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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What word is best used to describe a delay or block in an experiment?

2. In what month did Niccolini petition the Pope once more?

3. Maria Celeste tended to write long letters to Galileo on which day of the week?

4. Which of the following was not one of Galileo's avid supporters?

5. To whom was the book dedicated?

Short Essay Questions

1. How long did Galileo have to stay in Rome before he was granted an audience at the Holy Office?

2. Once again the weather wreaked havoc on Galileo and Maria Celeste. Explain how each was affected by the autumn rains.

3. What was the reason Pope Urban finally permitted Galileo to return to Arcetri?

4. While Maria Celeste seemed to tell Galileo everything, she overlooked one important piece of news. What was the news?

5. Galileo began to work on a book involving the theories of motion. Discuss the concept for the book and its relationship to Aristotle's earlier teachings.

6. Discuss the illness contracted by Maria Celeste in March 1634. How was the illness contracted?

7. What was the plea sent from Niccolini to the Poe on behalf of Galileo?

8. What steps might have been taken by Pope Urban on behalf of Galileo? Why do you think Pope Urban chose not to take that step?

9. The sisters at San Matteo continued to pray for Galileo. What was the reaction at the convent when it was learned Galileo would soon be back in Arcetri?

10. Describe the reaction of the people upon Galileo's return to Arcetri.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At a young age, Galileo showed amazing aptitude for math. What about math interested Galileo? What prompted Galileo to switch from math to astronomy? Was it a wise move? What were the opinions of those around Galileo regarding the change? What do you think might have happened if Galileo would have pursued a care in mathematics? How did the knowledge benefit Galileo in other ways?

Essay Topic 2

Describe in detail the life of the nuns at San Matteo. How does the convent compare with today's convents? Is the order still in existence? If so, where? What influence did Maria Celeste have on the convent? Compare and contrast the views and experiences of the sisters.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the story behind the long awaited book by Galileo, "The Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems." What were the Two Chief World Systems? What inspired the work? When was it written? How long did it take Galileo to research, compile and arrange the information in the book? Was the book objective or subjective? How was the book received by the public?

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample