It is Claimed by Astronomers that their Science is Not Only the Oldest GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

It is claimed by astronomers that their science is not only the oldest, but also the most highly developed of all sciences. Indeed it should be so, since no other science has ever received such support from royalty, from the state and from the private individual. However this may be, there is no doubt that in recent years astronomers have granted to them greater opportunities for carrying on large pieces of work than have been entrusted to men in any other department of pure science. One might expect that the practical results of a science like physics would appeal to the man who has made a vast fortune through some of its applications. The telephone, the electric transmission of power, wireless telegraphy and the submarine cable are instances of immense financial returns derived from the most abstruse principles of physics. Yet there are scarcely any physical laboratories devoted to research, or endowed with independent funds for this object, except those supported by the government. The endowment of astronomical observatories devoted to research, and not including that given for teaching, is estimated to amount to half a million dollars annually. Several of the larger observatories have an annual income of fifty thousand dollars.

I once asked the wisest man I know, what was the reason for this difference. He said that it was probably because astronomy appealed to the imagination. A practical man, who has spent all his life in his counting room or mill, is sometimes deeply impressed with the vast distances and grandeur of the problems of astronomy, and the very remoteness and difficulty of studying the stars attract him.

“It is Claimed by Astronomers that their Science is Not Only the Oldest” is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates must have a solid grip on English GMAT reading comprehension. There are 3 multiple-choice questions in the above GMAT Reading Comprehension passages. GMAT Reading Comprehension Questions are delineated to evaluate candidates’ abilities to analyze and be conceptual for the answers. Candidates can brace up and take preparation by answering GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?

(A) To discuss the popularity of Astronomy and one reason for this popularity
(B) To assert that Astronomy has unfairly been given more importance than other sciences
(C) To prove that Physics has contributed more to the progress of mankind than has Astronomy
(D) To evaluate the use of funds in astronomy as compared to their use in other sciences
(E) To advocate that other sciences such as Physics be given as much importance as Astronomy

2. According to the passage, one reason why Astronomy is the most developed of all sciences is that:

(A) It is the oldest of all sciences.
(B) It appeals to the imagination of man.
(C) It has received the maximum support from people, particularly from those in positions of authority.
(D) It deals with mysterious phenomena and man has always been fascinated with mystery.
(E) It appeals to both—the practical and the impractical man.

3. Which of the following assertions is most supported by the information in the passage?

(A) Astronomers have had the same number of opportunities available to them as have scientists from fields other than Astronomy.
(B) Practical results of a science such as Physics appeal more to man than results of Astronomy.
(C) The endowment of physical laboratories far exceeds those of astronomical observatories.
(D) Wireless telegraphy makes use of at least some principles of Physics.
(E) A practical man is not impressed by the vast distances involved in Astronomy.

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