart as shown in the example.
Verb Noun Adjective
e.g, to observe observation observational
…………….. …………….. inventive
…………….. formation ……………..

5. Combine the following using the connectors between brackets.
a. Astronomy is inherently an observational science. All measurements are performed at great
distances. ( Therefore)
b. The moon gives off no light. It enlights earth at night. (Although)

6. Classify the following words according to the pronunciation of their final –S.
advances – planets – deals – galaxies

/s/ /z/ /iz/

7. Fill in each gap with one word so that the passage makes sense :
light – hotter – by – energy

What is a star?
A star is a giant ball of gases held together …………… gravity. It makes heat and …………. Different stars produce different amounts of ………... The amount of energy given off determines the star's surface temperature and color. Red stars are cooler, yellow stars like our sun are a little …………….,and blue stars are the hottest.

PART II: Written Expression(5pts)
Choose one of the following topics.
Topic1 :
Using the following notes, write a composition of about 100 words comparing the planet Earth and the other planets.
Start like this: Unlike the other planets, our planet Earth ….
Strategic location
Classified as the third planet
Neither far nor close to the sun
Suitable gravity
Oxygen availability, plants, trees, animals and people
Convenient to live in
Topic 2 :
Imagine you represent an association that protects hungry people in the world. You attend an international summit about ‘Space Exploration’. You prepare a speech talking about the money spent in space exploration instead of helping the needy. Write your speech.

Site Owner

Good Job!