Class 11 Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind's Survival Exercise
- Vladimir Keilis-Borok
Understanding the text (Answer Question)
a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?
➜ Instead of substantial money, scientists receive recognition and career advancement. These rewards stem from their discoveries.
b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?
➜ Nuclear powers faced a dilemma when they agreed to halt nuclear weapons testing. They were worried that if someone clandestinely conducted underground nuclear tests, detection would be difficult.
c. In which area did Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge have a direct application?
➜ Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge had a practical application in predicting human survival. Earthquake-like tremors were produced by underground nuclear explosions. Borok could distinguish between these tremors and earthquakes using his knowledge.
d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit?
➜ Prior to the Geneva Summit, politicians made a crucial decision to ban nuclear weapons testing. This decision was driven by a desire for human survival. They believed that forbidding nuclear tests would discourage the race to develop nuclear weapons.
e. What are the natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author?
➜ The author mentions natural calamities such as earthquakes, destruction of major cities due to human actions, environmental crises, and socio-economic troubles. Meanwhile, human-caused disasters encompass large-scale release of radioactivity from nuclear waste, outbreaks of violence, and warfare.
Reference to the context
a. The professional addressed as ‘you’ in the sentence “If you are clever, why are you so poor?” refers to a…
i. lawyer ii. doctor iii. scientist iv. businessman.
Justify your choice.
➜ It refers to a scientist. Scientists are intelligent and smart due to their minds. However, their earnings are often lower compared to other professionals like lawyers, doctors, and businessmen. Despite their intelligence, scientists may not always be financially well-off. The author aims to highlight that while scientists are highly intelligent, this doesn't necessarily translate to wealth. Scientists are generally smart but not necessarily rich.
b. The writer says, “I found myself in Geneva.” What does it express?
➜ It conveys the author's surprise. He unexpectedly ended up in Geneva for a nuclear weapons conference. During a debate with experts from Moscow, American scientist Frank Press cited his work.
c. Are the following statements true? Why or why not? Discuss with your partner.
i. Money is more powerful than intellectual resources.
➜ This statement is not true. Intellectual resources are enduring, while money is transient. It doesn't guarantee success. Money can bring its own set of problems. In contrast, intellectual resources can lead to success and innovation.
ii. Intellectual resources help survival of the mankind.
➜ This statement is true. Intellectual resources are pivotal for humanity's future. Intellectual resources have led to advancements in healthcare, security against terrorism, healthy living, and entertainment, all contributing to human survival.
iii. Basic research is a way of stalling disasters.
➜This statement is true. People rely on scientific research for their safety and well-being. Researchers study environmental changes and forewarn potential disasters, ensuring public safety. Basic research plays a role in averting disasters.
d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is the humankind’s survival?
➜ By presenting arguments favoring science and its research-driven innovations, the essayist supports the idea that scientific research is vital for human survival. He sees science as humanity's essential guardian, ensuring survival through solutions to problems. Scientific research is the source of new energy, medicines, anti-terrorism measures, and disaster predictions. The essayist firmly believes that scientific research is humanity's best hope for survival.
e. What can be the purpose of the essayist of using quotations in the essay?
The essayist employs quotations to emphasize key points and ideas in the essay, making them more prominent and resonating with the readers. Quotations from notable figures reinforce his arguments.
f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world
➜ The essayist's viewpoint is that scientists are the most practical individuals worldwide. He demonstrates this through their real-world applications, from technology advancements to new industries. Scientists have pioneered antibiotics, electronics, transportation modes, biotechnology, and more. Their contributions, such as the green revolution and genetic forensic diagnosis, exemplify their practicality. This substantiates the essayist's assertion that scientists are highly pragmatic individuals.
Reference beyond the text
a. Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons. Explain this statement.
➜ The essayist is conveying that people worldwide lived in constant fear during the Cold War era in the 1960s. This was a frightening period marked by intense tensions between superpowers like the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, all of which possessed enough nuclear weaponry to obliterate entire nations swiftly. Consequently, the global population, regardless of age or gender, faced the constant specter of nuclear devastation. This fear prompted these superpowers to come together to address this perilous situation through agreements and treaties.
b. The essayist says ‘While there is science, there is hope of survival and wellbeing for all of us.’ Explain it.
➜ The author's assertion, ‘As long as science exists, there is hope for the survival and welfare of all of us,’ underscores the indispensable role of science as our guardian and protector. Nations entered agreements to halt clandestine nuclear tests, driven by the need to safeguard humanity's existence. However, science and its practitioners continued to secure humanity's future. Its capacity to differentiate between seismic activity from nuclear explosions and natural earthquakes, along with its contributions to energy, minerals, and anti-terrorism measures, bolsters this hope. The author further contends that science offers hope amid both natural and man-made threats, be it tsunamis or terrorism. Monetary solutions alone cannot suffice; scientific innovations are our sole remedy. Hence, the author offers multiple rationales for concluding that science is our ultimate hope for survival.
c. Is science a blessing or a curse? Write an essay on it
➜ Science constitutes the methodical exploration and application of knowledge, unveiling insights into both the natural and societal realms through evidence-based approaches. Scientists engage in experimenting with various facets of our world and existence. Science can be perceived as a double-edged sword, capable of yielding both benefits and drawbacks. The pivotal aspect lies in the application of scientific discoveries. Numerous innovations, such as antibiotics, electronics, biotechnology, synthetic fibers, the green revolution, and genetic forensic analysis, can be attributed to the diligent work of scientists. These contributions have enriched human lives and underscore the significance of a fundamental grasp of science in daily existence. Conversely, some scientific advancements have resulted in negative consequences for humanity. The creation of diverse weaponry, a byproduct of scientific knowledge, has led to significant human suffering. It is imperative that science is employed for the betterment of humanity rather than its detriment. Thus, harnessing science with noble intentions is the key to ensuring its positive impact on our lives.
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