The Making of a Scientist Class 10 Worksheet English Chapter 5

Q.1. What first introduced Richard Ebright to real scientific research?
(a) His participation in science fairs
(b) His interest in astronomy
(c) The book The Travels of Monarch X
(d) His work at the army laboratory

Ans:  (c) 

Explanation:
The book The Travels of Monarch X transformed Richard Ebright’s hobby of collecting butterflies into scientific research by introducing him to butterfly migration studies and tagging experiments. It marked the beginning of his journey as a scientist.

Q.2. Ebright was always encouraged for studies by his – 
(a) Father
(b) Grandmother
(c) Sister
(d) Mother

Ans: (d)

Explanation: His mother encouraged his studies and nurtured his curiosity by providing books and support. For example, she bought him the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’, which inspired his interest in scientific study of butterflies and migration.

Q.3. What rare achievement did Richard manage at the age of twenty-two?

Ans: At the age of twenty-two, Richard co‑authored an article with a friend on a theory of how cells work, and this article was published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This publication was a rare honour for someone so young and marked an early and notable recognition of his scientific ability.

Q.4. How did ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ prove a turning point in his life?

Ans: When Richard was growing bored with merely collecting butterflies, his mother gave him ‘The Travels of Monarch X’. Reading this book changed his interest from collecting specimens to studying their behaviour and migration. This shift opened up a deeper scientific curiosity and set him on the path to serious study and research.

Q.5. Which project did Richard undertake in the eighth grade?

Ans: In the eighth grade, Richard worked on a project to find the cause of a viral disease that killed monarch caterpillars every few years. He suspected that a beetle might be carrying the disease and conducted experiments by raising caterpillars in the presence of beetles, though he could not reach a definite conclusion.

Q.6. Mention any two of Ebright’s contributions to the world of science.

Ans: Two important contributions by Richard Ebright were his discovery of a hormone necessary for the growth of a butterfly and his significant studies on how cells read their DNA. Both contributions helped advance scientific understanding of development and gene expression.

Q.7. Mr. Weiherer pays a glowing tribute to Richard. What did he say?

Ans: Mr Weiherer, Richard’s social studies teacher, praised him for his brilliant mind, keen curiosity and his desire to win for the right reasons. He admired Richard’s constant effort to do his very best and his earnest spirit in all endeavours.

Q.8. What are the values required to become a successful scientist like Richard Ebright? Elaborate with reference to the lesson ‘The Making of a Scientist.

Ans: To become a successful scientist like Richard Ebright, a person needs curiosity and a strong motivation to know why things happen. Curiosity helps develop scientific aptitude, while regular practice and competition, such as participating in fairs, build confidence. Important personal qualities include hard work, sincerity, determination and patience. A good scientist also accepts failure and success in the right spirit and keeps trying to improve; these values together lead to lasting achievement in science.

Q.9. Richard Ebright displayed a well-rounded personality. Do you agree? Elucidate in the context of the given text.

Ans: Yes, Richard Ebright displayed a well‑rounded personality. From a young age he collected and classified butterflies and also enjoyed collecting coins, fossils and rocks. He was active in his school’s oratory and Model United Nations clubs, and excelled at debating and public speaking. In addition, he loved photography, canoeing and outdoor activities. He pursued many interests enthusiastically and aimed to do his best without wanting to defeat others unfairly, which shows his balanced character.

Q.10. What lesson did Richard Ebright learn after losing the county science fair in the seventh grade?

Ans:
After losing the county science fair in the seventh grade, Richard Ebright realised that simply making neat displays was not enough. He learned that real science involves conducting meaningful experiments and original research. This lesson motivated him to design genuine experiments in later science fairs, which led to his success.