– Discovering “True North” –
“In 1044, a Chinese polymath named Shen Kuo penned a prodigious written work entitled “Dream Pool Essays.” This magnum opus encompassed a plethora of subjects including astronomy, geology, and mechanics. One of the monumental discoveries chronicled in this tome was the concept of true north. Shen Kuo ascertained that the magnetic compass needle did not point directly north, but deviated by a certain angle. By meticulous observation of celestial bodies and meticulous experimentation with magnets, he was able to discern this magnetic declination. Shen Kuo’s revelation was pivotal for mariners who, hitherto, were reliant on rudimentary navigational instruments. This newfound knowledge enabled them to chart courses with unerring precision, fostering trade and cultural exchange throughout Asia. Moreover, Shen Kuo’s insights into geomagnetism laid the bedrock for modern geophysics. His tireless ingenuity and voracious appetite for knowledge make him one of history’s most illustrious scholars, and his contributions to science have left an indelible mark on the annals of human achievement.”
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.
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| Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.
In 1044, the Chinese scholar Shen Kuo authored an ____ work, “Dream Pool Essays,” which was an extensive ____ encompassing subjects such as astronomy and mechanics. In this notable work, Shen Kuo made a ____ discovery regarding magnetic north, observing that the compass needle did not align directly north but ____ by a certain angle. By rigorously studying celestial bodies and experimenting with magnets, he discerned the phenomenon of magnetic ____. This knowledge was ____ for mariners and was instrumental in improving their navigational accuracy. Furthermore, his insights contributed to the foundation of modern geophysics. |
Vocabulary Builder
- Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.
| Original Word | Variants Used |
|---|---|
| penned | _______________________ / ______________________ |
| magnum opus | _______________________ / ______________________ |
| plethora | _______________________ |
| discoveries | _______________________ |
| ascertained | _______________________ / ______________________ |
| deviated | _______________________ |
| declination | _______________________ |
| pivotal | ___________ / ____________ / ____________ |
