Textbook Solution: Maryam Mirzakhani: Leading the Way | Class 7 English Alive PDF Download

A. Write T for True and F for False.

Q1: As a child, Maryam always wanted to become a mathematician. 

Ans: F

Explanation: She dreamed of becoming a writer and only got interested in mathematics in her last year of high school.

Q2: Maryam tackled the most difficult questions in her field with unshakeable determination. 

Ans: T

Explanation: She had a reputation for tackling the most difficult questions in her field with dogged persistence.

Q3: Maryam's parents wished her to be a high achiever and extremely successful. 

Ans:  F

Explanation: Her parents were supportive and encouraged meaningful and satisfying professions, but they didn't care as much about success and achievement.

Q4: Her older brother got Maryam interested in science. 

Ans: T

Explanation: Her older brother was the person who got her interested in science in general.

Q5: Maryam was allowed to attend a university in Iran. 

Ans:  T

Explanation: She explains that despite common misconceptions, women were allowed to attend university in Iran.

Q6: Curt McMullen was a great influence on Maryam. 

Ans:  T

Explanation: Working with Curt McMullen had a great influence on her, and she wished she had learned more from him.

Q7: Maryam was a quick thinker and could solve problems in a jiffy. 

Ans:  F

Explanation: She describes herself as a slow thinker who needed to spend a lot of time before she could make progress.

Q8: Maryam felt that the beauty of mathematics only shows itself to more patient followers. 

Ans:  T

Explanation: She mentions that the beauty of mathematics only shows itself to those who are more patient.

B. Answer these questions briefly.

Q1: What was Maryam's reputation among mathematicians?

Ans: Maryam was known for tackling the most challenging questions in her field with great persistence and determination.

Q2: What did Maryam dream of becoming as a child?

Ans: As a child, Maryam dreamt of becoming a writer and spent a lot of her time reading novels.

Q3: Write about the family Maryam grew up in.

Ans: Maryam grew up in a supportive family with three siblings. Her parents encouraged meaningful professions but did not emphasize the need for high achievement. Her older brother influenced her interest in science.

Q4: How did Maryam discover her love for mathematics?

Ans: Maryam discovered her love for mathematics after joining the Iranian Maths Olympiad team and earning a gold medal, which revealed her strengths in the subject.

Q5: How was her life in Sharif University?

Ans: At Sharif University, Maryam enjoyed problem-solving sessions and informal reading groups, which fostered friendships and support that greatly benefited her academic and personal growth.

Q6: Talk about the differences between the mathematical education in Iran and in the US.

Ans: In Iran, students choose their major before college and face a national entrance exam. The focus is more on problem-solving than on taking advanced courses, unlike in the US.

Q7: What challenges did the mathematician face when she entered Harvard?

Ans: At Harvard, Maryam found that she needed to learn many subjects that most undergraduate students in the US already knew, highlighting her initial lack of familiarity with some areas of mathematics.

Q8: Why was Maryam fascinated by Curt McMullen?

Ans: Maryam was fascinated by how Curt McMullen could simplify complex topics and make them elegant, which sparked her curiosity and led to fruitful discussions and problem-solving.

Q9: According to Maryam, what was the most rewarding part in doing mathematics?

Ans: The most rewarding part of doing mathematics for Maryam was the "Aha moment" — the excitement of discovery and the enjoyment of understanding something new.

Q10: How did the Clay Fellowship help Maryam?

Ans: The Clay Fellowship provided Maryam with the freedom to think about harder problems, travel freely, and discuss ideas with other mathematicians without the pressure to rush her work.

C. Think and answer these questions.

Q1: What does this statement reflect about Maryam?

Ans: Maryam's statement reflects her modesty and continual search for guidance, indicating that she valued ongoing learning and did not consider herself an absolute authority in her field.

Q2: Do you think Maryam's achievements would have been the same without the support of her family and school principal? Why/Why not?

Ans: Likely not, as the support from her family and school principal provided critical opportunities and encouragement that shaped her educational path and contributed significantly to her success in mathematics.

Q3: What impression did you have of Iran before reading the interview? Is there a change in the way you think after reading it? Share your thoughts.

Ans: This answer will vary based on personal preconceptions. However, Maryam's interview might challenge stereotypes by highlighting the educational opportunities and strong support for women in STEM fields in Iran.

Q4: Mention any two things that Maryam shared about learning mathematics that inspire you.

Ans: Two inspiring aspects are the importance of patience and persistence in uncovering the beauty of mathematics and the value of the "Aha moment" that provides a deep satisfaction and clarity of understanding.