Unit 7 - Reading comprehension Interactive Worksheet - Edform - Free Printable

Grade 7 Reading Comprehension Worksheet – Galileo Galilei

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#### 1. What is the main idea of the whole passage?

Answer:
The main idea of the passage is to provide a biography of Galileo Galilei, highlighting his life, scientific contributions, and the challenges he faced due to his support for the heliocentric model of the solar system.

> Explanation:
The passage covers Galileo’s birth, education, major scientific discoveries (such as the moons of Jupiter and Venus's phases), inventions (like the telescope and hydrostatic balance), and his conflict with the Church over the Copernican theory. The central focus is on his role as a pioneering scientist and the impact of his work on modern science.

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#### 2. Underline the most important information in each paragraph.

Here is the passage with the most important information underlined in each paragraph:

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Paragraph 1:
Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa, Italy on February 15, 1564. His father, Vencenzio, was a musician and a mathematician. He was Galileo's teacher until he was ten years old. At that time the family moved to Florence. He attended a monastery where he studied Latin, Greek, logic and religion. In 1583, Galileo entered the University of Pisa to study medicine. He soon became fascinated with many subjects, particularly mathematics and physics.

> ✔ Underlined key points:
> - *Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa, Italy on February 15, 1564.*
> - *His father, Vencenzio, was a musician and a mathematician.*
> - *He was Galileo's teacher until he was ten years old.*
> - *In 1583, Galileo entered the University of Pisa to study medicine.*
> - *He soon became fascinated with many subjects, particularly mathematics and physics.*

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Paragraph 2:
In 1604, Galileo published ‘The Operations of the Geometrical and Military Compass,’ revealing his skills with experiments and technological applications. He also constructed a hydrostatic balance for measuring small objects. That same year, Galileo refined his theories on motion and falling objects, and developed the universal law of acceleration. Galileo is called the Father of Modern Science.

> ✔ Underlined key points:
> - *In 1604, Galileo published ‘The Operations of the Geometrical and Military Compass’*
> - *He constructed a hydrostatic balance for measuring small objects.*
> - *He refined his theories on motion and falling objects, and developed the universal law of acceleration.*
> - *Galileo is called the Father of Modern Science.*

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Paragraph 3:
He discovered four bright “stars” revolving around Jupiter and concluded they must be planets near Jupiter. Shortly after his discovery he was appointed Chief Mathematician of the University of Pisa. In July 1609, Galileo learned about a simple telescope built by Dutch, and he soon developed one of his own. He found Venus had phases like the moon, proving it rotated around the sun. In 1614, Galileo was accused of heresy for his support of the Copernican theory that the sun was at the centre of the solar system. In 1616, he was forbidden from teaching these theories. In 1632, he was again condemned after his book 'Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems' was published. Galileo was summoned to appear before the Inquisition in Rome. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, later reduced to house arrest at his villa in Arcetri. During his lifetime Galileo had three children; two girls and a boy. His girls were Virginia and Livia who were both raised in convents and his son, Vencenzio, was named after Galileo's father. Galileo died on January 8, 1642 in Arcetri near Florence.

> ✔ Underlined key points:
> - *He discovered four bright “stars” revolving around Jupiter and concluded they must be planets near Jupiter.*
> - *He was appointed Chief Mathematician of the University of Pisa.*
> - *In July 1609, Galileo learned about a simple telescope and developed one of his own.*
> - *He found Venus had phases like the moon, proving it rotated around the sun.*
> - *In 1614, Galileo was accused of heresy for supporting the Copernican theory.*
> - *In 1632, he was condemned after publishing 'Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems'.*
> - *He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, later reduced to house arrest.*
> - *Galileo died on January 8, 1642 in Arcetri near Florence.*

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#### 3. Briefly summarize Galileo Galilei’s work.

Answer:
Galileo Galilei was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to physics, astronomy, and technology. He improved the telescope and used it to discover Jupiter’s moons and observe Venus’s phases, supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system. He formulated laws of motion and acceleration, and invented tools like the hydrostatic balance. Known as the "Father of Modern Science," his work laid the foundation for modern scientific methods, though he faced persecution from the Church for challenging traditional beliefs.

> Explanation:
This summary captures Galileo’s major achievements: his scientific instruments, astronomical discoveries, physical theories, and historical significance, while also acknowledging the conflict he endured due to his ideas.

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✔ Final Notes:
This worksheet helps students practice reading comprehension by identifying main ideas, extracting key details, and summarizing information — all essential skills for Grade 7 learners.