Reading passages

49 -The purpose of this passage is to explain ---- .
A) the distance between the Earth and the Sun 
B) why sun -rays travel in a vertical position 
C) why the weather is different in different parts of 
the Earth 
D) why sun -rays are parallel when they reach the 
Earth 
E) the way in which the Earth goes around the Sun 
50 -From the information given in the passage, it 
is clear that ---- .
A) temperate regions are cooler than equatorial 
regions as sun -rays travel through more atmosphere 
to reach them 
B) it is hotter in equatorial regions because they are 
closer to the Sun 
C) when it is summer in the northern hemisphere. It
is winter in the southern hemisphere 
D) sun -rays lose heat in passing through space
E) summer is when the Earth is closest to the Sun 
51 -The angle at which the sun's rays strike the 
surface of the Earth is determined by -----.
A) the density of the Earth's atmosphere 
B) the parallel nature of the sun -rays 
C) the direct journey which the sun -rays make to 
equatorial regions 
D) the curvature of the Earth 
E) the variations in temperature on the Earth 
The concept of a national library is a recent one in 
the developing countries. In the developed countries, 
national libraries have existed since at least the 
sixteenth century. By the nineteenth century, most 
countries in Europe had already established national 
libraries. The typical national library is meant to be 

---

 
 
10 
the finest collection of books in the country, the 
national book archive, and a source of national pride. 
Although it is important for a national library in a 
developing country to collect the national literature, 
and any other literature pertaining to that country, it 
is also important for the library to collect a wide 
range of scholarly literature published in other 
countries.