Reading Passage Question
You may already be familiar with the Big Dipper, an asterism in Ursa Major. An asterism is a named star pattern that’s not identical to one of the 88 recognized constellations. An asterism may be wholly within a single constellation or may include stars from more than one constellation. For example, the four corners of the Great Square of Pegasus, a large asterism, are marked by three stars of the Pegasus constellation and a fourth from Andromeda.
Solution and Explanation
- Which of the following statements would be the most accurate title for the passage?
(A) The Big Dipper Is an Asterism!
(B) Learn About the Great Square of Pegasus
(C) Stars Are Unknowable
(D) What Is an Asterism?
(E) Astronomy Is the Study of the Sky
Answer: D
Explanation: The whole passage describes an asterism. Options A and B in the question are points that have been mentioned in the description of asterism. Option E focuses on astronomy and although this passage is a part of astronomy it is not about astronomy. Option C focuses on how unknowable stars are and it might be suited for the passage. Whereas option D focuses on what asterism is which is the best-suited title for the passage considering its emphasis on the description of stars.
- The first sentence plays what role in this passage?
(A) It provides an example so that readers can relate to the main idea of the passage.
(B) It reveals a cultural truism before revoking its status.
(C) It reminds readers that they are all already aware of the information that will be explained in the passage.
(D) It provides the thesis that will be proved by the rest of the passage.
(E) It debunks a commonly held belief about the night sky.
Answer: A
Explanation: The first line of the passage mentions the Big Dipper which is an asterism in the constellation- Ursa Major. This line is descriptive of what the whole passage is going to be about. Options B and C claim that the passage has no new information and the first line states an obvious factor that the readers are already aware of. This claim is not effective. Option E is a statement that claims the passage to be a belief but the passage is based on facts and not on a belief. Options A, and D could be considered comparatively closer. But the passage is not based on a description of the Big Dipper, it focuses on asterism. Hence, option A is the only correct answer.
- According to the passage, what is an asterism?
(A) It’s another name for a constellation.
(B) It’s part of the four corners of the Great Square of Pegasus.
(C) The author suggests that it is a type of comet.
(D) No clear definition is provided.
(E) It is a named star pattern.
Answer: E
Explanation: The answer to this question is clearly mentioned in the second line of the passage. An asterism is a named star pattern that’s not identical to one of the 88 recognized constellations. An asterism may be wholly within a single constellation or may include stars from more than one constellation. For example, the four corners of the Great Square of Pegasus, a large asterism, are marked by three stars of the Pegasus constellation and a fourth from Andromeda. Hence, an asterism is a star pattern as mentioned in Option E.
- Which of the following statements is most correct?
(A) An asterism can be part of a constellation, but a constellation cannot be part of an asterism.
(B) An asterism may straddle several different constellations.
(C) Most constellations also contain an asterism.
(D) There are at least 88 asterisms.
(E) Asterisms are not as easy to pick out of the sky with an unaided eye as a constellation is.
Answer: B
Explanation: The second line of the passage mentions that there are 88 constellations and not 88 asterisms. This eliminates Option D. Also, Option E states a fact that is not mentioned anywhere in the passage. The third line of the passage states that an asterism can be a constellation as well as a part of a constellation, this line eliminates Option A. This line also eliminates Option C as it states that an asterism can form a constellation within or may include stars from more than one constellation but it doesn’t mention that most constellations contain an asterism. This line also proves that Option B will be the correct answer because it explains how stars can be connected and hence, it indicates that an asterism may cross several different constellations.
“You may already be familiar with the Big Dipper, an asterism in Ursa”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.
This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 4 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions
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