TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS – MODEL CBSE BOARD ANSWERS

Q1. How did Richard Ebright’s mother help shape his interest in science?
Answer: Richard Ebright’s mother encouraged curiosity by providing books, suggesting experiments, and asking thoughtful questions. She nurtured independent thinking and supported his scientific interests consistently.

Q2. What lesson did Ebright learn from his early failures at science fairs?
Answer: Ebright learned that success in science requires asking original questions and conducting genuine experiments rather than merely presenting information.

Q3. How did Ebright’s interest in butterflies contribute to his scientific development?
Answer: Studying butterflies taught Ebright observation, classification, and experimentation. This hobby laid the foundation for his scientific research and later discoveries.

Q4. What was Ebright’s significant scientific discovery?
Answer: Ebright discovered the role of a hormone in the growth of monarch butterflies, demonstrating original research and scientific insight.

Q5. What message does the chapter convey? (8 marks)
Answer: The chapter conveys that scientific achievement grows from curiosity, perseverance, and guidance. Failure refines thinking, and mentorship plays a vital role in developing scientific temperament.

WORKSHEET – THE MAKING OF A SCIENTIST (40 FULLY SOLVED QUESTIONS)

SECTION A: MCQs
1. Richard Ebright later became a: Scientist
2. Ebright collected: Butterflies
3. His mother encouraged: Curiosity
4. Early science fair results were: Unsuccessful
5. Success came through: Original research

SECTION B: ASSERTION–REASON
6. Assertion: Ebright failed initially. Reason: He lacked curiosity. Ans: Assertion true, Reason false
7. Assertion: Mentorship helped Ebright. Reason: Guidance refined his thinking. Ans: Both true, Reason correct

SECTION C: VERY SHORT ANSWER
8. Ebright’s favourite subject: Science
9. His mother bought him: Science books
10. His hobby involved: Insects
11. Breakthrough field: Biology

SECTION D: SHORT ANSWER
12. Why was Ebright initially unsuccessful? Ans: He lacked original experimentation.
13. How did failure help Ebright? Ans: It refined his approach.
14. What habit made Ebright a scientist? Ans: Questioning and observation.
15. How did his mother motivate him? Ans: By encouraging inquiry.

SECTION E: LONG ANSWER
16. Describe Ebright’s growth as a scientist. Ans: From curious child to disciplined researcher.
17. Analyse the role of guidance. Ans: Mentorship shaped inquiry skills.
18. Explain the importance of perseverance. Ans: Failure leads to improvement.
19. How does the chapter inspire students? Ans: Shows learning through effort.

SECTION F: EXTRACT-BASED
20. “He did not give up.” What does this show? Ans: Perseverance
21. Tone of the chapter? Ans: Inspirational

SECTION G: VALUE-BASED
22. Value shown by Ebright: Curiosity
23. Value shown by mother: Supportiveness

SECTION H: TRUE / FALSE
24. Ebright succeeded without failure. Ans: False
25. Curiosity played no role. Ans: False

SECTION I: ONE-WORD ANSWERS
26. Theme: Scientific temperament
27. Method: Experimentation

SECTION J: APPLICATION-BASED
28. Why is curiosity important? Ans: It drives discovery.
29. Why should students accept failure? Ans: It improves learning.

SECTION K: COMPETENCY-BASED
30. Why did Ebright succeed later? Ans: Original thinking.
31. What shaped Ebright’s mindset? Ans: Guidance and effort.

SECTION L: REVISION
32. Central conflict? Ans: Failure vs growth
33. Resolution? Ans: Scientific discovery
34. Message? Ans: Curiosity builds scientists
35. Setting? Ans: Childhood environment
36. Ebright’s strength? Ans: Perseverance
37. Weakness initially? Ans: Inexperience
38. Key influence? Ans: Mother
39. Outcome? Ans: Success in research
40. Moral? Ans: Effort creates excellence