3.3 Stephen Hawking - Class 10 - Kumarbharati

Author: Biography (Adapted)

Genre: Biographical Sketch

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

Summary

Stephen Hawking (1942–2018) was a British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and professor who made groundbreaking contributions to science. While studying at Cambridge, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at age 21, a condition that gradually paralysed him. Despite being given only a few years to live, he devoted himself to research and became one of the most respected scientists of the modern era.

His famous works include A Brief History of Time, The Universe in a Nutshell, and The Grand Design. Hawking’s ideas combined relativity and quantum mechanics, and he explored concepts like black holes, time travel, and the origin of the universe. Even after losing his speech and mobility, he continued his work with the help of technology. His life is an inspiring example of determination, intellect, and the belief that limitations can be overcome.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson highlights how determination and passion can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. It conveys that physical disabilities cannot limit the power of the human mind and that persistence leads to extraordinary achievements.

Character Sketches

Stephen Hawking

• British physicist, cosmologist, and author

• Brilliant scientific mind with a focus on relativity and cosmology

• Diagnosed with ALS at 21 but continued his work despite severe disability

• Published several world-famous books explaining complex science to the public

• Courageous, determined, and inspirational figure for people worldwide

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

Q1. Identify the infinitive and explain its function:

He continued to write despite his illness.

→ Infinitive: to write – shows purpose or intention.

Q2. Change to indirect speech:

Hawking said, “Time travel is possible.”

→ Hawking stated that time travel was possible.

→ Explanation: Changed tense and pronouns for reported speech.

Q3. Identify the modal and its function:W

e may colonise other planets in the future.

→ Modal: may – expresses possibility.

Q4. Rewrite in past perfect tense:

He published The Grand Design in 2010.

→ He had published The Grand Design in 2010.

→ Explanation: Past perfect shows an action completed before another past action.

Q5. Frame a Wh-question:

Stephen Hawking wrote A Brief History of Time.

→ What did Stephen Hawking write?

→ Explanation: Asks for the object of the verb.

Personal Response Questions

Q1. What lesson does Stephen Hawking’s life teach you?

→ Stephen Hawking’s life teaches that determination and hard work can overcome even the most severe challenges. Despite being paralysed and unable to speak, he made groundbreaking contributions to science and inspired millions around the world.

Q2. How did Hawking’s illness influence his career?

→ Hawking’s illness initially shocked him, but it motivated him to focus entirely on research. Knowing that his time might be limited, he dedicated his life to scientific work, leading to major discoveries and acclaimed books.

Q3. Why is Stephen Hawking considered an inspiration?

→ Stephen Hawking is considered an inspiration because he never allowed his physical disabilities to limit his achievements. His courage, intellect, and ability to explain complex science to the public made him a role model worldwide.

True or False

1. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. → False

2. A Brief History of Time became a bestseller for over four years. → True

3. Hawking completely stopped working after losing his speech. → False

Probable Board Questions

Q1. What is Stephen Hawking’s most famous book and why is it important?

→ Stephen Hawking’s most famous book is A Brief History of Time, which simplified complex concepts in cosmology for the general public. It became a worldwide bestseller and sparked interest in science among millions of readers.

Q2. How did technology help Hawking continue his work?

→ Technology, including a speech synthesizer and computer programs, enabled Hawking to communicate and write despite losing his voice. This allowed him to continue publishing books and conducting research.

Q3. What fields of science did Hawking contribute to?

→ Hawking made significant contributions to cosmology, black hole theory, and the unification of relativity with quantum mechanics. His research opened new possibilities in understanding the universe.

Q4. How does Hawking’s life prove the saying ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’?

→ Hawking’s illness, though devastating, pushed him to focus on his intellectual abilities. It transformed him into one of the most renowned scientists, showing that adversity can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Reflection Paragraph

Stephen Hawking’s life is a testament to human resilience and intellect. His journey from a young man diagnosed with a crippling disease to one of the world’s greatest scientific minds is inspiring. He taught the world that physical limitations cannot stop intellectual pursuits. Through his books and research, he made science accessible to all. His life reflects the belief that challenges can be turned into opportunities with determination and courage.

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