The last man who knew everything
Read The last man who knew everything and check the IELTS Reading answers. Thomas Young (1773-1829) contributed 63 articles to the great British encyclopaedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, including 46 biographical entries (mostly on scientists and classical scholars), and substantial essays on 'Bridg…
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Thomas Young (1773-1829) contributed 63 articles to the great British encyclopaedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, including 46 biographical entries (mostly on scientists and classical scholars), and substantial essays on 'Bridge' (a card game), 'Egypt', 'Languages' and 'Tides'. Was someone who could write authoritatively about so many subjects a genius, or a dilettante?* In an ambitious biography, Andrew Robinson argues that Young is a good contender to be described as 'the last man who knew everything'.
Vocabulary from this passage
12 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- authoritatively adverb
In a manner that is reliable and can be trusted as being accurate or true; with commanding knowledge.
The professor spoke authoritatively on the subject of ancient linguistics, citing numerous primary sources during the lecture.
- child prodigy noun
A person under the age of ten who produces meaningful output in some domain to the level of an expert.
As a child prodigy, the composer was performing complex piano concertos for European royalty by the age of seven.
- deduce verb
To arrive at a fact or a conclusion by reasoning; to draw a logical inference from general principles.
From the archaeological evidence found at the site, historians were able to deduce the social structure of the civilization.
- dilettante noun
A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts or sciences, without real commitment or depth.
Despite his extensive reading, some critics dismissed the scholar as a mere dilettante rather than a serious researcher.
- exposition noun
A comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory; a systematic interpretation of complex technical material.
The author provides a clear exposition of quantum mechanics, making the difficult concepts accessible to a general audience.
- hypothesize verb
To put forward a starting point for further investigation; to suggest a theoretical explanation for an observed phenomenon.
Researchers hypothesize that early human migration patterns were heavily influenced by shifts in regional climate and food availability.
- instrumental adjective
Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool in pursuing an aim or achieving a specific significant result.
The new legislation was instrumental in reducing carbon emissions across the industrial sector over the last decade.
- landmark achievement noun
A significant event or accomplishment that marks an important stage or turning point in a particular field.
The successful mapping of the human genome remains a landmark achievement in the history of biological science.
- obscurity noun
The state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unimportant; a lack of fame or prominent public recognition.
Many brilliant artists of the past lived in total obscurity, only gaining widespread recognition long after their deaths.
- prestigious adjective
Inspiring respect and admiration; having high status or influence within a specific professional or academic community.
Winning a fellowship at the prestigious Royal Society is considered a pinnacle achievement for any scientist in the field.
- rancorous adjective
Characterized by bitterness or resentment; involving long-standing ill will or deep-seated spiteful feelings during a dispute.
The two scientists engaged in a rancorous debate over the validity of the data for several years.
- subsequently adverb
At a later or succeeding time; following a specific event or action in a chronological sequence.
The initial findings were published in June, and the full experimental data was subsequently released to the public.
Answers with explanations
- 1. TRUE
The statement claims that **other people** have also been referred to as the **last man who knew everything**. The passage explicitly confirms this by stating that the phrase Robinson uses as his title **also serves as the subtitle of two other recent biographies**. Because the text directly provides these alternative examples of individuals receiving this same descriptive title, the statement perfectly aligns with the given information. Answer: TRUE.
- 2. FALSE
The statement suggests it was **normal** for **Young's childhood brilliance** to **continue into adulthood**. However, the text explicitly states that he was a child prodigy who, **unlike many remarkable children, did not fade into obscurity as an adult**. By using the phrase 'unlike many', the author clearly indicates that it is actually unusual or abnormal for child prodigies to retain their brilliance into their adult years. Because this directly contradicts the claim, the answer is FALSE.
- 2-3: Andes
2: The statement suggests it was **normal** for **Young's childhood brilliance** to **continue into adulthood**. However, the text explicitly states that he was a child prodigy who, **unlike many remarkable children, did not fade into obscurity as an adult**. By using the phrase 'unlike many', the author clearly indicates that it is actually unusual or abnormal for child prodigies to retain their brilliance into their adult years. Because this directly contradicts the claim, the answer is FALSE.
3: The question claims that Young's **talents as a doctor** are described as **surpassing his other skills**. The text provides a direct contradiction, stating that his **skill as a physician** actually **did not equal his talent** as a scholar. Because his medical abilities were considered lesser than his academic talents rather than greater, the statement opposes the factual evidence in the passage. Answer: FALSE.
- 3. FALSE
The question claims that Young's **talents as a doctor** are described as **surpassing his other skills**. The text provides a direct contradiction, stating that his **skill as a physician** actually **did not equal his talent** as a scholar. Because his medical abilities were considered lesser than his academic talents rather than greater, the statement opposes the factual evidence in the passage. Answer: FALSE.
- 3-4: NO
3: The question claims that Young's **talents as a doctor** are described as **surpassing his other skills**. The text provides a direct contradiction, stating that his **skill as a physician** actually **did not equal his talent** as a scholar. Because his medical abilities were considered lesser than his academic talents rather than greater, the statement opposes the factual evidence in the passage. Answer: FALSE.
4: The statement asserts that **Young's advice was sought** by various bodies for **local and national matters**. The passage confirms this by explicitly stating that his **opinions were requested** by **civic and national authorities**. The mention of "civic" corresponds to "local" bodies, and providing advice on gas lighting directly supports the claim that he consulted on these public matters. Therefore, the statement matches the text perfectly. Answer: TRUE.
- 4. TRUE
The statement asserts that **Young's advice was sought** by various bodies for **local and national matters**. The passage confirms this by explicitly stating that his **opinions were requested** by **civic and national authorities**. The mention of "civic" corresponds to "local" bodies, and providing advice on gas lighting directly supports the claim that he consulted on these public matters. Therefore, the statement matches the text perfectly. Answer: TRUE.
- 5. FALSE
The statement claims that **all** of Young's written works were published in the **Encyclopaedia Britannica**. The passage refutes this absolute claim by specifying that he contributed many entries to the encyclopaedia, but **throughout his career he authored numerous other essays, papers and books**. The explicit mention of these additional, separate publications directly contradicts the assertion that his publishing was restricted exclusively to the encyclopaedia. Answer: FALSE.
- 6. TRUE
The statement suggests that **Young was interested** in a range of **social pastimes**. The passage lists several recreational and social activities he engaged in: he **attended the theatre**, **learned to dance**, **play the flute**, and was an **accomplished horseman**. These leisure activities collectively represent a diverse range of social pastimes, perfectly aligning with the claim in the statement. Answer: TRUE.
- 7. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims that **Young suffered from poor health** during his **later years**. While the passage details his medical education, career as a physician, and provides a general summary of his personal life, there is absolutely no mention of his own health status, illnesses, or physical decline as he aged. Because the text neither confirms nor denies his health condition in his final years, the information is NOT GIVEN.
- 8. 46
The question asks **how many life stories** Young wrote for the encyclopaedia. The text provides the exact numerical detail, stating he contributed **46 biographical entries**. Since a biographical entry is directly synonymous with a "life story," the number **46** is the correct short answer to fulfill the specific quantitative constraint.
- 9. the human eye
The question asks for the **subject** of Young's **first academic paper**. By locating the keywords "first paper" in the second paragraph, we find the clarifying phrase **on the human eye**. This grammatically fulfills the requirement for a short noun phrase detailing the specific topic of his initial scientific presentation.
- 10. Indo-European
The question asks for the **name** Young gave to a **group of languages**. The text explicitly mentions that he coined a specific term to describe the **family of languages**. The term he invented is **Indo-European**, which perfectly fits the grammatical requirement of providing the specific noun used for this linguistic classification.
- 11. Richard Brocklesby
The question asks **who inspired Young** to enter the **medical profession**. The text identifies a specific individual, stating he was encouraged by a physician named **Richard Brocklesby**, and that following this man's lead, he pursued a medical career. The answer requires the proper name of this influential figure.
- 12. Royal Institution
The question seeks the **place of higher learning** where Young held a **teaching position**. The text notes his appointment to a "professorship" (which denotes teaching) at the **Royal Institution**. Providing this specific institutional name satisfies the location query accurately.
- 13. gas lighting
The question asks about an **improvement to London roads** that Young consulted on. Scanning for "London," the text mentions his opinions were requested by authorities regarding the **introduction of gas lighting** to the streets. This noun phrase accurately captures the specific civic enhancement mentioned in the passage.