NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
GLOSSARY
leagues: groups of sports clubs or teams playing matches among themselves
county: region
starling: common European bird (with black, brown-spotted plumage) which nests near buildings and is a good mimic
entomology: the study of insects
eureka: a cry of triumph at a discovery (originally attributed to Archimedes)
canoeist: a person who paddles a canoe, a light boat
Question 1:
How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
Answer
The book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ opened the world of science for Richard. After reading it, he became interested in tracking the migration of butterflies. This interest led to his other projects and experiments. Finally, he became a great scientist.
NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
Question 2:
How did his mother help him?
Answer
His mother was a source of great inspiration for him. She always encouraged him and provided constant company to him. In the day she brought friends for him. In the night she herself worked with him. This way she helped him.
NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
Question 3:
What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
Answer
At the science fair he gets a hint of what real science is. He learns that science is not a neat display of something, but doing real experiments.
NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
Question 4:
What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Answer
A scientist should be competitive, but not in a bad sense. He should not run after prizes. He should work for the right reasons. He should be intelligent and full of curiosity. All these qualities go into the making of a scientist.
NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
Question 5:
What experiments and projects does he then undertake?
Answer
He undertook many projects and experiments. He worked on viceroy butterflies to show that they copied monarch butterflies. He studied bright spots on the monarch pupa and discovered a new hormone. Also, he found out how cells read their DNA.
NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
Question 6:
How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian… ? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking and doing experiments?
Answer
Reading many books on a subject is not enough. One must develop the skill of observation and thinking. Experiments need to be done. One needs to have the curiosity to explore and find new things. Above all, one must work hard and not get upset by failures.
NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
Question 7:
You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in the light of what you have studied.
If you get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on projects and experiments, which field would you like to work on and why?
Answer
DNA carries the blueprint of life and heredity. They pass information from one generation to the other.
If I get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright, I will choose to study diseases. By studying the DNA, I may find ways and means to cure many illnesses.
NCERT Solution of Class 10 English Ch-6 The Making of a Scientist
