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PASSAGE 17

Read the passage and mark A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

Jupiter is the largest and most massive planet and is fifth in order of distance from the sun. It is well

placed for observation for several months in every year and on average is the brightest of the planets apart

from Venus, though for relatively brief periods Mars may outshine it. Jupiter’s less than 10 hour rotation

period gives it the shortest day in the solar system in so far as the principal planets are concerned. There

are no true seasons on Jupiter because the axial inclination to the perpendicular of the orbital plane is only

just over 3°-less than that for any other planet.

The most famous mark on Jupiter is the Great Red Spot. It has shown variations in both intensity and

color, and at times it has been invisible, but it always returns after a few years. At its greatest extent it

may be 40,000 kilometers long and 14,000 kilometers wide, so its surface area is greater than that of

Earth. Though the latitude of the Red Spot varies little, it drifts about in longitude. Over the past century

the total longitudinal drift has amounted to approximately 1200°. The latitude is generally very close to -

22°. It was once thought that the Red Spot might be a solid or semisolid body floating in Jupiter’s outer

gas. However, the Pioneer and Voyager results have refuted that idea and proven the Red Spot to be a

phenomenon of Jovian meteorology. Its longevity may well due to its exceptional size, but there are signs

that it is decreasing in size, and it may not be permanent. Several smaller red spots have been seen

occasionally but have not lasted.

Question 1. It can be inferred from the passage that

.

A. a day on Earth is shorter than a day on Jupiter.

B. there are other structures on Jupiter that has the same size as the Great Red Spot.

C. there are times when Great Red Spot cannot be observed from the earth.

D. the Great Red Spot is the only structure on Jupiter.

Question 2. According to the passage, which planet typically shines the most brightly?

A. Earth

B. Jupiter

C. Venus

D. Mars

Question 3. According to the passage, the Great Red Spot

.

A. has different colors

B. is as big as the earth

C. is a solid structure floating in the air

D. has increased its size over the years

Question 4. The word “it” in paragraph 2 refers to

.

A. Jupiter

B. The Great Red Spot

C. intensity

D. color

Question 5. The word “exceptional” in paragraph 2 mostly means

.

A. extreme

B. sustainable

C. temporary

D. infrequent

Question 6. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?

A. Jupiter is bigger than all the other planet in the solar system.

B. A day in Jupiter is nearly 10 hours long.

C. The Red Great Spot moves more vertically than horizontally.

D. Scientists have proof showing that smaller red spots are increasing their size to become other Great

Red Spots.

Question 7. The passage was probably taken from

.

A. an art journal

B. a geology magazine

C. a high school textbook D. an archeology book