Robert Louis Stevenson
Read Robert Louis Stevenson and check the IELTS Reading answers. It is more than 100 years since the death of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson on the South Pacific island of Samoa, and it seems that time has not been kind to Stevenson's memory. Immediately after his death, his family and…
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It is more than 100 years since the death of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson on the South Pacific island of Samoa, and it seems that time has not been kind to Stevenson's memory. Immediately after his death, his family and friends set to work to fashion the legend of Robert Louis Stevenson, or RLS, as he became known, one of the few writers familiar from his initials alone. Subsequent works of biography then turned him into a writer of almost religious importance. One example was literary critic Balfour, who in 1901 portrayed Stevenson's family as ministering angels to the dying genius during his final illness. Similarly, the biographer Crouch absurdly overstated Stevenson's significance by placing him in the same company as those most revered names in English literature: Shakespeare and Keats. The reaction to this nonsense was a number of highly critical assessments of Stevenson's legacy in the 1920s.
Vocabulary from this passage
12 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- allege verb
To claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof
Critics allege that Stevenson used complex language primarily to distract readers from the shallow nature of his ideas.
- appraisal noun
An act of assessing something or someone; a formal evaluation of the worth or quality of work
Critical aspects of Stevenson's writing have long prevented a balanced appraisal of his overall contribution to literature.
- charlatan noun
A person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud or deceiver
The author was harshly accused of being a literary charlatan who prioritized style over meaningful substance.
- craftsmanship noun
Skill in a particular craft; the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand or art
Sir Walter Scott is often praised for his meticulous craftsmanship and precise use of the English language.
- inevitably adverb
As is certain to happen; unavoidably. Used to describe an outcome that cannot be prevented
When assessing a historical writer's legacy, questions regarding their comparative greatness will inevitably arise.
- inherent talent noun
A natural ability or quality that is an essential and permanent part of an individual's character
The biographer argues that Stevenson possessed a greater inherent talent for storytelling than many of his contemporaries.
- intrinsic adjective
Belonging naturally to something; essential and inherent rather than coming from external sources
The comparison between the two composers highlights the difference between acquired technical skills and intrinsic genius.
- linguistic adjective
Relating to language or the study of language; the specific way words are used for effect
His writing was often described as a display of linguistic fireworks, characterized by impressive but superficial wordplay.
- obscure verb
To keep from being seen; to conceal or make something less clear or visible to the observer
The dramatic and adventurous details of Stevenson's life have often obscured the technical merits of his actual writing.
- profound moral truths noun
Deep, insightful, and significant principles regarding right and wrong that reflect complex human experiences
Adventure stories are frequently dismissed by critics as being incapable of expressing profound moral truths.
- revere verb
To feel deep respect or admiration for something or someone; to treat with great honor
It was considered absurd to place Stevenson in the same category as revered literary giants like Shakespeare.
- shrewd adjective
Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute and piercing in practical or psychological matters
Stevenson was a shrewd judge of human behavior, as evidenced by his accurate descriptions of split personalities.
Answers with explanations
- 27. D
The question asks the writer's opinion of Balfour and Crouch, who appear in the first paragraph. The writer says Crouch **absurdly overstated** Stevenson's significance by placing him alongside Shakespeare and Keats, and calls this reaction **nonsense**. So the biographers **elevated** Stevenson above his true status as a writer. The family is mentioned only as ministering angels, not as something understated, and nothing is said about religious beliefs or the influence of other writers on Stevenson, so those options fail.
- 28. C
The second paragraph focuses on the allegation that Stevenson's **style** (linguistic fireworks/juggling words) was used to **distract** from a lack of **moral depth** (inadequacy of ideas). This matches the concept that critics argued his **style covered up his faults**. Other options regarding the public or ethical nature are secondary to this stylistic criticism. Answer: C.
- 29. B
Find the writer's comments on the **adventure story** in paragraph C. The writer describes a prejudice against it as a medium for **deep moral seriousness**, then calls this prejudice **absurd**, citing Conrad and Greene, who used adventure to convey moral ideas. So the writer thinks writers **can use** the adventure story to tell moral stories. The text does not compare books and films in that way, says nothing about fashion today, and Stevenson himself wrote adventure stories, so the other options are wrong.
- 30. A
The writer explains that Stevenson is sometimes unpopular in Scotland because his **conservatism** (political/social ideas) **collides** with the country's **radical tradition**. This contrast between his **ideas** and those of the **Scots** is the key point. There is no mention of anger over unflattering stories or his birthplace being an issue. Answer: A.
- 31. C
The question asks what the writer says about Stevenson's **own lifestyle**, so look for the phrase near the end of paragraph C. The writer says the **high adventure** of his lifestyle has sometimes **obscured his output**, meaning it drew attention away from his books, and that his life became a greater story than any he could devise. That matches the idea that his lifestyle **attracted more attention** than his books. His friends feared the drama, not envied it, and early death is never blamed on his lifestyle.
- 32. YES
The passage confirms that Wilde was **influenced** (admired) by Stevenson but also **declared** that he **could have produced better work** in a different environment (London). This aligns perfectly with the claim in the question. Answer: YES.
- 33. NOT GIVEN
While the text mentions that Wilde was **influenced** by Stevenson, it provides no information on whether Stevenson specifically **encouraged** Wilde to **start writing**. Influence can be passive (reading a book) and does not imply active encouragement or personal mentorship. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 34. NO
Galsworthy explicitly states the **superiority of Stevenson over Hardy**. He describes Stevenson as 'all life' and Hardy as 'all death', which indicates a **higher respect** for Stevenson. The statement in the question claims the opposite (Hardy > Stevenson), so it contradicts the writer's report. Answer: NO.
- 35. YES
The author uses the phrase **would also repay detailed study**, which is a formal way of saying that **more research is needed** or would be beneficial. This confirms the writer's claim that Stevenson's influence on Chesterton has not yet been fully explored. Answer: YES.
- 36. F
The summary compares Scott and Stevenson. For Scott, the text highlights **craftsmanship** and **precision** in language. These qualities are best summarized by the option **technical control** (F). Scott is credited with having more of this regulatory skill than Stevenson. Answer: F.
- 37. A
The summary contrasts Scott with Stevenson, so go to paragraph E. Scott takes the prize for **craftsmanship** and precision, which matches 'technical control' in the earlier gap, but the writer says this is not the same as **inherent talent**. By comparison with the composers, the latter's **intrinsic genius** was greater, and so it is with Stevenson. 'Inherent' and 'intrinsic' paraphrase **natural ability**, which is what Stevenson had more of, so that is the answer.
- 38. H
The passage admits that Scott's style allows for a greater exploration of **tragedy**. In the context of the summary options, the ability to explore complex emotional levels like tragedy matches **depth** (H). Scott's books had more 'depth' in their tragic elements. Answer: H.
- 39. G
The reason Stevenson's books 'still live' or remain popular is attributed to his **skill with plotting and narrative**. These elements are the core of **storytelling** (G). This skill is what gives his work a timeless, enduring appeal compared to Scott's 'musty' style. Answer: G.
- 40. I
The final gap concerns Stevenson's **understanding** of something that produced a widely used expression. In paragraph E, the writer says Stevenson was the **shrewder judge** of behaviour and psychology, and that his descriptions of a man with a split personality made 'Jekyll and Hyde' part of **common English usage**. 'Behaviour and psychology' is summarised by **human nature**. Humour, romance and depth are not linked to this expression, so only human nature fits the meaning.