Below is our AP World History Unit 2 practice test on Networks of Exchange. This unit continues to explore the period 1200–1450, but shifts focus on how regions and cultures were connected. Topics inclue routes and networks, cross-cultural interactions, the Mongol Empire, and more.
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Question 1 |
Questions 1–4 refer to the passage below.
“On Fridays, if a man does not go early to the mosque, he cannot find a corner to pray in, on account of the crowd. It is a custom of theirs to send each man his boy [to the mosque] with his prayer-mat; the boy spreads it out for his master in a place befitting him [and remains on it] until he comes to the mosque. Their prayer-mats are made of the leaves of a tree resembling a date-palm, but without fruit.
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
Which of the following aspects of the Mali Empire best explains why Ibn Battuta was fascinated with it?
The Mali Empire was trying to reinstate the Muslim tradition of jizya in the rural areas | |
The Mali Empire had welcomed Islam as the dominant religion in the empire and was the hub of Islamic culture in West Africa during this time | |
The Mali Empire was one of the strongest militaries in Africa, which made them adopt Islam in the region | |
The Muslim rulers of Mali had established laws based on local African laws and customs |
Question 1 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Jizya was a tax paid by non-Muslim populations to their Muslim rulers. The passage also makes no mention of military influence and instead focuses on the integration of Islamic practices.
Question 2 |
“On Fridays, if a man does not go early to the mosque, he cannot find a corner to pray in, on account of the crowd. It is a custom of theirs to send each man his boy [to the mosque] with his prayer-mat; the boy spreads it out for his master in a place befitting him [and remains on it] until he comes to the mosque. Their prayer-mats are made of the leaves of a tree resembling a date-palm, but without fruit.
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
Ibn Battuta’s use of the phrase “Another of their good qualities” reflects Battuta’s belief that
One characteristic of a favorable society was that it practiced Orthodox Islamic cultural practices and traditions | |
All good societies have strict customs and traditions, no matter what religion they practice | |
The parents have a close relationship with the children and are heavily involved in their education | |
Islam promoted cross-cultural trade across the Sahara desert |
Question 2 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The statement “Another of their good qualities” is referring to the orthodox practice of wearing clean white garments on Friday.
Question 3 |
“On Fridays, if a man does not go early to the mosque, he cannot find a corner to pray in, on account of the crowd. It is a custom of theirs to send each man his boy [to the mosque] with his prayer-mat; the boy spreads it out for his master in a place befitting him [and remains on it] until he comes to the mosque. Their prayer-mats are made of the leaves of a tree resembling a date-palm, but without fruit.
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
The practices described by Ibn Battuta in the passage above are an example of which of the following?
The rapid state-building process in West African societies as a result of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca | |
The growing impact of Sufism and the spread of Islam into western Africa | |
The cross-cultural interactions that occurred as a result of the Trans-Saharan trade routes | |
The origins of the Mali Empire as the center of cross cultural-trade in the region |
Question 3 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The growing impact of Sufism and the spread of Islam into western Africa left a prevailing impact on religious, cultural, and social life. The passage does not mention cross-cultural practices, trade, or state-building.
Question 4 |
“On Fridays, if a man does not go early to the mosque, he cannot find a corner to pray in, on account of the crowd. It is a custom of theirs to send each man his boy [to the mosque] with his prayer-mat; the boy spreads it out for his master in a place befitting him [and remains on it] until he comes to the mosque. Their prayer-mats are made of the leaves of a tree resembling a date-palm, but without fruit.
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
Another of their good qualities is their habit of wearing clean white garments on Fridays. Even if a man has nothing but an old worn shirt, he washes it and cleans it, and wears it to the Friday service. Yet another is their zeal for learning the Koran by heart. They put their children in chains if they show any backwardness in memorizing it, and they are not set free until they have it by heart. I visited the qadi in his house on the day of the festival. His children were chained up, so I said to him, "Will you not let them loose?" He replied, "I shall not do so until they learn the Koran by heart.”
—The 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, On the Customs of Mali, Circa 1430
This account of traveler Ibn Battuta would be useful when studying
The restrictions of the gold-salt trade in western Africa | |
How Muslim travelers viewed the practices and customs of local Africans as inferior | |
The introduction of Islamic technology through trade | |
The extent to which Islamic traditions and practices penetrated African societies |
Question 4 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). The excerpt describes the extent to which Islamic traditions and practices penetrated everyday life in African societies. This passage would serve little purpose in the study of the gold-salt trade, Islamic technology, or the social hierarchy between “old” and “new” Muslims.
Question 5 |
Questions 5–8 refer to the images below.
Map #1:
Map #2:
Which of the following historical developments can be inferred from the information presented in map #2?
The use and popularity of caravans to facilitate trade along the Silk Road | |
The emergence of religious diversity among Arab merchants who traded in this region | |
The development of Trans-Atlantic trade between Africa and India | |
The development of technologies dealing with transportation caused an increased amount of trade routes, leading to the growth of new trading cities |
Question 5 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). Map #2 depicts various trading cities and the naval routes between each of them.
Question 6 |
Map #1:
Map #2:
The information shown in both maps supports which of the following?
The wealth acquired was based on generational wealth, and not on cross-cultural trade | |
The development of African kingdoms was an isolated event that occurred only in West Africa | |
The networks of African trade routes and city-states that were based on interregional trade networks linked people in Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean | |
The spread of Islam out of the Arabian Peninsula into territories like Africa and Asia |
Question 6 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The source of wealth and the spread of Islam are not shown in the maps given. Although African Kingdoms are depicted in map #1, the main idea of the image is to show the trade routes coming out of those regions. Option (C) is correct because it depicts the connections between Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
Question 7 |
Map #1:
Map #2:
Map one would most likely be used by a historian studying this time period to show what?
The expansion of empires—including Mali in West Africa—facilitated Afro-Eurasian trade and communication as new people were drawn into the economies and trade networks | |
The efforts of West African kingdoms to use local religious customs to gain public support for expanding their empires | |
The popularity of folk stories in West African societies | |
The overgrowth of the Mali Empire and the resulting rise of the Songham Empire |
Question 7 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). Map #1 does not show contributing factors to the rise and fall of empires. Nor does it provide information on folklore or religious customs. Option (A) is correct because it shows Afro-Eurasian trade and communication between regions.
Question 8 |
Map #1:
Map #2:
The trade patterns depicted in these two maps suffered a decline in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Which of the following was most directly responsible for this?
The small amount of Arab merchants and traders in the Indian Ocean | |
The rise of the Trans-Atlantic Trade | |
Greco-Roman culture in Europe | |
The Ming Empire pushed for an isolationist policy |
Question 8 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The slave trade that came with the Trans-Atlantic trade promoted an atmosphere of lawlessness and violence against Africans. This made economic and agricultural development almost impossible throughout much of West Africa, which then affected existing trade.
Question 9 |
Questions 9–12 refer to the passages below.
Source 1:
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
The statements of both European travelers share similar descriptions of
Attempting to convert the local populations of Asia to Christianity | |
The system of financial activities tied to trade throughout the Chinese empire in the post-classical era | |
The urbanization in Asia that occurred as a result of cross-cultural trade | |
Maintaining the European social hierarchy by furthering an agricultural society dependent on free and forced labor |
Question 9 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Both passages mention the system of financial activities tied to trade throughout the Chinese empire. The passages do not mention Christianity, urbanization, or maintaining social hierarchy, so those responses are incorrect.
Question 10 |
Source 1:
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
What is the author’s purpose in writing source 1?
Create a contract that would avoid war between European and Asian monarchs | |
Protect the interests of the feudal lords and provide a legal basis for feudalism | |
Gain support from European merchants for future trade missions with China | |
Support the expansionist desires of merchants during the the Crusades |
Question 10 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). Source 1 goes into great detail about the trade practices along the route and shows them in a positive light. Option (C) is correct because the text is the author’s attempt to gain support from European merchants for future trade missions with China.
Question 11 |
Source 1:
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
Marco Polo’s writing best reflects which of the following developments in the history of the Silk Road after 1200?
The increasing hold of power in the hands of a few wealthy merchants | |
The secretive process of the development of silk production | |
The Yuan Dynasty, led by Kublai Khan, controlled the Khanate of the Great Khan in China and ruled over the Korean Peninsula | |
European empires were politically divided and characterized by nationalist movements |
Question 11 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The Yuan Dynasty, led by Kublai Khan, controlled the Khanate of the Great Khan in China and ruled over the Korean Peninsula. The text states, “The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money.”
Question 12 |
Source 1:
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
"Whatever silver the merchants may carry with them as far as Cathay [China] the lord of Cathay will take from them and put into his treasury. And to merchants who thus bring silver they give that paper money of theirs in exchange . . . With this money you can readily buy silk and other [merchandise] . . . And all the people of the country are bound to receive it. And yet you shall not pay a higher price for your goods because your money is paper."
—Francesco Balducci Pegolotti, Guidebook for European Merchants, 1340
Source 2:
"Soju (Korea) is a very great and noble city. The people are idolaters, subjects of the Great Khan and have paper money. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade, and other stuff, and they live by their manufactures and trade...The city hath merchants of great wealth and an incalculable number of people..."
—Marco Polo, The Travels of Marco Polo, Circa 1300
The views expressed in the two passages reflect what cultural trends of Europe in the late medieval era?
Many of the European merchants who traveled to Asia wrote about their journeys and were impressed by the high level of economic and social activity as compared to Europe at the time | |
Many of the merchants who traveled to Asia interacted heavily with Muslim individuals | |
Governments in Europe cooperated with private businesses in an effort to limit their role in the economy | |
Policies of feudalism were incorporated by the governments of many developed European countries |
Question 12 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). Both sources chronicle a European merchant's journey of trading along the Silk Road. From their writings we can infer that they were pleased with what they saw, so therefore option (A) would be the best answer to this question.
Question 13 |
Questions 13–15 refer to the passage below.
“...The technique of producing gunpowder from scratch was monopolized and kept secret by the Chinese, specifically the Won, or Yuan. The Won also prohibited the exportation of gunpowder to Joseon, on the grounds of national security. It is with Choi’s success from 1374 to 1376 in independently making gunpowder in Goryeo that such technology was first demonstrated outside of China. And his endeavors would not end there.
Until then, gunpowder was not used for firearms in Korea. Rather, it was seen as a material for strictly non-military purposes such as fireworks during the celebration of certain events...The Mongols brought cannons to Korea throughout their invasions from 1231 to 1259. However it would not be until Choi’s engineering efforts that the notion to start using gunpowder for firearms was first advocated and acknowledged on the peninsula. Thereafter, the Joseon would continue Choi’s legacy by developing an entire series of improved cannons, along with turtle ships created in the 16th century...”
—Peter S. Kim, The Age of Gunpowder, 2013
Until then, gunpowder was not used for firearms in Korea. Rather, it was seen as a material for strictly non-military purposes such as fireworks during the celebration of certain events...The Mongols brought cannons to Korea throughout their invasions from 1231 to 1259. However it would not be until Choi’s engineering efforts that the notion to start using gunpowder for firearms was first advocated and acknowledged on the peninsula. Thereafter, the Joseon would continue Choi’s legacy by developing an entire series of improved cannons, along with turtle ships created in the 16th century...”
—Peter S. Kim, The Age of Gunpowder, 2013
Which major historical event is best described by the excerpt from the passage above?
The economic decline of Korean states resulting from the importation of cheap consumer goods | |
The growing imperial ambitions of the Korean rulers | |
The cross-cultural spread of gunpowder technology in Asia during the post-classical era
| |
The declining political power of European merchants in Asia |
Question 13 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The passage from The Age of Gunpowder does not mention the economic decline of Korea or of European merchants and it also does not mention the imperial ambitions of the monarch. Option (C) is correct because the excerpt reviews how China’s influence spread into Korea.
Question 14 |
“...The technique of producing gunpowder from scratch was monopolized and kept secret by the Chinese, specifically the Won, or Yuan. The Won also prohibited the exportation of gunpowder to Joseon, on the grounds of national security. It is with Choi’s success from 1374 to 1376 in independently making gunpowder in Goryeo that such technology was first demonstrated outside of China. And his endeavors would not end there.
Until then, gunpowder was not used for firearms in Korea. Rather, it was seen as a material for strictly non-military purposes such as fireworks during the celebration of certain events...The Mongols brought cannons to Korea throughout their invasions from 1231 to 1259. However it would not be until Choi’s engineering efforts that the notion to start using gunpowder for firearms was first advocated and acknowledged on the peninsula. Thereafter, the Joseon would continue Choi’s legacy by developing an entire series of improved cannons, along with turtle ships created in the 16th century...”
—Peter S. Kim, The Age of Gunpowder, 2013
Until then, gunpowder was not used for firearms in Korea. Rather, it was seen as a material for strictly non-military purposes such as fireworks during the celebration of certain events...The Mongols brought cannons to Korea throughout their invasions from 1231 to 1259. However it would not be until Choi’s engineering efforts that the notion to start using gunpowder for firearms was first advocated and acknowledged on the peninsula. Thereafter, the Joseon would continue Choi’s legacy by developing an entire series of improved cannons, along with turtle ships created in the 16th century...”
—Peter S. Kim, The Age of Gunpowder, 2013
The process and impact of Choi's independent development of gunpowder in Korea, as described in Peter S. Kim's The Age of Gunpowder, most closely resembles which of the following historical developments?
The independent development of steel production techniques in various regions of the world | |
The adaptation and spread of Islamic astronomical knowledge to Europe during the Middle Ages | |
The development of unique agricultural practices in the Andean civilizations | |
The creation and dissemination of the printing press in Europe by Johannes Gutenberg |
Question 14 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The independent development of gunpowder in Korea by Choi, as described by Peter S. Kim, is analogous to the adaptation and spread of Islamic astronomical knowledge to Europe during the Middle Ages. In both cases, there was a transfer and adaptation of knowledge from one culture to another, leading to significant advancements and innovations.
Islamic scholars in the Middle Ages adapted and expanded upon the astronomical knowledge they received from ancient civilizations, much like Choi's independent development of gunpowder in Korea, which the Mongols initially introduced. These processes demonstrate how the exchange and adaptation of knowledge across cultures can lead to significant technological and scientific advancements.
Islamic scholars in the Middle Ages adapted and expanded upon the astronomical knowledge they received from ancient civilizations, much like Choi's independent development of gunpowder in Korea, which the Mongols initially introduced. These processes demonstrate how the exchange and adaptation of knowledge across cultures can lead to significant technological and scientific advancements.
Question 15 |
“...The technique of producing gunpowder from scratch was monopolized and kept secret by the Chinese, specifically the Won, or Yuan. The Won also prohibited the exportation of gunpowder to Joseon, on the grounds of national security. It is with Choi’s success from 1374 to 1376 in independently making gunpowder in Goryeo that such technology was first demonstrated outside of China. And his endeavors would not end there.
Until then, gunpowder was not used for firearms in Korea. Rather, it was seen as a material for strictly non-military purposes such as fireworks during the celebration of certain events...The Mongols brought cannons to Korea throughout their invasions from 1231 to 1259. However it would not be until Choi’s engineering efforts that the notion to start using gunpowder for firearms was first advocated and acknowledged on the peninsula. Thereafter, the Joseon would continue Choi’s legacy by developing an entire series of improved cannons, along with turtle ships created in the 16th century...”
—Peter S. Kim, The Age of Gunpowder, 2013
Until then, gunpowder was not used for firearms in Korea. Rather, it was seen as a material for strictly non-military purposes such as fireworks during the celebration of certain events...The Mongols brought cannons to Korea throughout their invasions from 1231 to 1259. However it would not be until Choi’s engineering efforts that the notion to start using gunpowder for firearms was first advocated and acknowledged on the peninsula. Thereafter, the Joseon would continue Choi’s legacy by developing an entire series of improved cannons, along with turtle ships created in the 16th century...”
—Peter S. Kim, The Age of Gunpowder, 2013
Based on Peter S. Kim's description in The Age of Gunpowder, the initial use of gunpowder in Korea for non-military purposes before its adaptation for firearms is most similar to which historical pattern?
The use of the compass for Feng Shui before its application to navigation in Chinese voyages | |
The development of the Greek phalanx as a formation for public parades before its military use | |
The initial cultivation of maize for ceremonial purposes by Native American societies before its widespread agricultural use | |
The invention of the wheel for pottery making before its application in transportation |
Question 15 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The initial use of gunpowder in Korea for non-military purposes, such as in fireworks, before its adaptation for use in firearms mirrors the historical pattern seen with the compass in China.
Initially, the compass was used for Feng Shui, the practice of harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment, before its application in navigation during Chinese maritime voyages. This pattern reflects a common historical theme where technologies or inventions developed for one purpose are later adapted for entirely different, often more expansive applications.
Initially, the compass was used for Feng Shui, the practice of harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment, before its application in navigation during Chinese maritime voyages. This pattern reflects a common historical theme where technologies or inventions developed for one purpose are later adapted for entirely different, often more expansive applications.
Question 16 |
Questions 16–20 refer to the images below.
Source 1: Muslim scholars reading books and debating philosophies at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad circa early 13th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
What does the image of Muslim scholars reading and debating at the House of Wisdom primarily illustrate about the intellectual culture of Baghdad in the early 13th century?
The dominance of religious dogma over scientific inquiry | |
The emphasis on scholarly learning and philosophical debate | |
The focus on military strategies and tactics | |
The isolation of scholars from the rest of society |
Question 16 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The image of Muslim scholars engaged in reading and debating at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad primarily illustrates the emphasis on scholarly learning and philosophical debate. This setting was a renowned center for intellectual activity, where scholars of various backgrounds gathered to study, translate, and discuss a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, science, and medicine. The House of Wisdom symbolizes the vibrant intellectual culture of Baghdad during this period, characterized by a pursuit of knowledge and cross-cultural exchanges.
Question 17 |
Source 1: Muslim scholars reading books and debating philosophies at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad circa early 13th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
The "Tusi Couple Diagram" by Nasir al-Din Tusi is best understood in the context of which broader historical development?
The decline of scientific thought in the Islamic world | |
The European Renaissance and its focus on classical learning | |
The Islamic Golden Age and its advancements in science and mathematics | |
The Mongol invasions and their impact on Persian culture |
Question 17 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The "Tusi Couple Diagram" by Nasir al-Din Tusi is best understood in the context of the Islamic Golden Age, a period marked by significant advancements in science, mathematics, and other fields. During this era, Muslim scholars made groundbreaking contributions to various disciplines, including astronomy. Tusi's work, which contributed to the development of astronomical models, is a testament to the innovative and scientific spirit of this period. The Islamic Golden Age was a time of remarkable intellectual flourishing in the Islamic world, with scholars like Tusi playing a pivotal role in the advancement of knowledge.
Question 18 |
Source 1: Muslim scholars reading books and debating philosophies at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad circa early 13th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
Comparing the intellectual environments of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and the Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt, which of the following is a common characteristic?
Both primarily focused on religious texts and theological studies | |
Both were destroyed during military conquests, leading to the loss of knowledge | |
Both were exclusively accessible to the elite and royal members of society | |
Both served as centers for the translation and dissemination of knowledge from diverse cultures |
Question 18 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). A common characteristic of both the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and the Library of Alexandria is that they served as centers for the translation and dissemination of knowledge from diverse cultures. These institutions were renowned for their extensive collections of texts and for being hubs of intellectual activity, where scholars from various parts of the world came to study, translate, and contribute to a wide array of knowledge. They played crucial roles in preserving and enhancing the knowledge of different civilizations, making significant contributions to the fields of science, philosophy, and literature.
Question 19 |
Source 1: Muslim scholars reading books and debating philosophies at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad circa early 13th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
How did the establishment of institutions like the House of Wisdom in Baghdad contribute to the development of scientific thought during the Islamic Golden Age?
By enforcing religious orthodoxy and limiting scientific inquiry | |
By providing military training and strategic planning | |
By facilitating the translation and preservation of ancient texts and promoting scholarly exchange | |
By focusing exclusively on the arts and ignoring scientific disciplines |
Question 19 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). The establishment of institutions like the House of Wisdom in Baghdad significantly contributed to the development of scientific thought during the Islamic Golden Age by facilitating the translation and preservation of ancient texts and promoting scholarly exchange. These centers of learning attracted scholars from various cultural and intellectual backgrounds, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and cross-cultural dialogue. The translation of Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic not only preserved these works but also allowed Muslim scholars to build upon and expand this knowledge, leading to remarkable advancements in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy.
Question 20 |
Source 1: Muslim scholars reading books and debating philosophies at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad circa early 13th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
Source 2: The Persian astronomer Nasir al Din Tusi, "Tusi Couple Diagram” (c. 13th century). This showed the rate of varying speeds at which celestial bodies orbit the earth. His work influenced Niccolai Copernicus in the 16th century.
In what way does Nasir al-Din Tusi's "Tusi Couple Diagram" represent a continuity in the tradition of astronomical study from ancient to medieval times?
It signifies a complete departure from ancient astronomical concepts and the development of entirely new theories | |
It illustrates the advancement of astronomical models by building upon and refining earlier Greek and Indian astronomical theories | |
It shows a return to mythological explanations of celestial phenomena | |
It indicates a shift towards astrology and using celestial bodies for divination purposes |
Question 20 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Nasir al-Din Tusi's "Tusi Couple Diagram" represents a continuity in the tradition of astronomical study from ancient to medieval times by illustrating the advancement of astronomical models through building upon and refining earlier Greek and Indian astronomical theories. Tusi's work, including the development of the Tusi couple, a mathematical model for planetary motion, was influenced by and further developed the ideas of ancient astronomers like Ptolemy. His contributions are an example of how medieval Islamic scholars continued and enhanced the astronomical knowledge inherited from previous civilizations, demonstrating continuity in the intellectual pursuit of understanding celestial phenomena.
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