II. Read the following passage and then choose the best answer by writing the letter A, B, C or D on the answer sheet.

Alfred Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish inventor and philanthropist, bequeathed most of his vast fortune in trust as a fund from which annual prizes could be awarded to individuals and organizations who had achieved the greatest benefit to humanity in a particular year. Originally, there were six classifications for outstanding contributions designated in Nobel’s will, including chemistry, physics, physiology or medicine, literature and international peace.

The prizes are administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm. In 1969, a prize for economics endowed by the Central Bank of Sweden was added. Candidates for the prizes must be nominated in writing a qualified authority in the filed of competition. Recipients in physics, chemistry, and economics are selected by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences; and physiology or medicine by the Caroline Institute; in literature by the Swedish Academy; and in peace by the Norwegian Nobel Committee appointed by Norway’s parliament. The prizes are usually in Stockholm on December 10, with the King of Sweden officiating, an appropriate tribute Alfred Nobel on the anniversary of his death. Each one includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award of about one million dollars.

1: What does this passage mainly discuss?  

A. The Nobel prizes  B. Alfred Bernhard Nobel

C. Swedish philanthropy  D. Great contributions to mankind  

2: Why were the prizes named for Alfred Bernhard Nobel?  

A. He won the first Nobel prize for his work in philanthropy 

B. He is now living in Sweden

C. He left money in his will to establish a fund for the prizes

D. He serves as chairman of the committee to choose the recipients

3: How often are the Nobel prizes awarded?

A. Five times a year B. Once every two years 

        C. Once a year                                    D. Twice a year

4:  The word “outstanding” in line 3 most closely means _______.  

A. recent B. exceptional C. unusual D. established  

5: The word “will” in line 4 could best be replaced by _____.

A. Nobel’s wishes B. a legal document

        C. a future intention D. a free choice  

6: A Nobel prize would NOT be given to _______.  

A. an author who wrote a novel                     B. a doctor who discovered a vaccine

C. a diplomat who negotiated a peace            D. a composer who wrote a symphony

7:  The word “one” in paragraph 2 refers to _____. 

A. tribute B. anniversary   C. candidate D. prize  

8:  The word “appropriate” in the passage most closely means _______.  

        A. prestigious B. suitable                   C. customary D. transitory 

9:  Which individual or organization serves as administrator for the trust?  

A. The King of Sweden  

B. The Nobel Foundation  

C. The Central Bank of Sweden

        D. Swedish and Norwegian academies and institutes  

10:  Why are the awards presented on December 10?  

            A. It is a tribute to the King of Sweden.                    

       B. Alfred Bernhard Nobel died on that day.  

       C. That date was established in  Alfred Nobel’s will.

       D. The Central Bank of Sweden administers the trust