Part 5. Read the passage and answer the following questions by choosing A,B,C or D
After inventing dynamite, 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 1895, 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 sixty-seven 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. Sometimes 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 won two prizes, but this is rare; others
have shared their prizes.
1. When did the first award ceremony take place?
A. 1895 B . 1901 C. 1962 D. 1968
2. Why was the Nobel prize established?
A. To recognise worthwhile contributions to humanity. B. To resolve political differences.
C. To honour the inventor of dynamite. D. To spend money.
3. In which area have Americans received the most awards?
A. Literature B. Peace C. Economics D. Science
4. Which of the 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.
5. In how many fields are the prizes bestowed?
A. 2 B. 5 C. 6 D. 10
1. B
2. A
3. D
4. C
5. C
1.b
2.a
3.d
4.c
5.c