DIRECTIONS: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. Choose the alternative that you think is best, and fill in the corresponding bubble on your answer sheet. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,” which will always be either answer choice A or F. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.
Alfred Nobel
How interesting that the Nobel Peace Prize is named for Q1 Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. A Swedish-born scientist, Alfred Nobel was the son of Immanuel Nobel, a brilliant and accomplished engineer. Born in 1833, Alfred quickly was following Q2 his father’s footsteps, latching on to chemistry in particular. He devotes his energies Q3 to developing a myriad of materials and substances, patenting over 300 inventions throughout his lifetime.
Nobel’s work with dynamite was obviously fraught with risk and danger and, indeed, Nobel lost his younger brother, Emil, to an explosion in their own laboratory. Q4 Nobel knew that nitroglycerin, the basis for dynamite, had great potential as a useful substance, but he also knew that a big part of his work must resolve the safety issues in addition. Q5
(1) Due to more stringent laws enacted in Stockholm regarding explosive materials, Nobel moved his lab out of the city Q6 and onto a barge in nearby lake. (2) There he discovered some way Q7 to control how dynamite is detonated, and, subsequently, patented the blasting cap. (3) He also figured out how to safely transport nitroglycerin by converting it from a liquid into a paste. (4) Once Nobel had a safe, usable product, he established his company, Nitroglycerin AB, in 1864. (5) In little time, Nobel dynamite Q8 became useful to consumers, but he continued to work on many other inventions and products. (6) Among his many patents were synthetic versions of rubber, silk, and leather, all of which are still used today. Q9
Nobel was also a scholar who Q10 had great interest in literature, poetry, and social issues. Q11 In his will was Q12 instructed his estate to establish annual prizes Q13
to be given to outstanding contributors in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. On December 10 each year, corresponding to Nobel’s date Q14 of death, these esteemed prizes are awarded to people from over the worldwide. Q15