ACT English Practice Test 3

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