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#1. Ancient Sri Lankans were keen observers, noticed patterns in nature, and applied this observational approach to their agricultural and _________ practices.
Explanation: The text explicitly states that their observational approach “contributed to their agricultural and ecological practices.” This highlights their practical, science-based interaction with the environment, born from curiosity.
#2. While ancient Sri Lankans may not have used modern scientific terms like ‘gravity’ or ‘combustion’, their actions demonstrate a practical, _________ grasp of these principles in daily life.
Explanation: The text makes a clear distinction: “Their intuitive grasp of natural laws reflects advanced observational skills.” Their knowledge was based on practical application and observation rather than abstract theory.
#3. Sophisticated irrigation systems, impressive architecture like Sigiriya, and traditional medicine (Ayurveda) are all cited as practical applications of early _________ in ancient Sri Lanka.
Explanation: The text lists these as examples of “Practical Applications” of early science, demonstrating advanced skills in hydraulic engineering, mathematics, and a deep understanding of herbs and the human body.
#4. The design of long-lasting tombs and irrigation systems shows that ancient Sri Lankans had a deep understanding of natural forces and chose to _________ with them rather than against them.
Explanation: The text states, “They worked with these forces rather than against them.” This indicates a philosophy of engineering that respected and utilized natural principles like gravity and water flow for sustainability and longevity.
#5. The stability of ancient constructions is evidence that builders recognized the concept of _________, even without a formal name for it, and considered its impact on weight distribution.
Explanation: The source text directly links the stability of structures to an understanding of gravity: “Ancient Sri Lankans’ understanding of gravity is evident in their constructions… They considered gravity’s impact on weight distribution.”
#6. The concept that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed, is illustrated with the modern example of an electric fan changing electrical energy into _________ energy.
Explanation: The text uses a modern analogy to explain a timeless principle of physics: “an electric fan (transforming electrical energy into kinetic energy).” Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
#7. Symmetrical stone tools from the prehistoric era, dating back 28,000 years, were crafted from “ground-glass” _________ using a technique called pressure slating.
Explanation: The text specifies the material and age of these advanced tools: “Symmetrical stone tools made from ‘ground-glass’ alabaster date back 28,000 years.” The choice of material shows a sophisticated understanding of its properties, like its ability to hold a sharp edge.
#8. The technique of _________ involves carefully applying force with precision and control to remove small flakes from a stone to achieve a desired symmetrical shape.
Explanation: The source text defines this specific advanced tool-making technique: “These tools, crafted using a technique called ‘pressure slating,’ reveal a sophisticated understanding of… Force and Control” to achieve symmetry.
#9. The scientific and technological thinking that emerged in the prehistoric era served as the _________ for further maturation and development in the subsequent proto-historic age.
Explanation: The text describes a continuum of knowledge: “Innovations of this era were built upon foundational knowledge… They relied on the practices of their predecessors.” This shows a process of building on past achievements.
#10. Clay tub burials, used for cremating the deceased, were shaped like large basins or _________ and were constructed using carefully selected raw clay.
Explanation: The text describes the appearance and construction of these burials: “They were shaped like large basins or boats” and were “constructed using raw clay” without prior firing.
#11. Clay tub burials and the walls of the Udaranchamadama house were built _________ to the ground, a technique that enhances stability by neutralizing and evenly distributing pressure.
Explanation: The text highlights this specific construction method, which reflects an understanding of physics: “Both the clay tub burials and the walls of the Udaranchamadama house were built perpendicular to the ground.” Masons today use plummets to achieve the same result.
#12. The discovery of a _________ in a tomb from 1350 BC provides a crucial clue as to how complete cremation was achieved in unfired clay tub burials.
Explanation: The text points to this specific artifact as the key innovation: “A clay tube was discovered in a tomb… It suggests a deliberate attempt to introduce air during cremation.”
#13. The use of a clay tube to introduce air for more efficient burning demonstrates that ancient Sri Lankans understood the principles of _________ over three thousand years before modern science identified oxygen’s role.
Explanation: The source text makes this direct connection: “This innovation demonstrates an understanding of combustion principles… Ancient Sri Lankans recognized that airflow was essential for complete and efficient cremation.”
#14. While archaeologists speculate that prehistoric people in open areas like Bellanbendipelassa lived in simple huts, the discovery of a _________ at Kithulgala Belilena indicates early attempts at creating more defined shelters.
Explanation: The text mentions this as a “tantalizing clue” and an early sign of structural planning: “The discovery of a stone parapet at Kithulgala Belilena… indicates early attempts at creating more defined shelters,” likely to support a roof.
#15. The Udaranchamadama house, dating to 1129 BC, featured a reinforced floor made by combining strong stones and _________, demonstrating an understanding of load-bearing capacity.
Explanation: The text describes the “Strong Foundations” of this house, noting the floor was “created by combining strong stones and clay” to create a stable base.
#16. The walls of the proto-historic Udaranchamadama house were constructed using a strong and insulating technique known as _________.
Explanation: The text specifies the construction method for the “Durable Walls”: “The walls were constructed using wattle and daub. This involves a woven lattice (wattle) plastered with clay (daub).”
#17. The presence of an internal wall and holes for a wooden doorframe in the Udaranchamadama house suggests a more complex understanding of carpentry and _________.
Explanation: The text interprets these features as showing “a more complex understanding of domestic space,” indicating “the need for separate areas for different activities.”
#18. The ancient potter’s wheel, known as _________ in Sri Lanka, dates back to the proto-historic era and allowed for the creation of symmetrical clay vessels.
Explanation: The text identifies the local term for this ancient tool: “The use of the potter’s wheel, known as ‘Sakaporuwa’ in Sri Lanka, dates back to the proto-historic era.”
#19. High-quality earthenware required not just shaping, but also careful selection and _________ of the clay to remove impurities and achieve the right texture.
Explanation: The text states that preparation was key and involved “Seasoning the Clay: Preparing the clay to remove impurities” and “Achieving the desired texture and workability.”
#20. The distinctive black-red ware of the proto-historic era, known as ‘Kaalaraktha Varna Meti Bandun’, featured a black interior and a _________ exterior.
Explanation: The text describes this “Signature Style”: “Proto-historic earthenware… Featured a striking black interior and a red exterior.” This sophisticated firing technique disappeared after 300 BC.
#21. The two-tone effect of black-red ware was achieved by filling the pots with _________ before firing, which restricted oxygen flow to the interior, causing incomplete combustion.
Explanation: The text explains the clever technique used: “Before firing, the clay pots were filled with chaff (agricultural waste)… The chaff restricted oxygen flow to the interior of the pot,” which created the black color inside while the outside oxidized to red.
#22. The discovery of a colored clay pot at Udaranchamadama, with orange lines on a white background, shows that potters used natural _________ derived from iron-rich earth.
Explanation: The text explains the source of the color: “The orange pigment was likely derived from iron-rich earth pigments. These were readily available in the natural environment.”
#23. The clay used for the fine Udaranchamadama pot was carefully refined using a process called _________, which separates finer particles from heavier ones in a water suspension.
Explanation: The text describes the advanced clay processing technique: “Levigation: Clay was mixed with water. Heavier particles settled while finer particles remained suspended… The top layer… was collected.” This process is similar to that used for porcelain.
