North Carolina Testing Program
EOG Reading Grade 8 Sample Items
Maybe you have been lucky enough to see meteor showers. Here are some guidelines to
follow if you go out, alone or with friends, to watch for what some call shooting stars. Read
this selection and answer the questions that follow.
Meteors and Meteorites
by Brian Jones
OBSERVATION
Meteor watching can be carried out by
a single observer, but is often performed by a
group. They arrange themselves in a circle
so that the entire sky can be covered, each
observer facing outwards and taking in one
segment of sky. One separate member of the
group acts as recorder, taking down the
results and observations called out by those
observing. Radiant positions of showers
being observed should be noted before
observation gets under way. A useful item of
equipment is a ruler or straight edge.
Holding this up to the path taken by a
meteor will help you trace it back across the
sky. The meteor path can then be plotted on
a star-chart to confirm if it is from a
particular shower.
The results of a meteor watch should
include the names of those participating,
with addresses to which correspondence
should be sent. The latitude and longitude of
the observing-site should also be included as
well as the starting- and finishing-times, and
date, of the watch. These need to be as exact
as possible, so an accurate timepiece is
essential.
All times must be submitted in GMT.1 If
observations are carried out over midnight,
this should be pointed out. Finally, anything
that may affect the quality of observations,
such as cloud or moonlight, should be
detailed. Keep a check on any changes in the
limiting magnitude during the watch. The
limiting magnitude can be ascertained by
noting the faintest stars visible to the
unaided eye. Note the time of each meteor
seen and estimate its brightness by
comparison with nearby stars of known
magnitude. It should also be stated
whether the meteor was
shower or sporadic. In
the event of
particularly bright
meteors, note as
many relevant
details as
possible,
including colour, speed, break up and any
persistent trains left by it.
If you are lucky enough to see a
fireball, note details of its track across the
sky, including start and finish points. These
can be given in relation to stars, and again it
helps to hold a straight edge up in line with
the path taken by the fireball. Estimates of
tracks are of vital importance as, given
enough reports of a particular fireball, the
impact site of any resulting meteorite may be
determined. Details such as those submitted
with meteors should be included with your
report and submitted without delay to the
relevant section of one of the national
organizations.
GMT: Greenwich Mean Time—mean solar time for the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, England; used as a basis for
calculating time throughout the world.
1
“Meteors and Meteorites” from An Introduction to Practical Astronomy by Brian Jones. Copyright © 1991 by
Quintet Publishing Ltd. Reprinted by permission.
Page 1
Published January 2004. May reproduce for instructional and
educational purposes only, not for personal or financial gain.
North Carolina Testing Program
1.
2.
According to the selection, what is
most helpful when trying to chart the
precise path of a meteor?
3.
According to the selection, which of
these can limit an observer’s ability to
see a meteor?
A
calling out radiant positions
A
moonlight
B
tracking with a straight edge
B
a fireball
C
using an accurate watch
C
a constellation
D
having an official recorder
D
planets
What is the most likely reason it is
important to write down the exact
time as well as the latitude and
longitude of the meteor observation
site?
A
Page 2
EOG Reading Grade 8 Sample Items
4.
Clouds may interfere with
observation at certain times and
locations.
B
All times must be submitted in
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
C
Observation periods that include
midnight need to be reported.
D
The night sky looks different
based on the time and an
observer’s location.
5.
What is the most important reason
for tracking a fireball?
A
to determine its size
B
to determine where it lands
C
to determine how dangerous it is
D
to determine how fast it is going
Which word best describes the process
of meteor watching as it is presented
in this selection?
A
complicated
B
relaxing
C
satisfying
D
tiring
Published January 2004. May reproduce for instructional and
educational purposes only, not for personal or financial gain.
North Carolina Testing Program
6.
EOG Reading Grade 8 Sample Items
Which of the following belongs in the empty box below?
Recording Meteor Watch Results
Include
names and
addresses of
participants
Include
longitude and
latitude of
observation
site
Note
date, start
and finish
times
Submit
times in
GMT
Page 3
Note
whether
times are
after
midnight
A
Note time of each meteor.
B
Note changes in the limiting magnitude.
C
Note radiant positions of showers.
D
Note factors affecting the quality of observations.
clouds
Published January 2004. May reproduce for instructional and
educational purposes only, not for personal or financial gain.
moonlight
North Carolina Testing Program
7.
If a person were planning a meteor
watch, how could the information in
paragraph 2 best be used?
A
to make a checklist of equipment
B
to look up technical terms
relating to meteors
C
to make a checklist of information
to record
D
to research constellations visible
at the time
EOG Reading Grade 8 Sample Items
8.
What would most likely happen to
the place where a meteorite landed?
A
It would be glowing.
B
It would be full of water.
C
There would be a hole.
D
There would be new plants
growing.
End of Set
In compliance with federal law, including the
provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972, the Department of Public Instruction does not
discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color,
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service in its policies, programs, activities, admissions
or employment.
Page 4
Published January 2004. May reproduce for instructional and
educational purposes only, not for personal or financial gain.
Answers to
Grade 8 Reading Comprehension Sample Items
Passage Title
Question
Number
Correct
Answer
Category
Thinking Skill
Objective
Number
Meteors and Meteorites
1
B
Cognition
Analyzing
2.01
Meteors and Meteorites
2
D
Interpretation
Generating
4.01
Meteors and Meteorites
3
A
Cognition
Knowledge
2.01
Meteors and Meteorites
4
B
Cognition
Knowledge
2.01
Meteors and Meteorites
5
A
Interpretation
Integrating
2.01
Meteors and Meteorites
6
D
Interpretation
Organizing
2.01
Meteors and Meteorites
7
C
Interpretation
Analyzing
2.01
Meteors and Meteorites
8
C
Interpretation
Generating
2.01
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
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