Alfred Nobel: The Man Behind the Prize

Introduction:

Alfred Nobel, a name synonymous with peace and innovation, has an intriguing and multifaceted legacy. For students preparing for the IELTS reading test, understanding Nobel's life offers a unique opportunity to explore a complex historical figure while honing critical reading skills. This passage delves into Nobel's biography, his contributions, and the paradoxical nature of his inventions, providing a rich context for IELTS reading practice.

Passage:

Alfred Nobel, born on October 21, 1833, in Stockholm, Sweden, was a man of contrasts and paradoxes. Most famous for establishing the Nobel Prizes, Nobel was also the inventor of dynamite, a material that revolutionized the construction industry but also had profound implications for warfare.

As a child, Nobel was curious and eager to learn, showing a particular interest in literature and sciences. Despite health problems, he excelled in his studies, especially in chemistry. Nobel's father, Immanuel, an inventor and engineer, moved the family to St. Petersburg, Russia, where Alfred received an education that would lay the foundation for his future innovations.

Nobel's career as an inventor and businessman began in earnest in the 1860s. His most significant invention, dynamite, was patented in 1867. Dynamite, a safer form of nitroglycerin, was initially celebrated for its practical applications in construction and mining. However, its use in military armaments later conflicted with Nobel's pacifist leanings, a struggle that colored his later years.

It was the premature publication of his obituary, condemning him as a "merchant of death," that led Nobel to reflect deeply on his legacy. Determined to be remembered for his contributions to peace and science, Nobel, in his last will, allocated the majority of his wealth to establish the Nobel Prizes, awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.

Nobel passed away in San Remo, Italy, on December 10, 1896. His legacy, however, continues to shape our world, reflecting his complex persona—a man who brought both destruction and hope.

Questions:

Q1. What field was Nobel particularly interested in as a child?

A. Literature

B. Chemistry

C. Engineering

D. Physics

Q2. Where did Nobel's family move when he was a child?

A. Stockholm, Sweden

B. San Remo, Italy

C. St. Petersburg, Russia

D. Paris, France

Q3. In which year was dynamite patented by Nobel?

A. 1860

B. 1867

C. 1873

D. 1896

Q4. What motivated Nobel to establish the Nobel Prizes?

A. His interest in science

B. The premature publication of his obituary

C. His father's influence

D. His invention of dynamite

Q5. Fill in the blank: Alfred Nobel was born in _______.

Q6. True or False: Alfred Nobel was only interested in scientific pursuits and had no inclination towards literature.

Q7. What was Nobel's reaction to his premature obituary?

A. He was indifferent

B. He was deeply disturbed

C. He ignored it

D. He celebrated it

Q8. Fill in the blank: Nobel's father, Immanuel, was an inventor and _______.

Q9. True or False: Nobel's invention of dynamite was initially intended for use in warfare.

Q10. What aspect of Nobel's character is highlighted by his establishment of the Nobel Prizes?

A. His ambition

B. His philanthropy

C. His pacifism

D. His business acumen

Answers with Explanations:

A1. B. Chemistry

Explanation: The passage states that Nobel showed a particular interest in chemistry during his childhood, aligning with his future scientific endeavors.

A2. C. St. Petersburg, Russia

Explanation: Nobel's family moved to St. Petersburg, Russia, where he received an education that laid the foundation for his later innovations.

A3. B. 1867

Explanation: Alfred Nobel patented dynamite in 1867, a key event in his career as an inventor and businessman.

A4. B. The premature publication of his obituary

Explanation: Nobel decided to establish the Nobel Prizes after a premature obituary labeled him a "merchant of death," prompting him to reflect on his legacy.

A5. Stockholm

Explanation: As stated in the passage, Alfred Nobel was born in Stockholm, Sweden.

A6. False

Explanation: The passage mentions Nobel's interest in literature alongside sciences, indicating his multifaceted intellectual pursuits.

A7. B. He was deeply disturbed

Explanation: Nobel was deeply disturbed by his premature obituary, which negatively portrayed him as a "merchant of death," leading to his decision to establish the Nobel Prizes.

A8. Engineer

Explanation: Immanuel Nobel, Alfred's father, was an inventor and an engineer, as mentioned in the passage.

A9. False

Explanation: Dynamite was initially celebrated for its practical applications in construction and mining, not for warfare.

A10. C. His pacifism

Explanation: Nobel's establishment of the Nobel Prizes, especially the Peace Prize, highlights his pacifist leanings and desire to contribute positively to the world.

Tips for Cracking the IELTS Reading Exam:

Tip 1: Skim the Passage for Key Themes

Quickly skim through the passage to identify the main themes and get a general understanding of the content.

Tip 2: Scan for Specific Information

Scan the passage for specific details that relate to the questions, such as dates, names, and key events.

Tip 3: Understand the Question Types

Familiarize yourself with different types of questions (multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false) and the strategies to answer them.

Tip 4: Manage Your Time Effectively

Allocate your time wisely, spending more time on questions that require deeper analysis.

Tip 5: Practice Active Reading

Engage with the passage by making mental notes, summarizing key points, and questioning the content to improve comprehension and retention.