A Visit to Cambridge Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7
A Visit to Cambridge Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7
1. What was Stephen Hawking's name?
Answer: Stephen Hawking was one of the most brilliant scientists of our time. He had a type of paralysis that confined him to a wheelchair and only permitted him to 'speak' by pressing buttons on a computer, which talked for him in a machine-like voice.
2. Who exactly is Firdaus Kanga?
Answer: Firdaus Kanga is a writer and journalist based in Mumbai. Kanga was born with fragile bones, which caused him to shatter easily as a youngster.
4. What was it that made the author feel stronger?
Answer: The only thing that makes you stronger is someone who is similar to you. It appears to be a big accomplishment. This makes him feel more powerful.
5. What did Mr. Hawking say in response to the question, "A lot of people seem to think that disabled people are chronically unhappy?"
"A lot of people seem to think that disabled people are chronically unhappy," he questioned. After about three minutes, he said, "I find it amusing when people patronise me."
6. "A first glimpse of Hawking is shocking" . Why?
Answer: The first time I saw Hawking, he seemed like a still snapshot - as if all the photographs of him in publications and newspapers had gone three dimensional.
7. Why was the author looking at his wrist?
Answer: He shifted his weight or moved his wrist to check the clock. He wanted to make the most of his thirty minutes.
8. In response to the author's question, "Is there any advice you can give disabled people, something that might help make life better?"
Answer. Hawking said that people should focus on their strengths, and that events such as the handicapped Olympics are a waste of time.
9. When the author told Hawking that he had been a true inspiration to him, what did Hawking say?
Answer: Hawking responded "no," since if his body is like a cramped chamber and the walls are getting narrower by the day, it doesn't help to know that people outside are beaming with appreciation to see him breathing still.
10. If the author's appointment was just for half an hour, why did he stay for so long?
Answer: He had got appointment only for half an hour but when he was going to back his way Stephen stopped him and said, “Have some tea and he can see his garden”. So he stayed there for some more time.
11. Describe the environment of Stephen’s Garden.
Answer: The garden was as big as a park, but Stephen Hawking covered every inch, rumbling along motorized wheelchair. The environment of garden was entirely different.
12. Why was there silence in the garden?
Answer: They cannot talk very much in the garden, because the sun made them silent, the letters on his screen disappeared because of the sunlight. So there were silence in the garden.
13. How did the author say good bye to Mr. Hawking?
Answer: The author didn’t know what to do at the time of leaving him. He couldn’t kiss him or cry. So he touched * his shoulder and wheeled out in the summer evening.
14. Describe the emotions of the author at the end of the chapter.
Answer: He was in the feeling of embodiment of his bravest self. He thought Stephen Hawking might be waving at him though he wasn’t. At the end, he said his journey is over and he had a great interview of Mr. Hawking.
15. Guess the first question put to the scientist by the writer.
Answer: The writer’s first question might be about Hawking’s disability and how he had accepted it.
16. Stephen Hawking said, “I’ve had no choice.” Does the writer think was a choice? What was it?
Answer: The writer thought that there was a choice. Stephen Hawking could have chosen to leave everything, be sad and depressed. He could have sulked. However, he chose to live creatively, knowing the reality of his disintegrating body.
17. “I could feel his anguish”. What could be the anguish?
Answer: The anguish was that he found it very difficult to express himself with the right words on his computer. He felt frustrated. He could not express himself freely although ideas were floating in his mind.
18. What endeared the scientist to the writer so that he said he was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world?
Answer: When the writer asked the scientist if he felt annoyed when someone like the writer went and disturbed him in his work, then scientist answered ‘yes’ with his one-way smile. This endeared the writer as he knew without being sentimental or silly he was looking at one of the most beautiful man in the world.
19. Why does the writer refer to the guitar incident? Which idea does it support?
Answer: The writer recalls the incident involving a guitar because it echoes Stephen Hawking's belief that disabled individuals should focus solely on their strengths. The writer, feeling defeated in attempting to play a large guitar, eventually destroyed it in frustration. This incident aligns with Hawking's idea that the disabled should concentrate on their strengths rather than pursuits where they may face difficulties or feel defeated.
20. The writer expresses his great gratitude to Stephen Hawking. What is the gratitude for?
Answer: The writer feels immense gratitude towards Stephen Hawking as he served as a tremendous inspiration. Hawking's resilience and achievements made the writer perceive him as the embodiment of bravery. The writer acknowledges that if he had possessed similar courage, he might have achieved more. Hawking's example made the writer realize the great heights that were within reach, leading to the expression of profound gratitude.
(i) Did the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking make the writer nervous?
Answer: Yes, the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking made the writer nervous. Hawking's status as the world's greatest scientist, renowned for his book "A Brief History of Time," led to doubts about whether the writer would be granted even a brief meeting. Additionally, the writer was weary of constantly being urged to display bravery.
(ii) Did he at the same time feel very excited? If so, why?
Answer: Yes, simultaneously, the writer felt incredibly excited. Despite Stephen Hawking's total paralysis, he had achieved remarkable feats. This extraordinary achievement inspired the writer and instilled the belief that he too could strive for greater accomplishments.
21 The narrator called him ‘a beautiful man’. How does he define beauty?
Answer: The narrator finds Stephen Hawking, referred to as ‘a beautiful man,’ incredibly inspiring due to Hawking's unparalleled achievements. The beauty, according to the narrator, lies in Hawking's extraordinary creativity and his unwavering determination. Despite facing immense difficulties, similar to the narrator's own confinement to a wheelchair, Hawking's perseverance and accomplishments epitomize true beauty. His contributions are seen as sources of inspiration that leave people in awe and admiration.
22. What is Stephen’s idea behind saying- ‘They should concentrate on what they are good at’?
Answer: Stephen Hawking, being a remarkable figure who triumphed over his disability, believed in the importance of individuals focusing on their strengths. His idea centered on encouraging people, especially those facing challenges, to concentrate on what they excel at rather than attempting to prove themselves to others. He advocated for accepting oneself and utilizing one's potential and abilities to achieve far more than what might be expected. Hawking didn't endorse events like the disabled Olympics, considering them as time-wasting endeavors, as he believed individuals could achieve greater feats by focusing on their strengths rather than emphasizing limitations.
23. How did Stephen Hawking's perseverance in the face of physical adversity influence the narrator's perception of overcoming personal challenges?
Answer: Stephen Hawking's resilience despite physical limitations deeply impacted the narrator's outlook on overcoming personal challenges. Hawking's unwavering determination illustrated that limitations need not hinder one's pursuit of success. Witnessing Hawking's perseverance inspired the narrator to view challenges as surmountable obstacles rather than insurmountable barriers. Hawking's example demonstrated that resilience and determination are crucial in transcending adversities.
24. Discuss Stephen Hawking's stance on disabled Olympics and his reasoning behind considering them a waste of time. How does this perspective challenge conventional notions of inclusivity and achievement for differently-abled individuals?
Answer: Stephen Hawking criticized events like the disabled Olympics as he believed they emphasized limitations rather than strengths. He advocated for differently-abled individuals to focus on their unique capabilities rather than participating in segregated events. Hawking's perspective challenges the conventional approach to inclusivity by highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse strengths and talents of individuals without segregating them based on disabilities. His viewpoint urged a shift towards inclusive platforms that recognize abilities rather than limitations.
25. Explain the significance of Stephen Hawking's emphasis on individuals focusing on their strengths rather than their limitations. How does this philosophy resonate with the broader concept of self-acceptance and empowerment?
Answer: Hawking's emphasis on strengths over limitations aimed to empower individuals by encouraging self-acceptance and recognizing their potential. This philosophy resonates with the broader concept of self-acceptance as it fosters a mindset where individuals embrace their abilities rather than dwell on perceived limitations. It promotes empowerment by instilling confidence and a sense of purpose, urging individuals to harness their strengths to achieve success and contribute meaningfully to society.
26. How did Stephen Hawking's achievements serve as an inspiration for the narrator? Elaborate on the specific aspects of Hawking's life or work that had a profound impact.
Answer: Stephen Hawking's achievements were a profound source of inspiration for the narrator due to Hawking's remarkable creativity, tenacity, and groundbreaking contributions to science despite physical challenges. Hawking's groundbreaking theories in cosmology and his iconic book "A Brief History of Time" showcased his unparalleled intellect. His ability to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge despite physical limitations resonated deeply with the narrator, inspiring a belief in overcoming personal obstacles to achieve greatness.
27. Discuss the implications of the statement, "beautiful is the one who does things beautifully," in the context of Stephen Hawking's life and contributions. How does this notion redefine traditional perceptions of beauty and excellence?
Answer: This statement redefines traditional perceptions of beauty and excellence by emphasizing the beauty in one's actions and accomplishments. In the context of Stephen Hawking, it highlights the elegance and brilliance of his scientific achievements despite physical constraints. It shifts the focus from physical appearance to the beauty found in resilience, intellect, and the pursuit of knowledge. Hawking's extraordinary contributions to science exemplify this notion, reshaping the traditional standards of beauty and excellence.
28. In what ways did Stephen Hawking's "never giving up" attitude transcend physical boundaries and become a symbol of determination and resilience for the narrator and others facing challenges?
Answer: Stephen Hawking's unwavering determination became a symbol of resilience for the narrator and others facing challenges. His refusal to succumb to physical limitations and his relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge showcased the power of perseverance. Hawking's attitude transcended physical boundaries, inspiring individuals to overcome adversities with determination, resilience, and an unyielding spirit, fostering a belief in the possibility of achieving greatness despite obstacles.
29. Reflect on the impact of Stephen Hawking's life and work beyond his scientific achievements. How did his personal journey and philosophy influence societal perceptions of disability and human potential?
Answer: Beyond his scientific achievements, Stephen Hawking's personal journey and philosophy significantly influenced societal perceptions of disability and human potential. His life challenged societal stereotypes by showcasing that physical disabilities need not limit intellectual capabilities. Hawking's advocacy for focusing on strengths rather than limitations reshaped perceptions of disability, emphasizing the vast potential and contributions individuals with disabilities can make to society. His legacy instilled a belief in the power of human potential, regardless of physical constraints.
30. Examine the concept of acceptance and self-belief as advocated by Stephen Hawking. How does this idea encourage a shift in societal attitudes towards differently-abled individuals and their capabilities?
Answer: Stephen Hawking's emphasis on acceptance and self-belief encouraged a significant shift in societal attitudes towards differently-abled individuals and their capabilities. By advocating self-acceptance and embracing strengths, Hawking challenged societal stereotypes and fostered a culture of inclusivity. His philosophy shifted the focus from disability to ability, encouraging society to recognize and celebrate the unique talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities. This idea promoted a more inclusive and empowering societal attitude towards differently-abled individuals, fostering an environment that valued diversity and recognized the potential within each individual, regardless of physical challenges.
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