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EST Guide for October 2020 | Egyptian Scholastic Test (EST) Reading Section: Humanities Passage 2 of 5
EST Reading | October 2020 | Literacy II | Passage 2 Explanation
Introduction
In this explanation, we're going to dive into a fascinating passage about two brilliant astronomers, Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe, who made waves in the early 17th century. This material is part of the EST I Literacy Test II, and nailing down the key points is crucial for acing that exam.
We're super lucky to have access to comprehensive notes prepared by the one and only Mr. Osama A. Ibrahim, the only EST English teacher who goes the extra mile with such detailed guidance for the reading section. His dedication to helping students like us navigate complex passages and truly grasp the essential information sets him apart from the rest.
As we explore this passage together, we'll be focusing on several main ideas, including:
- The nature of Kepler's theories and why he wanted to work with Tycho
- Kepler's personality traits and how they influenced his professional decisions
- Tycho's reputation and how he treated Kepler
- The financial challenges Kepler faced throughout his career
- Emperor Rudolf II's interest in astronomy and his reasons for supporting the astronomers
- Kepler's lasting contributions to astronomy despite some imaginative theories
Passage 2 Explanation
Overview
The passage sheds light on the relationship between astronomers Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe in the early 1600s. It highlights their collaboration, personal dynamics, and the financial struggles Kepler faced. Despite some bumps in the road, their work together led to significant breakthroughs in astronomy.
Main Points
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Kepler's theories were imaginative but not always grounded in evidence (lines 6-7).
Kepler hoped to find support for his "fanciful speculative theories" through Tycho's observations.
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Kepler had a proud and stubborn personality (lines 19-24).
He was "touchy" about his astronomical reputation and didn't want to be seen as subordinate to Tycho. When a job opportunity with Tycho was uncertain, Kepler quit his professorship and sought a position elsewhere.
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Tycho was known for his brusque and inconsiderate manner (lines 13-15).
The passage notes Tycho's "reputation for brusqueness and want of consideration". However, he still treated Kepler kindly despite Kepler's "rudeness and ingratitude".
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Money problems plagued Kepler throughout his life (lines 27-28, 40-41, 43).
Friction arose between Kepler and Tycho over "money matters, which in one way or another embittered the rest of Kepler's life". As Imperial Mathematician, Kepler's salary was "reduced" and often "in arrears". To make ends meet, Kepler took on additional work "casting of nativities" (horoscopes).
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The Emperor Rudolf II supported astronomy for self-serving reasons (lines 74-80).
The Emperor was more interested in astrology than astronomy. However, he funded the astronomers' work because he wanted his name associated with their discoveries for posterity, like Alphonso of Castile.
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Despite some "fanciful" theories, Kepler made important contributions to astronomy (graph).
The passage acknowledges Kepler's speculative ideas but also his ambition to reform astronomy. The accompanying graph of Kepler's Third Law shows he achieved a significant, accurate discovery.
The passage illustrates the complex professional and personal relationship between Kepler and Tycho, their differing personalities and approaches, and the political and financial factors influencing their work. While facing challenges, their collaboration nonetheless produced major developments in astronomy, including Kepler's groundbreaking laws of planetary motion.
Questions and Answers
11. In line 7, the author describes Kepler's theories as "fanciful" and "speculative" to indicate that
A. his theories were conventional.
B. his theories were based on facts.
C. Kepler often used his imagination in science.
D. Kepler was wary of his theories.
To explain why choice C is correct, we need to look at the meaning of the words "fanciful" and "speculative". According to the dictionary, "fanciful" means "overimaginative and unrealistic" and "speculative" means "based on conjecture rather than knowledge". These words suggest that Kepler's theories were not based on solid evidence or observation, but rather on his own imagination and guesswork. Therefore, choice C is correct because it captures this idea of Kepler using his imagination in science.
The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the meaning of the words in the passage. Choice A is wrong because "fanciful" and "speculative" are not synonyms for "conventional", which means "following accepted standards or norms". Choice B is wrong because "fanciful" and "speculative" imply the opposite of "based on facts", which means "supported by evidence or data". Choice D is wrong because "fanciful" and "speculative" do not imply that Kepler was "wary" of his theories, which means "cautious or suspicious". In fact, the passage suggests that Kepler was eager to find support for his theories from Tycho's observations.
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice C is correct.
12. According to the passage, Kepler's personality could best be described as
A. selfish and unrelenting.
B. timid and unobtrusive.
C. proud and obstinate.
D. hypocritical and defensive.
To explain why choice C is correct, we need to look at the evidence from the passage that supports this description of Kepler's personality. According to the passage, Kepler was "very touchy on the subject of his own astronomical powers" and "afraid he might be regarded as simply a subordinate assistant" (lines 13-14). This suggests that Kepler was proud of his abilities and did not want to be seen as inferior to Tycho or anyone else.
The passage also mentions that Kepler was "in the wrong" in a dispute with Tycho, but he wrote an "abject letter of apology" (lines 25-26). This suggests that Kepler was obstinate or stubborn in his opinions, but he also knew how to appease Tycho and keep his position.
Therefore, choice C is correct because it captures these aspects of Kepler's personality. The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the evidence from the passage. Choice A is wrong because "selfish" and "unrelenting" are too harsh and negative to describe Kepler, who did show some gratitude and respect for Tycho. Choice B is wrong because "timid" and "unobtrusive" are too weak and passive to describe Kepler, who did express his views and ambitions. Choice D is wrong because "hypocritical" and "defensive" are not supported by the passage, which does not show any examples of Kepler being dishonest or hostile.
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice C is correct.
12. According to the passage, Kepler's personality could best be described as
A. selfish and unrelenting.
B. timid and unobtrusive.
C. proud and obstinate.
D. hypocritical and defensive.
To explain why choice C is correct, we need to look at the evidence from the passage that supports this description of Kepler's personality. According to the passage, Kepler was "very touchy on the subject of his own astronomical powers" and "afraid he might be regarded as simply a subordinate assistant" (lines 13-14). This suggests that Kepler was proud of his abilities and did not want to be seen as inferior to Tycho or anyone else.
The passage also mentions that Kepler was "in the wrong" in a dispute with Tycho, but he wrote an "abject letter of apology" (lines 25-26). This suggests that Kepler was obstinate or stubborn in his opinions, but he also knew how to appease Tycho and keep his position.
Therefore, choice C is correct because it captures these aspects of Kepler's personality. The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the evidence from the passage. Choice A is wrong because "selfish" and "unrelenting" are too harsh and negative to describe Kepler, who did show some gratitude and respect for Tycho. Choice B is wrong because "timid" and "unobtrusive" are too weak and passive to describe Kepler, who did express his views and ambitions. Choice D is wrong because "hypocritical" and "defensive" are not supported by the passage, which does not show any examples of Kepler being dishonest or hostile.
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice C is correct.
13. Which choice best provides evidence for the answer to the previous question?(Highlighted in Grey)
A. Lines 17-19 ("but ..."ingratitude")
B. Lines 19-24 ("He"..."assistant")
C. Lines 31-38 ("Kepler"..."medicine")
D. Lines 56-61 ("The"... "wrong")
To explain why choice B is correct, we need to look at how this part of the passage provides evidence for Kepler's proud and obstinate personality. In lines 19-24, the author writes that Kepler was "very touchy on the subject of his own astronomical powers" and "afraid he might be regarded as simply a subordinate assistant". These phrases show that Kepler had a high opinion of himself and his abilities, and that he did not want to be overshadowed by Tycho or anyone else. This supports the idea that Kepler was proud of his achievements and skills.
The author also writes that Kepler "threw up his professorship" and "applied to Maestlin and others of his Tübingen friends" for another position. These actions show that Kepler was not willing to compromise or settle for less than what he wanted, and that he was ready to pursue other opportunities if he felt dissatisfied. This supports the idea that Kepler was obstinate or stubborn in his goals and opinions.
Therefore, choice B is correct because it provides evidence for Kepler's proud and obstinate personality. The other choices are incorrect because they do not provide evidence for the answer to the previous question. Choice A is wrong because it provides evidence for Tycho's kindness, not Kepler's personality. Choice C is wrong because it provides evidence for Tycho's generosity, not Kepler's personality. Choice D is wrong because it provides evidence for Kepler's apology, not his personality.
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice B is correct.
14. As used in line 14, "want" most nearly means
A. yearning.
B. desire.
C. need.
D. lack.
To explain why choice D is correct, we need to look at the context and the meaning of the word "want" in line 14. The author writes that Tycho had a reputation for "brusqueness and want of consideration". The word "brusqueness" means "abruptness or rudeness in speech or manner". The word "consideration" means "care or thoughtfulness for others". Therefore, the author is saying that Tycho was known for being rude and not caring or thinking about others.
In this context, the word "want" does not mean "yearning", "desire", or "need", which are synonyms for having a strong wish or feeling for something. Instead, the word "want" means "lack", which is a synonym for not having or being without something.
Therefore, choice D is correct because it matches the meaning of the word "want" in line 14. The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the meaning of the word "want" in line 14. Choice A is wrong because "yearning" means "having a strong longing or desire for something". Choice B is wrong because "desire" means "having a strong wish or feeling for something". Choice C is wrong because "need" means "having a requirement or necessity for something".
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice D is correct.
15. According to the passage, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT
A. Kepler obtained two years of paid leave from Gratz endorsed by the Emperor.
B. Kepler and Tycho experienced friction due to financial tension.
C. Tycho attempted to persuade Kepler to join him in Prague.
D. Due to an ailment, Kepler did not reach Prague on time.
The correct answer is the one that is not true according to the passage. Let's look at each statement one by one.
A. Kepler obtained two years of paid leave from Gratz endorsed by the Emperor. This statement is false according to the passage. In lines 17-18, the author writes that "an arrangement had been suggested" for Kepler to get two years of paid leave from Gratz, but this was not finalized or endorsed by the Emperor. In fact, in line 19, the author writes that "before this could be concluded, Kepler threw up his professorship". Therefore, this statement is not true and it is the correct answer.
B. Kepler and Tycho experienced friction due to financial tension. This statement is true according to the passage. In lines 25-26, the author writes that "the following year saw friction between the two astronomers" and that "it was about money matters". Therefore, this statement is true and it is not the correct answer.
C. Tycho attempted to persuade Kepler to join him in Prague. This statement is true according to the passage. In lines 20-21, the author writes that "Tycho, however, still urged him to come to Prague". Therefore, this statement is true and it is not the correct answer.
D. Due to an ailment, Kepler did not reach Prague on time. This statement is true according to the passage. In line 23, the author writes that "Kepler was delayed by illness on the way". Therefore, this statement is true and it is not the correct answer.
The correct answer is A because it is the only statement that is false according to the passage. I hope this answer helps you understand how to find evidence in the passage and eliminate incorrect choices.
16. According to the passage, Kepler suffered most of his life from
A. being financially unstable.
B. a lack of opportunities.
C. disrespectful colleagues.
D. constant dismissals from work.
To explain why choice A is correct, we need to look at the passage and find evidence for what Kepler suffered from most of his life. The passage tells us that Kepler had money problems many times in his life. In lines 27-28, the author writes that "it was about money matters, which in one way or another embittered the rest of Kepler's life". This means that Kepler had financial issues that made him unhappy.
In lines 40-41, the author writes that Kepler had a "reduced official salary, which owing to the emptiness of the Imperial treasury was almost always in arrears". This means that Kepler did not get paid enough or on time for his work.
In line 43, the author writes that "in order to meet his expenses he had recourse to the casting of nativities". This means that Kepler had to do other things to make money, like astrology.
Therefore, choice A is correct because it shows that Kepler suffered from being financially unstable most of his life. The other choices are not true according to the passage. Kepler had many chances to work with famous people and use good data. Kepler was not treated badly by Tycho or other people. Kepler did not lose his jobs often or for no reason.
Therefore, choice A is correct and it is the correct answer. I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice A is correct.
17. The passage is most likely written for an audience that
A. is mildly familiar with astronomers.
B. has no prior background on astronomers.
C. is conducting thorough historical research on key astronomers.
D. is uninterested in astronomers.
To explain why choice C is correct, we need to look at the passage and its purpose and tone. The passage is most likely written for an audience that is conducting thorough historical research on key astronomers. The passage provides a lot of details and information about the lives and work of Kepler and Tycho, two important figures in the history of astronomy. The passage mentions specific dates, places, names, events, and achievements that are relevant to the research topic.
The passage also uses a formal and academic tone that is suitable for a scholarly audience. Therefore, choice C is correct because it matches the purpose and tone of the passage.
The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the purpose and tone of the passage. Choice A is wrong because the passage does not assume that the audience is mildly familiar with astronomers, but rather provides a lot of background and context for them. Choice B is wrong because the passage does not aim to introduce the audience to astronomers, but rather to provide a detailed and in-depth analysis of their relationship and work. Choice D is wrong because the passage does not try to persuade or entertain the audience, but rather to inform and educate them.
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice C is correct.
18. The Emperor most likely endorsed Kepler and other astrologists because
A. he believed it was essential for an emperor to participate in science.
B. he wanted his name to go down in history alongside the future scientific discoveries.
C. he had extra finances available in his treasury.
D. he insisted that no discoveries should be made without his knowledge.
To explain why choice B is correct, we need to look at the passage and find evidence for the Emperor's motivation. The passage tells us that the Emperor endorsed Kepler and other astrologists because he wanted his name to go down in history alongside the future scientific discoveries. In lines 34-35, the author writes that "the Emperor's interest was still mainly with astrology, but he liked to think that his name would be handed down to posterity in connection with the new Planetary Tables".
This means that the Emperor was interested in astrology, but he also wanted to be associated with the new astronomical findings that Kepler and Tycho were working on. The Emperor wanted to be remembered as a patron and supporter of science, like Alphonso of Castile, who was famous for sponsoring the Alfonsine Tables, a set of astronomical data in the 13th century.
Therefore, choice B is correct because it shows that the Emperor endorsed Kepler and other astrologists because he wanted his name to go down in history alongside the future scientific discoveries.
The other choices are not true according to the passage. The Emperor did not endorse Kepler and other astrologists because he believed it was essential for an emperor to participate in science. The passage does not mention anything about the Emperor's personal involvement or contribution to science. The Emperor did not endorse Kepler and other astrologists because he had extra finances available in his treasury. In fact, the passage says that the Imperial treasury was empty and that Kepler did not receive regular payment for his work. The Emperor did not endorse Kepler and other astrologists because he insisted that no discoveries should be made without his knowledge. The passage does not suggest that the Emperor was controlling or secretive about science, but rather that he was supportive and generous.
Therefore, choice B is correct and it is the correct answer. I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice B is correct.
19. Which choice best provides evidence for the answer to the previous question?(Highlighted In Blue)
A. Lines 24-30 ("An" ... "Emperor")
B. Lines 74-80 ("The"..."expenses")
C. Lines 88-93 ("Very"... "work")
D. Lines 103-107 ("He"... "ideas")
To explain why choice B is correct, we need to look at how this part of the passage provides evidence for the Emperor's motivation. In lines 74-80, the author writes that "the Emperor's interest was still mainly with astrology, but he liked to think that his name would be handed down to posterity in connection with the new Planetary Tables in the same way as that of Alphonso of Castile, and he made liberal promises to pay the expenses". These sentences show that the Emperor endorsed Kepler and other astrologists because he wanted his name to go down in history alongside the future scientific discoveries.
The author mentions that the Emperor was interested in astrology, but he also wanted to be associated with the new Planetary Tables that Kepler and Tycho were working on. The author also mentions that the Emperor made generous promises to pay for the costs of their research, even though he did not have enough money in his treasury.
Therefore, choice B is correct because it provides evidence for the Emperor's motivation. The other choices are incorrect because they do not provide evidence for the answer to the previous question. Choice A is wrong because it provides evidence for Kepler's financial problems, not the Emperor's motivation. Choice C is wrong because it provides evidence for Tycho's death and Kepler's succession, not the Emperor's motivation. Choice D is wrong because it provides evidence for Kepler's astrological work, not the Emperor's motivation.
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice B is correct.
20. As used in line 94, "post" most nearly
means
A. station.
B. pole.
C. mail.
D. position.
To explain why choice D is correct, we need to look at the context and the meaning of the word "post" in line 94. The author writes that "he succeeded to Tycho's post of principal mathematician to the Emperor". The word "succeeded" means "took over or followed after". The word "principal" means "main or most important". The word "mathematician" means "a person who studies or works with mathematics". Therefore, the author is saying that Kepler took over or followed after Tycho as the main or most important person who studied or worked with mathematics for the Emperor.
In this context, the word "post" does not mean "station", "pole", or "mail", which are synonyms for a place, a long stick, or a system of sending letters. Instead, the word "post" means "position", which is a synonym for a job or a role.
Therefore, choice D is correct because it matches the meaning of the word "post" in line 94. The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the meaning of the word "post" in line 94. Choice A is wrong because "station" means "a place where someone or something is located or has been put". Choice B is wrong because "pole" means "a long, slender, rounded piece of wood or metal, typically used with one end placed in the ground as a support for something". Choice C is wrong because "mail" means "letters and parcels sent by post".
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice D is correct.
21. The graph helps support which of the
following arguments?
A. Despite Kepler's "fanciful" theories, he was ultimately successful in discovering orbital law.
B. Kepler only focused on one aspect of his theories and was unable to branch further.
C. With the help of the Emperor, Kepler formed his third law in science.
D. Kepler's law was out of the focus of astronomy.
To explain why choice A is correct, we need to look at the graph and how it relates to the passage. The graph shows the relationship between the orbital period and the orbital radius of the planets, according to Kepler's third law of planetary motion. This law states that the square of the orbital period of a planet is proportional to the cube of its orbital radius. The graph shows that this law is true for all the planets in the solar system, as they all lie on a straight line.
This graph helps support the argument that despite Kepler's "fanciful" theories, he was ultimately successful in discovering orbital law. The passage tells us that Kepler had some "fanciful" and "speculative" theories, which means that they were not based on solid evidence or observation, but rather on his own imagination and guesswork. However, the passage also tells us that Kepler was able to use Tycho's data and his own calculations to reform the whole theory of astronomy and discover the laws of planetary motion.
Therefore, choice A is correct because it shows that Kepler's third law was a successful and accurate discovery, even though some of his other theories were not. The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the graph or the passage. Choice B is wrong because it suggests that Kepler only focused on one aspect of his theories, but the passage tells us that he worked on many aspects of astronomy, such as planetary tables, lunar theory, and astrological predictions. Choice C is wrong because it suggests that the Emperor helped Kepler form his third law, but the passage tells us that the Emperor was mainly interested in astrology and did not pay Kepler regularly for his work. Choice D is wrong because it suggests that Kepler's law was irrelevant or unimportant for astronomy, but the passage tells us that Kepler's law was a major breakthrough and a key contribution to astronomy.
I hope this explanation helps you understand why choice A is correct.