In the passage about the Madras Photographic Society, what was Alexander Hunter’s profession by training?

Introduction / Context:
This reading-comprehension question asks about the professional background of Alexander Hunter, the founder of the Madras Photographic Society and the Madras School of Arts. Early in the passage, Hunter is introduced with a brief description of his profession. To answer the question correctly, you only need to recall that description. However, it is important not to confuse his profession with the roles he later played in art and photography, which might tempt you to choose an incorrect but related-sounding option like “Photographer” or “Artist”.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage explicitly states Hunter’s profession when he is first introduced. • The relevant line reads that the founder of the Madras Photographic Society was “an Army doctor, Alexander Hunter”. • The question asks: “Alexander Hunter was by profession a _____________.” • The answer options include several art-related professions as distractors.

Concept / Approach:
This is a direct factual recall question. The strategy is simply to remember the introductory description of Hunter in the passage. The text clearly identifies him as “an Army doctor”. Although he made major contributions to art education and photography, his profession by training and original career was in medicine. Therefore, among the provided options, “Doctor” is correct. The other options may seem plausible in the broader context of art and photography but are not what the passage actually states.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Find or recall the first mention of Alexander Hunter in the passage. 2. Note the specific phrase that describes him, particularly the words directly preceding his name. 3. Remember that the line reads “Its founder was an Army doctor, Alexander Hunter.” 4. Recognise that this means his profession was that of a doctor in the army. 5. Choose “Doctor” from the list of options, ignoring distractors that relate to his later interests.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you review the passage mentally, you will see that Hunter is not labelled in the text as a professional photographer or full-time artist. Instead, the narrative emphasises that he was an Army doctor who later founded the Madras School of Arts and played a leading role in introducing photography into the curriculum. This distinction is clear: profession versus interests or contributions. Therefore, “Doctor” is the only answer that accurately reflects his identified profession. “Photographer”, “Artist” and “Teacher” describe roles he might have performed, but the passage does not explicitly assign any of these as his profession.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• “Photographer” might seem tempting because the passage discusses photography, but Hunter is not introduced as a professional photographer. • “Artist” is associated with the art school he founded, yet the passage does not call him an artist by profession. • “Teacher” also does not appear in the passage as his stated profession; he served more as founder and head rather than being labelled simply as a teacher.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes generalise from the context and assume that someone deeply involved with an art school must be an “artist” or a “teacher”, or that someone associated with photography must be a “photographer”. This is a trap when the exam setter has clearly stated a different profession. Always focus on the exact descriptive phrase used at first mention in the passage. In this case, “an Army doctor, Alexander Hunter” leaves no room for doubt about his professional identity.

Final Answer:
Alexander Hunter was by profession a Doctor (specifically, an Army doctor).