Lesson 7 A Visit to Cambridge class 8 NCERT book Honeydew English subject Answers.
Notes for Teacher
Comprehension Check (Page 100)
Which is the right sentence?
Question 1: “Cambridge was my metaphor for England.” To the writer,
(i) Cambridge was a reputed university in England.
(ii) England was famous for Cambridge.
(iii) Cambridge was the real England.
Answer: (iii) Cambridge was the real England.
Question 2: The writer phoned Stephen Hawking’s house
(i) from the nearest phoned booth.
(ii) from outside a phone booth.
(iii) from inside a phone booth.
Answer: (ii) from outside a phone booth.
Question 3: Every time he spoke to the scientist, the writer felt guilty because
(i) he wasn’t sure what he wanted to ask.
(ii) he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesiser.
(iii) he was face to face with a legend.
Answer: (ii) he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesiser.
Question 4: “I felt a huge relief… in the possibilities of my body.” In the given context, the highlighted words refer to
(ii) standing up, walking.
(iii) speaking, writing.
(i) shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist.
Answer:
(i) shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist.
Working with the text (Page 100-101)
Answer the following questions.
Question 1:
(i) Did the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking make the writer nervous? If so, why?
(ii) Did he at the same time feel very excited? If so, why?
Answer:
(i) The author felt nervous about meeting Stephen Hawking because Hawking was an internationally renowned astrophysicist, known for his brilliance despite being paralyzed and differently-abled. He had authored the best-selling book A Brief History of Time, and was regarded as a worthy successor to Sir Isaac Newton, having taken over his prestigious Chair at Cambridge University.
(ii) Firdaus Kanga was thrilled at the opportunity to meet Stephen Hawking in person. He had never imagined he would get the chance to speak face-to-face with such an extraordinary individual. The fact that Hawking had achieved such greatness despite his physical limitations—being paralyzed and differently-abled—made a profound impact on Firdaus. It made him realize the vast possibilities that lay before him, inspiring him to push beyond his own perceived limits.
Question 2: Guess the first question put to the scientist by the writer.
Answer: The first question the writer likely asked the scientist was whether he felt a sense of relief and courage for achieving such remarkable accomplishments in life despite his disability.
Question 3: Stephen Hawking said, “I’ve had no choice. “Dose the writer think there was a choice? What was it?
Answer: Stephen Hawking mentioned that he had no option but to remain confined to his wheelchair. However, the writer believed that living creatively while dealing with the challenges of his deteriorating body was a choice Hawking made. Firdaus felt strongly that instead of giving in to despair or surrendering to his circumstances, Hawking chose to rise above his disability and achieve remarkable success.
Question 4: ‘I could feel his anguish. “What could be the anguish?
Answer: Stephen Hawking was an exceptional scientist who made remarkable contributions to the field of science. His mind was constantly open to new ideas, and he had a deep desire to express the many thoughts that filled it. However, he relied on a voice synthesizer to communicate, which lacked emotional nuance. The writer empathized with Hawking’s frustration, sensing that there were countless things he wished to convey but was unable to. Hawking’s entire ability to express his thoughts and emotions depended on a computer, which caused him great anguish.
Question 5: What endeared the scientist to the writer sot hat he said he was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world?
Answer: The writer asked Stephen Hawking if he found it frustrating to be interrupted in his work. Hawking, without hesitation, replied with a clear “yes.” However, he soon gave a one-sided smile, which instantly endeared him to the writer. In that moment, the writer realized he was in the presence of one of the most beautiful men in the world—not because of physical appearance, but due to the beauty of his soul. It became evident that the body is merely an accessory, while true beauty lies within.
Question 6: Read aloud the description of ‘the beautiful” man. Which is the most beautiful sentence in the description?
Answer: The most striking sentence in the description of the “beautiful” man is: “Before you, like a lantern whose walls are worn so thin you glimpse only the light inside, is the incandescence of a man.” This line captures Hawking’s essence, emphasizing that his inner beauty and vibrant spirit shine so brightly that his physical limitations seem insignificant, merely an outer shell. His true brilliance lies in his inner light.
Question 7:
(i) If ‘the lantern’ is the man, what would its ‘walls’ be?
(ii) What is housed within the thin walls?
(iii) What general conclusion does the writer draw form this comparison?
Answer: The most striking sentence in the description of the “beautiful” man is: “Before you, like a lantern whose walls are worn so thin you glimpse only the light inside, is the incandescence of a man.” This line captures Hawking’s essence, emphasizing that his inner beauty and vibrant spirit shine so brightly that his physical limitations seem insignificant, merely an outer shell. His true brilliance lies in his inner light.
Question 8: What is the scientist’s message for the disabled?
Answer: Stephen Hawking stressed that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, should focus on developing their strengths and talents. He advised that disabled individuals should not waste time trying to imitate “normal” people but instead make the most of the resources they have. He encouraged gratitude for the abilities they do possess and the potential to accomplish remarkable things, even in the face of challenges.
Question 9: Why does the writer refer to the guitar incident? Which idea does it support?
Answer: When Stephen Hawking told the author that the Olympics for the disabled was a waste of time, it reminded the author of the years he spent trying to play a Spanish guitar that was far too large for him. One night, he loosened the guitar strings without any regrets. The author resonated with Hawking’s message to the disabled: focus on what you’re good at instead of trying to compare yourself to or imitate so-called normal people.
Question 10: The writer expresses his great gratitude to Stephen Hawking. What is gratitude for?
Answer: The author was deeply inspired by Stephen Hawking, feeling immense gratitude toward the scientist. He admired how Hawking, despite his disability, exhibited remarkable courage and achieved great things in life. Hawking’s resilient spirit and optimism profoundly impacted the author, showing him a new perspective on living life without constantly focusing on his own limitations.
Question 11: Complete the following sentences taking their appropriate parts from both the boxes below.
(i) There was his assistant on the line…..
(ii) you get fed up with people asking you to be brave,….
(iii) There he was,…..
(iv) You look at his eyes which can speak, …..
(v) It doesn’t do much good to know…..
| A |
| tapping at a little switch in his hand |
| and I told him |
| that there are people |
| as if you have a courage account |
| and they are saying something huge and urgent |
| B |
| trying to find the words on his computer |
| I had come in a wheelchair from India. |
| on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque. |
| smiling with admiration to see you breathing still. |
| It is hard to tell what. |
Answer:
(i) There was his assistant on the line and I told him I had come in a wheelchair from India.
(ii) You get fed up with people asking you to be brave, as if you have a courage account on which you are too lazy to draw a Cheque.
(iii) There he was, tapping at a little switch in his hand traying to find the words on his computer.
(iv) You look at his eyes which can speak, and they are saying something huge and urgent -it is hard to tell what.
(v) It doesn’t do much good to know that there are people smiling with admiration to see you breathing still.
Working with language (Page 102-103)
Question 1: Fill in the blanks in the sentences below using the appropriate forms of the words given in the following box.
| guide | succeed | chair | travel | pale | draw | true |
(i) I met a _________ from an antique land.
(ii) I need special ______ in mathematics. I can’t count the number of times I have failed in the subject.
(iii) The guide called Stephen Hawking a worthy _____ to Isaac Newton.
(iv) His other problems _______ into insignificance besides this unforeseen mishap.
(v) The meeting was _______ by the youngest member of the board.
(vi) Some people say yours ________ when they informally refer to themselves.
(vii) I wish it had been a _______ match. We would have been spared the noise of celebrations, at least.
Answer:
(i) I met a traveller from an antique land.
(ii) I need special guidance in mathematics. I can’t count the number of times I have failed in the subject.
(iii) The guide called Stephen Hawking a worthy successor to Isaac Newton.
(iv) His other problems paled into insignificance beside this unforeseen mishap.
(v) The meeting was chaired by the youngest member of the themselves.
(vi) Some people say ‘yours truly when they informally refer to themselves.
(vii) I wish it had been a drawn match. We would have been spared the noise of celebrations, at least.
Question 2:
Look at the following words.
| walk | stick |
Can you create a meaningful phrase using both these words?
(It is simple. Add -ing to the verb and use it before the noun. Put an article at the beginning.)
…a walking stick
| read/session | smile/face | revolve/chair |
| walk/four | dance/doll | win/chance |
Answer:
| a reading | a smiling face | a revolving chair |
| a walking | a dancing doll | a winning chance |
Question 3: Use all or both in the blanks. Tell your partner why you chose or the other.
(i) He has two brothers. ____ are lawyers.
(ii) More than ten persons called. _______ of them wanted to see you.
(iii) They _______ cheered the learn.
(iv) _____ her parents are teachers.
(v) How much have you got? Give me _____ of it.
Answer:
(i) He has two brothers. Both are lawyers.
(ii) More than ten persons called. All of them wanted to see you.
(iii) They all cheered the team.
(iv) Both her parents are teachers.
(v) How much have you got? Give me all of it.
Question 4:
Complete each sentence using the right form of the adjective in brackets.
(i) My friend has one of the ______ cars on the road. (fast)
(ii) This is the ______ story I have ever read. (interesting)
(iii) What you are doing now is ______ than what you did yesterday. ( easy)
(iv) Ramesh and is wife are both _____. (short)
(v) He arrived _____ as usual. Even the chief guest came _______ than he did. (late, early)
Answer:
(i) My friend has one of the fastest cars on the road.
(ii) This is the most interesting story I have ever read.
(iii) What you are doing now is easier than what you did yesterday.
(iv) Ramesh and his wife are both short.
(v) He arrived late as usual. Even the chief guest came earlier than he did.
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