# PTE Reading MCS #11: John Robertson's Life and...

Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer #11 - Level 2 - Feeds Reading

> Read the text and answer the question by choosing one option. Only one answer is correct.

When he was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Newcastle, even John Robertson himself must surely have looked back in wonder at his astonishing rise to success. The year was 1910, and those assembled were to hear not only of his generosity to the University, which enabled it to contribute to the pioneering research into tropical diseases being carried out at that time but also of his humanitarian work in southern Africa, where he was ahead of his time in improving the working conditions of local mine workers. To those who knew John in his youth, it will have come as no surprise to hear of his success. He was now enjoying the rewards of the fierce determination, desire to succeed, and extraordinary ability to acquire knowledge, which they had noticed in the young man.

What does the reader of this text learn about John Robertson?

- He was born in Africa.
- His abilities were evident at a young age.
- He studied medicine.
- He completed his degree in 1910.

## Answer

His abilities were evident at a young age.

## Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the traits leading to his success were already apparent to those who knew him during his younger years.

What to watch: People who knew him young had noticed his "fierce determination" and "extraordinary ability to acquire knowledge." That supports early abilities. The 1910 degree was an "Honorary Degree" he was awarded, not one he completed. Africa is where he worked, not where he was born, and medicine is never his study.

## Hints

- Look at the final sentence of the passage.
- The text discusses how people who knew him in his youth reacted to his later achievements.

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