The Old Astronomer to his pupil -vocabulary and quiz

By Cecilia Brabin | August 25, 2009

The following is some of the vocabulary used in the poem, together with meanings within the context of the poem. Some of these words may have different meanings in other contexts.

oblique

slanting /indirect 

humble

modest, unpretentious

scorn

open contempt

 

forlorn

desperate and without any expectation of success

grizzled

grey- haired

sage

a very wise person

fellowship

group with shared aims or interests

wiles

crafty tricks

Return to the poem

 

1. [Multiple choice]

Tacho Brahe was…………………………..

Answers for Quiz [1].

  • 1. a telescope
  • 2. an astronomer (correct)
  • 3. a book

2. [Multiple choice]

The old astronomer is……………………

Answers for Quiz [2].

  • 1. leaving the city
  • 2. giving up his studies
  • 3. dying (correct)

3. [Multiple choice]

The college referred to by the astronomer is in…………………………

Answers for Quiz [3].

  • 1. Germany (correct)
  • 2. Great Britain
  • 3. the USA

4. [Multiple choice]

Neither the astronomer nor his pupil had…………………………..

Answers for Quiz [4].

  • 1. money
  • 2. family (correct)
  • 3. success

5. [Multiple choice]

The astronomer felt that he could have been…………………..his pupil

Answers for Quiz [5].

  • 1. harder on
  • 2. less intelligent than
  • 3. kinder to (correct)

6. [Multiple choice]

The astronomer asks his pupil to…………………………….

Answers for Quiz [6].

  • 1. give up his studies
  • 2. continue their work (correct)
  • 3. publish their findings

7. [Multiple choice]

The curtain is drawn back to display………………………..

Answers for Quiz [7].

  • 1. Mars
  • 2. Venus (correct)
  • 3. the Moon
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