Nine-Year-Old Child Genius to Graduate University
A child prodigy from Belgium is on course to gain a bachelor’s degree at the tender age of 9. Laurent Simons is studying electrical engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) – (17) _______.
His parents, Lydia and Alexander Simons, said they thought Laurent’s grandparents were exaggerating when they said he had a gift, (18) _______. “They noticed something very special about Laurent,” said Lydia. Laurent was given test after test (19) _______. “They told us he is like a sponge,” said Alexander. While Laurent comes from a family of doctors, his parents have so far not received any explanation as to (20) _______.
The TUE has allowed Laurent to complete his course faster than other students. “That is not unusual,” said Sjoerd Hulshof, education director of the TUE bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, in a statement. “Special students that have good reasons for doing so can arrange an adjusted schedule. In much the same way we help students (21) _______.” “We don’t want him to get too serious. He does whatever he likes,” said Alexander. “We need to find a balance between being a child and his talents.”
Laurent said he enjoys playing with his dog Sammy and playing on his phone, like many young people. However, unlike most 9-year-olds, he has already worked out (22) _______: develop artificial organs. In the meantime, Laurent has to finish his bachelor’s degree and choose which academic institution will play host to the next stage in his remarkable journey. Before that, he plans on taking a vacation to Japan for an undoubtedly well-deserved break.
Awhy their child prodigy is capable of learning so quickly
BLaurent is the fastest student we have ever had
Cwho participate in top sport
Da tough course even for students of an average graduate age
Ewhat he wants to do with his life
Fas teachers tried to work out the extent of his talents
Ghis parents pushed him into starting university early
Hbut his teachers soon confirmed it
