A2 Key Reading Part 4

Marie Curie

Marie Curie was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1867. From a young age, she was fascinated by science and mathematics. Despite facing many challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, she (19)…………… to study physics and chemistry at the University of Paris.

During her research, Marie discovered two new elements: polonium and radium. Her work on radioactivity (20)……………. her to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. In fact, she won two Nobel Prizes—one in Physics and another in Chemistry.

Marie’s discoveries had a huge (21)……………. on science and medicine. For example, her research helped doctors develop new ways to treat diseases. However, her work was not without risks. Marie often carried test tubes of radioactive materials in her pockets, which (22)……………. her health over time.

Despite these challenges, Marie continued her research. She (23)……………. a laboratory in Warsaw and trained many young scientists. Her legacy lives on today, and she is remembered as one of the most (24)……………. scientists in history.