William Gilbert and Magnetism
Read William Gilbert and Magnetism and check the IELTS Reading answers. The 16th and 17th centuries saw two great pioneers of modern science: Galileo and Gilbert. The impact of their findings is eminent. Gilbert was the first modern scientist, also the accredited father of the science of electricit…
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The 16th and 17th centuries saw two great pioneers of modern science: Galileo and Gilbert. The impact of their findings is eminent. Gilbert was the first modern scientist, also the accredited father of the science of electricity and magnetism, an Englishman of learning and a physician at the court of Elizabeth. Prior to him, all that was known of electricity and magnetism was what the ancients knew, nothing more than that the lodestone possessed magnetic properties and that amber and jet, when rubbed, would attract bits of paper or other substances of small specific gravity. However, he is less well known than he deserves.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- culminated verb
Reached a climax or point of highest development or achievement
His professional success culminated in his election as president of the Royal Science Society.
- deductive philosophy noun
A method of reasoning from general principles to reach specific, logical conclusions
Modern science was built on observation rather than the deductive philosophy of ancient thinkers.
- eminent adjective
Famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession; distinguished
Gilbert was born into an eminent local family and became a highly successful doctor.
- equidistant adjective
Situated at an equal distance from two or more points or objects
Gilbert believed that stars were not equidistant from the Earth, contrary to ancient beliefs.
- ingenious adjective
Clever, original, and inventive; showing great skill in creation or problem-solving
William Gilbert conducted many ingenious experiments to unravel the mysteries of magnetism.
- polarity noun
The property of having poles or being polar; the state of having two opposite tendencies
The attraction or repulsion between magnets depends entirely on their magnetic polarity.
- quintessential adjective
Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality, class, or idea
Gilbert did not explicitly state his quintessential beliefs regarding the Earth's orbit around the sun.
- specific gravity noun
The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a standard
Ancient people knew that amber could attract substances of small specific gravity when rubbed.
- speculate verb
To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without having firm evidence
Early explorers speculated that a magnetic mountain at the pole attracted ship compasses.
- transmutation noun
The act of changing or being changed into another form, nature, or substance
Gilbert turned away from alchemy because of its focus on the transmutation of metals.
Answers with explanations
- 1. v
Paragraph 1 introduces both Galileo and Gilbert as **pioneers** of early science. It sets the stage for the passage by discussing their **eminent impact** and establishing Gilbert's historical context alongside another famous scientist. This aligns with the heading 'Pioneers of the early science'. Answer: v.
- 2. i
Paragraph 2 details Gilbert's **birth**, his family background, his **education** at grammar school and Cambridge, and his early travels. These are all classic elements of a biographical 'early years' section. Answer: i.
- 2-3: E
2: Paragraph 2 details Gilbert's **birth**, his family background, his **education** at grammar school and Cambridge, and his early travels. These are all classic elements of a biographical 'early years' section. Answer: i.
3: Paragraph 3 focuses on his **professional success** as a doctor, his **social recognition** through knighthood, and his high-ranking roles as **president** of the Royal Science Society and **physician to the Queen**. This covers his career achievements and societal status. Answer: vi.
- 3. vi
Paragraph 3 focuses on his **professional success** as a doctor, his **social recognition** through knighthood, and his high-ranking roles as **president** of the Royal Science Society and **physician to the Queen**. This covers his career achievements and societal status. Answer: vi.
- 3-4: B
3: Paragraph 3 focuses on his **professional success** as a doctor, his **social recognition** through knighthood, and his high-ranking roles as **president** of the Royal Science Society and **physician to the Queen**. This covers his career achievements and societal status. Answer: vi.
4: Paragraph 4 explains how Gilbert transitioned from an interest in **chemistry/alchemy** to a focus on **physics** and magnetism. The central theme of this paragraph is this shift or **change of focus** in his scientific journey. Answer: x.
- 4. x
Paragraph 4 explains how Gilbert transitioned from an interest in **chemistry/alchemy** to a focus on **physics** and magnetism. The central theme of this paragraph is this shift or **change of focus** in his scientific journey. Answer: x.
- 5. ix
Paragraph 5 is dedicated to his specific **discoveries about magnetism**, including the magnetisation of metals, the naming of **poles**, and the interaction between magnetic charges. This paragraph details his actual scientific findings in this field. Answer: ix.
- 6. iv
Paragraph 6 discusses Gilbert's views on the **universe**, **stars**, and the **earth's position**, noting that he **questioned traditional astronomical beliefs**. It details his magnetic philosophy as applied to heavenly bodies and orbits. Answer: iv.
- 7. ii
Paragraph 7 highlights Gilbert's **revolutionary research method**, emphasizing his use of **experiments** and **observation** instead of the traditional logic-based approach of the ancients. It explains why his method was a new and foundational attitude for science. Answer: ii.
- 8. TRUE
The statement claims he is **less famous** than he should be. The text explicitly says he is **'less well known than he deserves'**. The word 'deserves' implies he should be more famous, and 'less well known' indicates he currently lacks that fame. This is a direct confirmation. Answer: TRUE.
- 9. TRUE
The text states his success as a **doctor** 'culminated' in his election and **appointment** to the Queen. This sequence indicates he achieved **fame and success** in the medical field **before** holding the prestigious Royal and Queen-related positions. Answer: TRUE.
- 10. NOT GIVEN
The text explains why Gilbert moved away from **alchemy and chemistry** (due to mysticism), but it says nothing about his views on **medical theories**. While he was a doctor, his 'loss of faith' in medical science specifically is never discussed. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 11-13: CDE
11: This matches option C. The text explicitly states that Gilbert found **metals can be magnetised** through specific physical actions. Option A is alchemy (which he rejected), and option B is a superstition he likely debunked or moved past. Answer: C (as part of 11-13).
12: This matches option D. Gilbert's discovery included the belief that **stars** are at **different distances** (not equidistant) from the earth. Option F is incorrect because the text attributes the discovery of two electrical charges to 'a French guy named du Fay'. Answer: D (as part of 11-13).
13: This matches option E. The passage mentions his belief that the **earth wobbles** (and the sun/stars do too) on its axis in 24 hours. This was part of his magnetic philosophy and analogy. Answer: E (as part of 11-13).