The Rocket from East to West Reading Answers

Jan 28, 2023

The Rocket from East to West Reading Answers contains sample answers about rockets and its development. The Rocket from East to West Reading Answers comprising 14 different types of questions. IELTS The Rocket from East to West Reading Answers contains four types of questions, namely- choose the suitable heading, choose the appropriate letters, write the appropriate letter and match the names with drawings. Candidates are required to read the IELTS Reading passage thoroughly and decide which heading suits which paragraph from the given list of headings. Candidates are supposed to choose the appropriate letters from the given set of options for each answer. Candidates are required to answer who invented or first used the given things by choosing the appropriate letter from the given five options. For the last set of questions, candidates are supposed to match the drawings stated with the correct name. To gain proficiency, candidates can practise from the IELTS Reading practice papers

Check: Get 10 Free Sample Papers
Check: Register for IELTS Coaching - Join for Free Trial Class Now

The question types in The Rocket from East to West Reading Answers are:

Finding suitable titles from the list of titles for paragraphs
Choosing the correct answer
Matching the users/inventors with the items
Matching the drawings with the names of projectiles

The source of this passage is The History, Scope, and Nature of Materials Science and Engineering. IELTS reading sample comes with a detailed explanation to all the questions and by reading these, the candidates can secure a good score in IELTS reading.

Section 1

Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions

The Rocket from East to West Reading Answers

The concept of the rocket, or rather the mechanism behind the idea of propelling an object into the air, has been around for well over two thousand years. However, it wasn’t until the discovery of the reaction principle, which was the key to space travel and so represents one of the great milestones in the history of scientific thought that rocket technology was able to develop. Not only did it solve a problem that had intrigued man for ages, but, more importantly, it literally opened the door to the exploration of the universe.
An intellectual breakthrough, brilliant though it may be, does not automatically ensure that the transition is made from theory to practice. Despite the fact that rockets had been used sporadically for several hundred years, they remained a relatively minor artifact of civilization until twentieth century. Prodigious efforts, accelerated during two world wars, were required before the technology of primitive rocketry could be translated into the reality of sophisticated astronauts. It is strange that the rocket was generally ignored by writers of fiction to transport their heroes to mysterious realms beyond Earth, even though it had been commonly used in fireworks displays in China since the thirteenth century. The reason is that nobody associated the reaction principle with the idea of travelling through space to a neighboring world.
A simple analogy can help us to understand how a rocket operates. It is much like a machine gun mounted on the rear of a boat. In reaction to the backwards discharge of bullets, the gun, and hence the boat, move forwards. A rocket motor’s ‘bullets’ are minute, high-speed particles produced by burning propellants in a suitable chamber. The reaction to the ejection of these small particles causes the rocket to move forwards. There is evidence that the reaction principle was applied practically well before the rocket was invented. In his Noctes Atticae or Greek Nights, Aulus Gellius describes ‘the pigeon of Archytas’, an invention dating back to about 360 BC. Cylindrical in shape, made of wood, and hanging from a string, it was moved to and fro by steam blowing out from small exhaust ports at either end. The reaction to the discharging steam provided the bird with motive power.
The invention of rockets is linked inextricably with the invention of ‘black powder’. Most historians of technology credit the Chinese with its discovery. They base their belief on studies of Chinese writings or on the notebooks of early Europeans who settles in or made long visits to China to study its history and civilization. It is probable that, sometime in the tenth century, black powder was first compounded from its basic ingredients of saltpetre, charcoal and sulphur. But this does not mean that it was immediately used to propel rockets. By the thirteenth century, powder propelled fire arrows had become rather common. The Chinese relied on this type of technological development to produce incendiary projectiles of many sorts, explosives grenades and possibly cannons to repel their enemies. One such weapon was the ‘basket of fire’ or, as directly translated from Chinese, the ‘arrows like flying leopards’. The 0.7 meter-long arrows, each with a long tube of gunpowder attached near the point of each arrow, could be fired from a long, octagonal-shaped basket at the same time and had a range of 400 paces. Another weapon was the ‘arrow as a flying saber’, which could be fired from crossbows. The rocket, placed in a similar position to other rocket-propelled arrows, was designed to increase the range. A small iron weight was attached to the 1.5m bamboo shaft, just below the feathers, to increase the arrow’s stability by moving the centre of gravity to a position below the rocket. At a similar time, the Arabs had developed the ‘egg which moves and burns’. This ‘egg’ was apparently full of gunpowder and stabilized by a 1.5m tail. It was fired using two rockets attached to either side of this tail.
It was not until the eighteenth century that Europe became seriously interested in the possibilities of using the rocket itself as a weapon of war and not just to propel other weapons. Prior to this, rockets were used only in pyrotechnic displays. The incentive for the more aggressive use of rockets came not from within the European continent but from far-away India, whose leaders had built up a corps of racketeers and used rockets successfully against the British in the late eighteenth century. The Indian rockets used against the British were described by a British Captain serving in India as ‘an iron envelope about 200 millimeters long and 40 millimeters in diameter with sharp points at the top and a 3 m-long bamboo guiding stick’. In the early nineteenth century, the British began to experiment with incendiary barrage rockets. The British rocket differed from the Indian version in that it was completely encased in a stout, iron cylinder, terminating in a conical head, measuring one meter in diameter and having a stick almost five meters long and constructed in such a way that it could be firmly attached to the body of the rocket. The Americans developed a rocket, complete with its own launcher, to use against the Mexicans in the mid- nineteenth century. A long cylindrical tube was propped up by two sticks and fastened to the top of the launcher, thereby allowing the rockets to be inserted and lit from the other end. However, the results were sometimes not that impressive as the behavior of rockets in flight was less than predictable. Since then, there have been huge developments in rocket technology, often with devastating results in the forum of war. Nevertheless, the modern-day space programs owe their success to the humble beginnings of those in previous centuries who developed the foundations of the reaction principle. Who knows what it will be like in the future?

Section 2

Solution With Explanation

Questions 1-4

Reading Passage has six paragraphs A-E.
Choose the most suitable headings for paragraphs B-E from the list of headings below.
Write the appropriate numbers i-ix in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings

How the reaction principle works
The impact of the reaction principle
Writers’ theories of the reaction principle
Undeveloped for centuries
The first rockets
The first use of steam
Rockets for military use
Developments of fire
What’s next?

Paragraph B

Answer: IV. Undeveloped for centuries
Explanation:Rockets had been employed irregularly for several hundred years. But until the twentieth century, they were just a minor part of human society, as explained in paragraph B. It's odd that fiction authors rarely used rockets to carry their heroes to uncharted territories beyond Earth. Despite the fact that it has been regularly used in Chinese fireworks shows since the thirteenth century. Regarding rockets and their uses in the early 20th century, there is no proof in this text. The development of rockets and their evolution during the 20th century are also covered in this paragraph. As a result, this heading is appropriate for the paragraph.
Keywords: Artefacts, 20th century
Supporting sentence: Prodigious efforts, accelerated during two world wars, were required before the technology of primitive rocketry could be translated into the reality of sophisticated astronauts. It is strange that the rocket was generally ignored by writers of fiction to transport their heroes to mysterious realms beyond Earth, even though it had been commonly used in fireworks displays in China since the thirteenth century.
Location in the passage: Paragraph B

Paragraph C

Answer: I. How the reaction principle works
Explanation: According to paragraph C, the rocket moves ahead as a result of the reaction to the expulsion of these tiny particles. There is proof that the reaction principle was used in practice even before the invention of the rocket. It explains the rocket's mechanism and how a rocket operates. It also covers the components and uses of early inventions and gives information about their inventors. Hence, this heading is appropriately suited to this paragraph.
Keywords: Reaction principle, applied
Supporting sentence: Cylindrical in shape, made of wood, and hanging from a string, it was moved to and fro by steam blowing out from small exhaust ports at either end. The reaction to the discharging steam provided the
bird with motive power.
Location in the passage: Paragraph C

Paragraph D

Answer: V. The first rockets
Explanation: The development of "black powder" is intrinsically tied to the development of rockets, according to paragraph D. The Chinese are credited with its discovery by the majority of technology historians. The idea of black powder is what led to the development of rockets. And credit for these was attributed to the Chinese. They included this powder into their writings and scripts. Therefore, this heading is suitable for paragraph D.
Keywords: Invention of rocket, discovery
Supporting sentence: The invention of rockets is linked inextricably with the invention of ‘black powder’. Most historians of technology credit the Chinese with its discovery. They base their belief on studies of Chinese writings or on the notebooks of early Europeans who settle in or made long visits to China to study its history and civilization.
Location in the passage: Paragraph D

Paragraph E

Answer: VII. Rockets for military use
Explanation:According to paragraph E, Europe didn't start to take the potential applications of the rocket itself seriously until the eighteenth century. Especially as a weapon of war, as opposed to merely a means of propulsion for other weapons. In order to advance its own interests and intimidate other nations, Europe intended to utilise rockets. Hence, the heading is suited for paragraph E.
Keywords: Rockets, weapons of war
Supporting sentence: It was not until the eighteenth century that Europe became seriously interested in the possibilities of using the rocket itself as a weapon of war and not just to propel other weapons. Prior to this, rockets were used only in pyrotechnic displays.
Location in the passage: Paragraph E

Questions 5-6

Choose the appropriate letters A-D and write them in boxes 5-6 on your answer sheet.

The greatest outcome of the discovery of the reaction principle was that

Rockets could be propelled into the air.
Space travel became a reality.
A major problem had been solved.
Bigger rockets were able to be built.

Answer: B. Space travel became a reality.
Explanation: The response principle was found to be the secret to space flight, according to paragraph A. Since rocket technology was able to advance, it now stands as one of the major turning points in the history of scientific thought. The application of the response principle to space flight is a significant accomplishment for mankind. New windows of mystery were going to open. Hence, the right answer is option B.
Supporting sentence: Not only did it solve a problem that had intrigued man for ages, but, more importantly, it literally opened the door to the exploration of the universe.
Keywords: Reaction principle, space travel, milestone
Location in the passage: Paragraph A

According to the text, the greatest progress in rocket technology was made

From the tenth to the thirteenth centuries.
From the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries.
From the early nineteenth to the late nineteenth century.
From the late nineteenth century to the present day.

Answer: D. From the late nineteenth century to the present day.
Explanation:According to paragraph E, there have been significant advancements in rocket technology, frequently with disastrous outcomes in the context of warfare. The modest beginnings of those in earlier ages, however, are what helped the present space missions succeed. It owes something to the people who created the response principal's underpinnings. Since the invention of rockets, enormous advancements have been made. Thus, the correct answer is option D.
Supporting sentence: Since then, there have been huge developments in rocket technology, often with devastating results in the forum of war. Nevertheless, the modern-day space programs owe their success to the humble beginnings of those in previous centuries who developed the foundations of the reaction principle. Who knows what it will be like in the future?
Keywords: Huge developments, technology
Location in the passage: Paragraph E

Questions 7-10

From the information in the text, indicate who FIRST in-vented or used the items in the list below.
Write the appropriate letters A-E in boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.

FIRST invented or used by

The Chinese
The Indians
The British
The Arabs
The Americans

Example Answer: rockets for displays - A

Black powder

Answer: A. The Chinese
Explanation: Rocketry and "black powder" were both created at the same time, and their development is intertwined. The majority of technology historians attribute the invention of technology to the Chinese, as stated in this statement from paragraph D. Black powder is associated with rockets since it serves as the fuel for them. Additionally, it is important to note that the Chinese have traditionally employed black powder. Thus the right answer is option A.
Supporting sentence: The invention of rockets is linked inextricably with the invention of ‘black powder’.
Keywords: Black powder, Chinese
Location in the passage: Paragraph D

Rocket-propelled arrows for fighting

Answer: A. The Chinese
Explanation: The use of crossbows to discharge arrows as flying sabres was mentioned in paragraph D as another weapon. The rocket was intended to extend the range and was positioned similarly to other rocket-propelled arrows. Fire arrows that were propelled by powder were quite prevalent by the thirteenth century. To repel their attackers, the Chinese use these kinds of rockets to make various explosives, grenades, and perhaps cannons. Therefore, the right answer is option A.
Supporting sentence: Another weapon was the ‘arrow as a flying saber’, which could be fired from crossbows. The rocket, placed in a similar position to other rocket-propelled arrows, was designed to increase the range.
Keywords: Arrows, Chines
Location in the passage: Paragraph D

Rockets as war weapons

Answer: B. The Indians
Explanation: According to paragraph E, the Indians employed the rockets as weapons against the British in the late eighteenth century. Indian authorities established a corps of racketeers and employed rockets well. Rockets were typically an invention of the Indian military. This tactic was employed by the Indians against the British in the 18th century. Hence, the correct answer is option B.
Supporting sentence: The incentive for the more aggressive use of rockets came not from within the European continent but from far-away India, whose leaders had built up a corps of racketeers and used rockets successfully against the British in the late eighteenth century.
Keywords: Aggressive use, India
Location in the passage: Paragraph E

The rocket launcher

Answer: E. The Americans
Explanation: The development of an American rocket is mentioned in paragraph E. It was finished and had a launcher of its own. In the middle of the nineteenth century, this rocket launcher was intended to be used against the Mexicans. America is involved in the research and development phase of rockets as weapons. They created launchers as well to use against Mexico. Therefore, the correct answer is option E.
Supporting sentence: The Americans developed a rocket, complete with its own launcher, to use against the Mexicans in the mid-nineteenth century. A long cylindrical tube was propped up by two sticks and fastened to the top of the launcher, thereby allowing the rockets to be inserted and lit from the other end.
Keywords: American, Launcher
Location in the passage: Paragraph E

Questions 11-14

Look at the drawings of different projectiles below, A-H, and the names of types of projectiles given in the passage,
Match each name with one drawing. Write the appropriate letters A-H in boxes 11-14 on your answer sheet.
Example Answer: The Greek ‘pigeon of Archytas’ - C

The Chinese ‘basket of fire’

Answer: B
Explanation: It is clear that this finding was made in China based on the shape and parameters provided in paragraph D. Its arrows were each 0.7 metres long, and each arrow was equipped with a lengthy gunpowder tube. Each arrow has this tube attached close to the point so that it may be launched from any long, octagonal basket with ease. It was a well-planned design that was purposely made in this way to cover a range of 400 paces.
Supporting sentence: The 0.7 meter-long arrows, each with a long tube of gunpowder attached near the point of each arrow, could be fired from a long, octagonal-shaped basket at the same time and had a range of 400 paces.
Keywords: The 0.7 meter- long arrows, each with a long tube of gunpowder attached near the point of each arrow
Location in the passage: Paragraph D

The Arab ‘egg which moves and burns’

Answer: E
Explanation:The Arab rocket is depicted in the illustration in a clear manner. According to paragraph D, it is the moving and burning egg. The fact that the egg was stabilised by a tail and loaded with explosives is made quite apparent in paragraph D. As stated here, the tail is 1.5 metres long. This is the right answer to this question because the figure exactly resembles it.
Supporting sentence: The Arabs had developed the ‘egg which moves and burns’. This ‘egg’ was apparently full of gunpowder and stabilized by a 1.5m tail.
Keywords: Full of gunpowder and stabilized by a 1.5 m tail
Location in the passage: Paragraph D

The Indian rocket

Answer: F
Explanation: According to paragraph E, the Indian rocket that was used to attack the British was there. To employ as a weapon at the time against the British, these were created in India. According to the passage's description, it featured a bamboo guiding staff and an iron enclosure with sharp spikes. This image is an exact representation of it. Hence, the answer is F.
Supporting sentence: The Indian rockets used against the British were described by a British Captain serving in India as ‘an iron envelope about 200 millimeters long and 40 millimeters in diameter with sharp points at the top and a 3 m-long bamboo guiding stick’.
Keywords: 3m long guiding stick
Location in the passage: Paragraph E

The British barrage rocket

Answer: G
Explanation: The depicted design is for a British-built rocket. The Indian rocket and the British rocket could clearly be distinguished from one another. An enormous iron cylinder served as the shell for the British rocket. It was capable of ending in a conical head with a diameter of one metre. It was five metres long and had a stick on it. This layout fits the picture exactly. In paragraph D, this is stated.
Supporting sentence: The British rocket differed from the Indian version in that it was completely encased in a stout, iron cylinder, terminating in a conical head, measuring one meter in diameter and having a stick almost five meters long and constructed in such a way that it could be firmly attached to the body of the rocket.
Keywords: encased in a stout, iron cylinder, terminating in a conical head, stick 5m long
Location in the passage: Paragraph E

Read More IELTS Reading Samples