The History of Astronomy - TOEFL Reading Practice Test with Answers

In the TOEFL iBT^®exam, mastering the academic texts in English is very important for acing in the TOEFL Reading section. This segment mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic environments, assessing skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. Consistent practice is the key to excelling in this section. 

Our practice tests closely mimic the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel prepared and self-assured on  the test day. Therefore, join us in taking the TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'The History of Astronomy' to familiarise yourself with the test format and note the areas for improvement!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

The History of Astronomy

The astronomers of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Mesoamerica were among the first individuals who conducted comprehensive observations of the night sky. They have utilised it to create calendars, forecast celestial events, and guide agricultural practices. Moreover, with these observations in the ancient times, these cultures interlinked their understanding of astronomy with religion and mythology because they believed that the movement of celestial bodies directly impacted human lives and their ultimate destiny.

The field of astronomy had greatly benefited from the contributions provided by the ancient Greeks, related to mathematics and science. Ancient philosophers such as Pythagoras and Ptolemy developed theories and explained the structure of the universe. For instance, a revolutionary theory was developed by Pythagoras stating that the Earth was circular and was situated at the centre of the geocentric framework of the universe. It also featured complicated orbits for the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. For over a thousand years, this approach dominated astronomical thought, irrespective of its errors.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the history of astronomy underwent a massive change when Galileo Galilei invented the telescope. Through this invention, astronomers are able to witness unthinkable levels of detail in celestial bodies. Galileo's observations proved that the universe was much larger and much more intricate than it was previously believed. Galileo's use of the telescope transformed the field of astronomy and provided opportunities for contemporary methods of observation.

In the second half of the 20th century, exploring space gave astronomers the ability to study celestial objects very closely and gave them previously unheard-of insights into the solar system and beyond. Today, astronomy is advancing and enabling researchers to study black holes, distant galaxies, and other mysterious features of the cosmos with the use of massive telescopes, both on Earth and in space.

Technological advancement and collaboration are giving rise to new disciplines of study. One such topic is the study of exoplanets, or planets that orbit stars outside of the solar system. In recent years, there has been the discovery of thousands of exoplanets, which has increased the understanding of planetary systems and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Future missions, including the European future Agency's ARIEL mission, will investigate these planets' atmospheres in detail to look for signs of habitability or even extraterrestrial life.

Even though astronomy has several merits, there are numerous drawbacks that must be overcome. These include obtaining ongoing funding, controlling the increasing quantity of space trash, and guaranteeing that space research is carried out responsibly and ethically. NASA anticipates innovation, cooperation, and discovery as the key components of the future of astronomy. By pushing the boundaries of technology and working together internationally, humans can potentially unlock the mysteries of the cosmos and solve some of the most significant problems confronting humanity.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1 

The astronomers of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Mesoamerica were among the first individuals who conducted comprehensive observations of the night sky. They have utilised it to create calendars, forecast celestial events, and guide agricultural practices. Moreover, with these observations in the ancient times, these cultures interlinked their understanding of astronomy with religion and mythology because they believed that the movement of celestial bodies directly impacted human lives and their ultimate destiny.

1. The word "forecast" in Paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to:
   1. Record
   2. Predict
   3. Avoid
   4. Observe

Paragraph 2

The field of astronomy had greatly benefited from the contributions provided by the ancient Greeks, related to mathematics and science. Ancient philosophers such as Pythagoras and Ptolemy developed theories and explained the structure of the universe. For instance, a revolutionary theory was developed by Pythagoras stating that the Earth was circular and was situated at the centre of the geocentric framework of the universe. It also featured complicated orbits for the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. For over a thousand years, this approach dominated astronomical thought, irrespective of its errors.

1. In Paragraph 2, all of the following are contributions or ideas related to ancient Greek astronomy EXCEPT:
   1. The development of the geocentric model of the universe
   2. The belief that the Earth was the center of the universe
   3. The idea that the Earth is flat and stationary
   4. The creation of theories explaining the structure of the universe

1. According to Paragraph 2, what can be inferred about the impact of Pythagoras's theory on the development of astronomical thought?
   1. It was widely rejected by other ancient Greek philosophers.
   2. It laid the foundation for future astronomical discoveries, despite its inaccuracies.
   3. It was quickly replaced by more accurate models of the universe.
   4. It caused confusion in scientific circles for only a short period.

Paragraph 3

At the beginning of the 17th century, the history of astronomy underwent a massive change when Galileo Galilei invented the telescope. Through this invention, astronomers are able to witness unthinkable levels of detail in celestial bodies. Galileo's observations proved that the universe was much larger and much more intricate than it was previously believed. Galileo's use of the telescope transformed the field of astronomy and provided opportunities for contemporary methods of observation.

1. According to Paragraph 3, what was one significant result of Galileo's invention of the telescope?
   1. It allowed astronomers to see previously unknown stars.
   2. It led to the discovery of a new planet in the solar system.
   3. It proved that the universe was more complex than previously thought.
   4. It replaced earlier methods of measuring celestial distances.

1. In Paragraph 3, the phrase "Galileo's use of the telescope" refers to:
   1. The improvements Galileo made to existing telescopes.
   2. The way Galileo's observations changed the understanding of the universe.
   3. The detailed observations made by other astronomers using Galileo’s telescope.
   4. The discovery of new celestial bodies by Galileo.

Paragraph 4

In the second half of the 20th century, exploring space gave astronomers the ability to study celestial objects very closely and gave them previously unheard-of insights into the solar system and beyond. Today, astronomy is advancing and enabling researchers to study black holes, distant galaxies, and other mysterious features of the cosmos with the use of massive telescopes, both on Earth and in space.

1. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the sentence from Paragraph 4?
   
   Today, astronomy is advancing and enabling researchers to study black holes, distant galaxies, and other mysterious features of the cosmos with the use of massive telescopes, both on Earth and in space.
   1. Astronomy now uses telescopes to study black holes and distant galaxies.
   2. Researchers use massive telescopes to study features of the cosmos, advancing astronomy.
   3. Massive telescopes are available for studying only distant galaxies and black holes.
   4. Astronomy has advanced to allow the study of the cosmos using telescopes in space.

1. The word “celestial” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
   1. Earthy
   2. Cosmic
   3. Artificial
   4. Terrestrial 

Paragraphs 5

Technological advancement and collaboration are giving rise to new disciplines of study. One such topic is the study of exoplanets, or planets that orbit stars outside of the solar system. In recent years, there has been the discovery of thousands of exoplanets, which has increased the understanding of planetary systems and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Future missions, including the European future Agency's ARIEL mission, will investigate these planets' atmospheres in detail to look for signs of habitability or even extraterrestrial life.

1. According to paragraph 5, what can be inferred about the significance of the ARIEL mission?
   1. The ARIEL mission will focus on the discovery of new exoplanets in the solar system.
   2. The mission will contribute to understanding the atmospheres of exoplanets and their potential for supporting life.
   3. The primary goal of the ARIEL mission is to develop new technologies for space travel.
   4. The mission will only study exoplanets located within our solar system.

Paragraph 6

(A) Even though astronomy has several merits, there are numerous drawbacks that must be overcome. (B) These include obtaining ongoing funding, controlling the increasing quantity of space trash, and guaranteeing that space research is carried out responsibly and ethically. (C) NASA anticipates innovation, cooperation, and discovery as the key components of the future of astronomy. (D) By pushing the boundaries of technology and working together internationally, humans can potentially unlock the mysteries of the cosmos and solve some of the most significant problems confronting humanity.

Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.

1. Such efforts are crucial for advancing human’s understanding of the complexity of the universe while mitigating the risks associated with space exploration.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - The History of Astronomy

1.  Answer: B

Explanation:  The correct answer is option B. According to paragraph 1, when celestial phenomena based on observations of the night sky are being explained, the word "forecast" is employed. Therefore, "predict" is the closest word for "forecast" in this context, making option B the correct answer.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In Paragraph 2, it mentions the development of the geocentric model and believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, which supports the ideas from ancient Greek astronomy. The belief that the Earth is flat and not moving is however not mentioned as part of the ancient Greek astronomy's contributions, but rather treated as a misconception that was corrected. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The information provided in the paragraph indicates that Pythagoras's theory dominated astronomical thought for over a thousand years, despite its errors. This suggests that his theory had influenced the findings and provided a foundation for future discoveries.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In Paragraph 3, it discusses the development of Galileo’s invention of the telescope which allowed astronomers to observe celestial bodies in more detail and clearly. Due to this, it could be revealed that the universe was more complex than previously believed. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. From the sentence given in the paragraph, the phrase refers to how Galileo's observations using the telescope transformed the field of astronomy by providing new insights into the complexity of the universe. The only option which fits in this would be option B.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. In Paragraph 4, the information aligns with option B as it summarizes the essential information by mentioning the use of telescopes to study cosmic features and the advancement of astronomy.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The term “celestial” refers to things related to the sky or outer space, which is synonymous with “cosmic.” Based on the options provided, the only correct answer which could be near to the information would be option B.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. In the context of the information given in the paragraph, it mentions that the ARIEL mission will investigate exoplanets’ atmospheres to search or look out for signs of habitability or any extraterrestrial life. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

9. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. The sentence emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges, which aligns with the content of option C about overcoming difficulties and ensuring responsible space research. Placing it at choice C would be correct in terms of meaning and connecting the ideas.

Well done on completing the "The History of Astronomy" practice test! Curious to dive deeper into TOEFL preparation? We offer an array of resources designed to enhance your skills and familiarity with the exam format. Whether it's practice tests, study guides, or tips, we're here to support your learning journey.

So, why wait? Click on the next practice test and start your journey to success!

Also Read:

• Desertification- TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test Paper with Answer Key
• Unexpected Wealth - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Independent Practice Test Paper with Answers
• Social Media - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers
•