Question

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

In 1945, Bibha’s academic journey took her to the University of Manchester. Under the guidance of the celebrated Nobel Laureate, Patrick M.S. Blackett, she delved deeper into the field of cosmic rays. Her Ph.D. thesis on cosmic rays earned local recognition, with newspapers introducing her as ‘India’s New Woman Scientist—She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’.

(i) Why is the mention of Patrick M.S. Blackett, a Nobel Laureate, significant in this extract?

(ii) What can be inferred about the public perception of women scientists in the 1940s from the title given to her by the press ‘India’s New Woman Scientist’?

1. Women scientists were widely accepted and celebrated at that time.
2. The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.
3. Women scientists were as common and renowned as men in the 1940s.
4. Women were not allowed to study sciences or pursue scientific careers.

(iii) In the phrase ‘celebrated Nobel Laureate,’ the word ‘celebrated’ refers to all of the following EXCEPT someone who is ______.

1. famous and highly respected
2. frequently seen in public
3. renowned for their achievements
4. well-regarded in their field

(iv) Complete the following sentence suitably.

The phrase ‘She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’ suggests that ______.

Answer 1

(i) The mention of Patrick M.S. Blackett is significant because he was a Nobel Laureate and a highly respected scientist. Bibha’s work under his guidance shows the high level of her scientific training and research.

(ii) The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.

(iii) In the phrase ‘celebrated Nobel Laureate,’ the word ‘celebrated’ refers to all of the following EXCEPT someone who is frequently seen in public.

(iv) The phrase ‘She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’ suggests that Bibha had a special interest, sharp observation, and strong ability in studying cosmic rays.