Question

Read the following passage and do the given activities :

B1. Answer in one word : (2)

1. At what age was Stephen diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
2. Over the years. how many books has Stephen written or co-written?
3. When did Stephen catapult to international prominence?
4. In which year was his life story depicted?

Stephen Hawking (born January 8, 1942) is a British scientist, professor and author who has done groundbreaking work in physics and cosmology, and whose books have helped to make science accessible everyone. At the age of 21, while studying cosmology at the University of Cambridge, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Part of his life story was depicted in the 2014 film The Theory of
Everything.

Over the years, Stephen Hawking has written or co-written a total of 15 books. A few of the most noteworthy include :

In 1988 Hawking catapulted to international prominence with the publication of A Brief History of Time. The short, informative book became an account of cosmology for the masses and offered an overview of space and time, the existence of God and the future. The work was an instant success, spending more than four years atop the ‘London Sunday Times’ best-seller list. Since its publication, it has sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated into more than 40 languages.

A Brief History of Time also wasn’t as easy to understand as some had hoped. So in 2001, Hawking followed up his book with The Universe in a Nutshell, which offered a more illustrated guide to cosmology's big theories.

In 2005, Hawking authored the even more accessible A Briefer History of Time, which further simplified the original work’s core concepts and touched upon the newest developments in the field like String theory.

B2. Complete the following table with relevant information about Stephen Hawking: (2)

Books	Film
(i)________________ (ii)__________________ (iii)_________________	(i)__________________

B3. Find out the 'Antonyms' from the passage for the following : (2)

1. worst × ______
2. exclude × ______
3. duplicate × ______
4. oldest × ______

B4.

1. It has sold millions of copies world wide and been translated into more than 40 languages.  (1)
   (Change it into simple sentence) 
2. The short informative book became an account of cosmology.  (1)
   (Add a Question Tag)

B5. ‘Stephen Hawking was a versatile personality’ Justify. (2)

Answer 1

B1.

1. 21 years
2. 15 books
3. 1988
4. 2014
   

B2.

Books	Film
(i) A brief history of time (ii) The Universe in a Nutshell (iii) A briefer history of time	(i) The Theory of Everything

B3.

1. worst × noteworthy
2. exclude × include
3. duplicate × original
4. oldest × newest

B4.

1. Being translated into more than 40 languages, they sold millions of copies world wide.
2. The short informative book became an account of cosmology, didn't it?

B5. Stephen Hawking, the brilliant physicist, diagnosed with ALS at only 21 was given only five years to live, but he went on not only to outline his doctor’s estimations but went on to complete his very best work. He wrote many books which were known worldwide. Even a film was made about his real life which was popular. People were amazed to see Mr. Hawking and his activities but he is a true inspiration for all of us. He taught us many things of life like intelligence is not your IQ, there is a way out of a black hole, Mistakes are important in life to learn, be curious, never believe the course of your life is predestined, be grateful and never underestimate yourself. Despite all his disabilities he proved doctors and people wrong. His intellect and zest for life inspired the world to be curious and is one of the most formidable examples of triumph of the human spirit. Hence, it is justified that,
Stephen Hawking was a versatile personality.