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Reading
Alfred Nobel
Read the
passage and do the task that follows:
After
inventing dynamic, Swedish-born Alfred Nobel became a very rich man. However,
he foresaw its universally destructive powers too late. Nobel preferred not to
be remembered as the inventor of dynamite, so in 1985, just two weeks before
his death, he created a fund to be used for awarding prizes to people who had
made worthwhile contributions to mankind. Originally there were five awards:
literature, physics, chemistry, medicine and peace. Economics was added in
1968, just 67 years after the first awards ceremony. Nobel's original legacy of
nine million dollars was invested, and the interest on this sum is used for the
awards which vary from $30.000 to $125.000.
Every year
on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death, the awards (gold medal,
illuminated diploma, and money) are presented to the winners. Somtimes politics
plays an important role in the judges' decisions. Americans have won numerous
science awards, but relatively few literature prizes. No awards were presented
from 1940 to 1942 at the beginning of World War II. Some people have two
prizes, but this is rare; others have shared their prizes.
Task:
1.
According to the
passage, this sentence is TRUE or FALSE:
A. Alfred Nobel was a poor man.
B.
The
first five Nobel awards included literature, physics,
chemistry, medicine and peace.
C. Americans have won most Nobel prizes in
literature.
2.
When did the first
award ceremony take place?
A. 1895
B. 1901
C. 1962
D. 1968
3.
Why the Nobel prizes
established?
A. To recognize worthwhile contributions to
humanity.
B. To resolve political differences.
C. To honor the inventor of dynamite.
D. To spend money.
4.
In which area have
Americans received the most awards?
A. Literature
B. Peace
C. Economics
D. Science
5.
Which of following
statements is NOT true?
A. Awards vary in monetary value
B. Ceremonies are held on December 10 to
commemorate Nobel’s invention
C. Politics can play an important role in
selecting the winners
D. A few individuals have won two awards
Right
Answers:
1. A. False.
B. True. C. False. 2. B. 3. A. 4. D. 5. B