The Shock of The Truth Courses Reading Answers

Jan 5, 2026

The answers for "The Shock of The Truth Reading Answers" include 13 questions and are part of the assessment framework for the IELTS General Reading test. Candidates are allotted 20 minutes to complete the reading responses concerning "The Shock of The Truth Reading Answers." This portion of the IELTS reading exam consists of various question formats, including matching each statement with the correct person, and selecting the correct letters.

The answers for "The Shock of The Truth Reading Answers" offer a comprehensive overview of the passage, tracing how Copernicus challenged the long-accepted Ptolemaic, earth-centred universe despite strong religious and social opposition. Although initially resisted, his heliocentric theory transformed scientific thought and permanently changed humanity’s view of its place in the universe. For additional practice with similar reading assessments, candidates can refer to the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

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The Shock of The Truth Courses Reading Answers

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The Shock of The Truth Reading Answers

A.Throughout history, there have been instances in which people have been unwilling to accept new theories, despite startling evidences. This was certainly the case when Copernicus published his theory - that the earth was not the centre of the universe.

B.Until the early 16th century, western thinkers believed the theory put forward by Ptolemy, an Egyptian living in Alexandria in about 150 A.D. His theory, which was formulated by gathering and organizing the thoughts of the earlier thinkers, proposed that the universe was a closed space bounded by a spherical envelope beyond which there was nothing. The earth, according to Ptolemy, was a fixed and immobile mass, located at the centre of the universe. The sun and the stars revolved around it.

C.The theory appealed to human nature. Someone making casual observations as they looked into the sky might come to a similar conclusion. It also fed the human ego. Humans could believe that they were at the centre of God's universe, and the sun and stars were created for their benefit.

D.Ptolemy's theory, was of course, incorrect, but at the time nobody contested it. European astronomers were more inclined to save face. Instead of proposing new ideas, they attempted to patch up and refine Ptolemy's flawed model. Students were taught using a book called The Sphere which had been written two hundred years previously. In short, astronomy failed to advance.

E.In 1530, however, Mikolaj Kopernik, more commonly known as Copernicus, made an assertion which shook the world. He proposed that the earth turned on its axis once per day, and travelled around the sun once per year. Even when he made his discovery, he was reluctant to make it public, knowing how much his shocking revelations would disturb the church. However, George Rheticus, a German mathematics professor who had become Copernicus's student, convinced Copernicus to publish his ideas, even though Copernicus, a perfectionist, was never satisfied that his observations were complete.

F.Copernicus's ideas went against all the political and religious beliefs of the time. Humans, it was believed, were made in God's image, and were superior to all creatures. The natural world had been created for humans to exploit. Copernicus's theories contradicted the ideas of all the powerful churchmen of the time.

Even the famous playwright William Shakespeare feared the new theory, pronouncing that it would destroy social order and bring chaos to the world. However, Copernicus never had to suffer at the hands of those who disagreed with his theories. He died just after the work was published in 1543.

G.However, the scientists who followed in Copernicus's footsteps bore the brunt of the church's anger. Two other Italian scientists of the time, Galileo and Bruno, agreed wholeheartedly with the Copernican theory.

Bruno even dared to say that space was endless and contained many other suns, each with its own planets.

For this, Bruno was sentenced to death by burning in 1600. Galileo, famous for his construction of the telescope, was forced to deny his belief in the Copernican theories. He escaped capital punishment, but was imprisoned for the rest of his life.

H.In time, however, Copernicus's work became more accepted. Subsequent scientists and mathematicians such as Brahe, Kepler and Newton took Copernicus's work as a starting point and used it to glean further truths about the laws of celestial mechanics.

I.The most important aspect of Copernicus' work is that it forever changed the place of man in the cosmos.

With Copernicus' work, the man could no longer take that premier position which the theologians had immodestly assigned him. This was the first, but certainly not the last time in which man would have to accept his position as a mere part of the universe, not at the centre of it.

Questions 28 - 34

The text has nine paragraphs, A-l.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Select the correct letters A-, and write your answers on your answer sheet.

28. the public's reaction to the new theory

Answer: F

Supporting statement: “Copernicus's ideas went against all the political and religious beliefs of the time.”

Keywords: political beliefs, religious beliefs, feared

Keyword Location: Paragraph F

Explanation:

This paragraph explains how society reacted negatively to Copernicus’s theory. Powerful religious leaders opposed the idea because it challenged long-held beliefs. Even writers like William Shakespeare feared social disorder. This clearly shows public resistance rather than acceptance. The reaction was based on fear of change. Hence, Paragraph F best matches the idea of public reaction.

29. an ancient belief about the position of the earth

Answer: B

Supporting statement: “The earth… was a fixed and immobile mass, located at the centre of the universe.”

Keywords: fixed, centre, universe

Keyword Location: Paragraph B

Explanation:

Paragraph B explains Ptolemy’s ancient belief about the universe. It states that Earth was believed to be motionless and central. This view dominated Western thinking for centuries. The paragraph clearly focuses on early astronomical beliefs. Therefore, it correctly answers the question.

30. Copernicus's legacy to the future of science

Answer: I

Supporting statement: “It forever changed the place of man in the cosmos.”

Keywords: changed, man, cosmos

Keyword Location: Paragraph I

Explanation:

Paragraph I highlights the long-term importance of Copernicus’s work. It explains how humans were no longer seen as the centre of the universe. This idea reshaped scientific thinking permanently. The paragraph focuses on lasting impact. Hence, it reflects Copernicus’s legacy.

31. How academics built on Copernican ideas

Answer: H

Supporting statement: “Scientists… took Copernicus's work as a starting point.”

Keywords: starting point, further truths

Keyword Location: Paragraph H

Explanation:

This paragraph explains how later scientists expanded Copernicus’s ideas. Figures like Kepler and Newton built upon his work. They used his theories to develop scientific laws. The paragraph focuses on progress in science. Therefore, Paragraph H is correct.

32. An idea which is attractive to humans

Answer: C

Supporting statement: “It also fed the human ego.”

Keywords: ego, centre, benefit

Keyword Location: Paragraph C

Explanation:

Paragraph C explains why Ptolemy’s theory appealed to humans. It placed humans at the centre of God’s universe. This belief was emotionally satisfying. The paragraph shows why people accepted the idea easily. Hence, it fits the description.

33. Out-dated teaching and defective research

Answer: D

Supporting statement: “Students were taught using a book… written two hundred years previously.”

Keywords: outdated, flawed, failed to advance

Keyword Location: Paragraph D

Explanation:

Paragraph D highlights stagnation in astronomy education. Old theories were taught without challenge. Scientists avoided new ideas. As a result, research did not progress. This clearly represents outdated teaching and defective research.

34. Scientists suffer for their beliefs

Answer: G

Supporting statement: “Bruno was sentenced to death by burning.”

Keywords: sentenced, imprisoned, denied

Keyword Location: Paragraph G

Explanation:

This paragraph describes the punishment faced by scientists. Bruno was executed and Galileo imprisoned. Their suffering was due to their scientific beliefs. It shows strong opposition from the Church. Therefore, Paragraph G is correct.

Questions 35 - 40

Look at the following statements and the list of people (A-I) below.

Match each statement with the correct person and write the appropriate letters (A-I) in boxes 35-40 on your answer sheet.

List of People

A. Ptolemy

C. Kepler

E. Bruno

G. Copernicus

B. George Rheticus

D. Newton

F. Galileo

H. Mikolaj Kopernik

I. William Shakespeare

35. He, among others, used Copernicus's theories to advance scientific knowledge.

Answer: C (Kepler)

Supporting statement: “Scientists… such as Brahe, Kepler and Newton…”

Keywords: Kepler, scientists, further truths

Keyword Location: Paragraph H

Explanation:

Kepler is named as a scientist who built on Copernicus’s work. He used the heliocentric model to advance astronomy. His work helped explain planetary motion. This clearly matches the statement.

36. He proposed an inaccurate theory based on the work of early philosophers.

Answer: A (Ptolemy)

Supporting statement: “His theory… gathering the thoughts of earlier thinkers.”

Keywords: earlier thinkers, incorrect theory

Keyword Location: Paragraph B

Explanation:

Ptolemy’s theory was based on previous philosophers. Although accepted at the time, it was incorrect. The paragraph explains his geocentric model. Hence, Ptolemy fits this description.

37. His attitude to the new theory was similar to that of the Church.

Answer: I (William Shakespeare)

Supporting statement: “He feared the new theory… bring chaos.”

Keywords: feared, destroy order

Keyword Location: Paragraph F

Explanation:

Shakespeare reacted negatively to Copernicus’s ideas. His fear matched the Church’s views. He believed the theory threatened social stability. Therefore, his attitude aligns with the Church.

38. He was killed because of his belief in the new theory.

Answer: E (Bruno)

Supporting statement: “Bruno was sentenced to death by burning.”

Keywords: death, burning

Keyword Location: Paragraph G

Explanation:

Bruno openly supported Copernican ideas. He also suggested an infinite universe. Because of this, he was executed. This directly answers the question.

39. He was responsible for Copernicus's ideas being made public.

Answer: B (George Rheticus)

Supporting statement: “Rheticus… convinced Copernicus to publish.”

Keywords: convinced, publish

Keyword Location: Paragraph E

Explanation:

Copernicus was hesitant to publish his work. Rheticus persuaded him to do so. Without Rheticus, the ideas may not have been shared. Hence, he is the correct answer.

40. He had to go to jail because he believed in the new theory.

Answer: F (Galileo)

Supporting statement: “He was imprisoned for the rest of his life.”

Keywords: imprisoned, denied

Keyword Location: Paragraph G

Explanation:

Galileo supported Copernican theory publicly. The Church forced him to deny his beliefs. Although spared execution, he was jailed. This clearly matches the statement.

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