Andrew Carnegie: industrialist and philanthropist
Read Andrew Carnegie: industrialist and philanthropist and check the IELTS Reading answers. The Scottish-born American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who was the leader of the American steel industry from 1873 to 1901, donated large sums of his fortune to educational, cultural, a…
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The Scottish-born American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who was the leader of the American steel industry from 1873 to 1901, donated large sums of his fortune to educational, cultural, and scientific institutions. He was born in 1835 in Scotland, the son of William Carnegie, a weaver, and Margaret Morrison Carnegie.
Vocabulary from this passage
9 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- accomplishments noun
Something that has been achieved successfully; the completion of a challenging task or the attainment of a goal
His industrial accomplishments were recognized globally, bringing him immense wealth and social prestige.
- automate verb
To convert a process or facility to be operated by largely automatic equipment rather than human labor
The factory began to automate its production lines to increase efficiency and reduce the need for manual workers.
- automated operations noun
Processes within a facility or system that function independently of human intervention through mechanical or digital control
The implementation of automated operations at the mill significantly reduced the size of the required workforce.
- fortune noun
A very large amount of money or assets; wealth accumulated over time through successful business ventures
He donated a significant portion of his fortune to scientific institutions to foster innovation and research.
- industrialist noun
A person involved in the ownership and management of industry, typically one who has achieved significant wealth and influence
The 19th-century industrialist revolutionized the steel industry by implementing mass-production techniques and cutting costs.
- majority stake noun
The ownership of more than half of the shares in a company, giving the owner legal control over decisions
By purchasing a majority stake in the coal company, the industrialist secured essential resources for his business.
- manufacture noun
The making of articles on a large scale using machinery; the industrial production of goods for sale
The company specialized in the manufacture of steel rails, which eventually replaced iron in railroad construction.
- philanthropist noun
A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes
Andrew Carnegie became a prominent philanthropist, donating his vast wealth to establish thousands of public libraries.
- superintendent noun
A person who manages or superintends an organization or activity; a high-ranking official responsible for a specific division
The superintendent of the railroad division promoted the young secretary due to his exceptional organizational skills.
Answers with explanations
- 1. father
The text states that William (who was Carnegie's **father**) found a job in a **cotton factory**, and that Andrew Carnegie **also worked** there. This means he found **employment in the same workplace** as his **father**.
- 2. music
The question asks what he educated himself through, listing **books** and **theatrical performances**. The text parallels this by saying he became an **"avid reader"** (books), a **"theatergoer"** (performances), and a lover of **music**. Thus, **music** completes the list.
- 2-3: C
2: The question asks what he educated himself through, listing **books** and **theatrical performances**. The text parallels this by saying he became an **"avid reader"** (books), a **"theatergoer"** (performances), and a lover of **music**. Thus, **music** completes the list.
3: The note requires the job role Carnegie took for **Thomas A. Scott** at the **Pennsylvania Railroad**. The text explicitly states that Scott made him his **secretary**.
- 3. secretary
The note requires the job role Carnegie took for **Thomas A. Scott** at the **Pennsylvania Railroad**. The text explicitly states that Scott made him his **secretary**.
- 3-4: NO
3: The note requires the job role Carnegie took for **Thomas A. Scott** at the **Pennsylvania Railroad**. The text explicitly states that Scott made him his **secretary**.
4: The text mentions Carnegie realized that **steel was eventually going to replace iron** for manufacturing. This perfectly matches the question's phrasing of realizing a **greater demand** driven by **changing engineering needs**.
- 4. steel
The text mentions Carnegie realized that **steel was eventually going to replace iron** for manufacturing. This perfectly matches the question's phrasing of realizing a **greater demand** driven by **changing engineering needs**.
- 5. prices
The question looks for what Carnegie was **reducing** to manage his business in 1873. The text states he built his company by **"cutting prices"**, which means reducing **prices**.
- 6. banks
The note lists **reinvesting profit** (obtained capital from profit) and **borrowing money**. The text says he got capital from profit and "when necessary from **banks**," making **banks** the correct answer.
- 7. projects
Under the 1880s partnership, the note asks what Carnegie was arranging along with factory innovations. The text states he **planned new projects** and improved existing plants. Therefore, **projects** fits the gap perfectly.
- 8. TRUE
The statement claims Carnegie believed the **USA offered more opportunities** than Europe. The text confirms he wrote about the **"advantages of life in the United States"** over European societies, making the statement **TRUE**.
- 9. TRUE
The statement says a **smaller workforce was required** at Homestead. The text states that after acquiring it, automation resulted in **"cutting down the number of workers that were needed,"** which directly supports the claim. The answer is **TRUE**.
- 10. FALSE
The statement claims he **prevented his workers from joining unions**. However, the text says he **believed that workers had a right to join unions**, which completely contradicts the statement. The answer is **FALSE**.
- 11. NOT GIVEN
The statement says Carnegie **blamed Frick** for the violent strike. While the text discusses the strike and mentions Frick's role in it, it **does not state whether Carnegie blamed him** or not. Therefore, the answer is **NOT GIVEN**.
- 12. FALSE
The statement claims Carnegie **negotiated with his competitors** in the 1890s. The text explicitly states that he **"refused to enter into any agreements with other companies"**, contradicting the claim. Thus, the answer is **FALSE**.
- 13. FALSE
The statement claims his funding for libraries was **limited to the United States**. The text contradicts this by stating he built libraries **"all over the English-speaking world"**. Thus, it is **FALSE**.