Scientific Research Is A Token Of Humankind’s Survival | Exercise With Summary | Grade 11 | English
0Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind's Survival by Vladimir Keilis-Borok in 400 words:
The author argues that scientific research is essential for the survival of humanity. He begins by recounting his experience as a young scientist in the Soviet Union, where he was told that scientists are "poor" because they are not clever enough to make money. He then goes on to describe how his theoretical knowledge in seismology was used to help solve the problem of nuclear testing. He also discusses the importance of basic research in preventing disasters, such as earthquakes and floods.
a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?
A scientist gets satisfaction from his work and the knowledge that he is contributing to the betterment of society.
b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?
The nuclear powers had faced the problem of how to prevent nuclear war.
c. In which area did Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge have a direct application?
Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge in seismology was used to help solve the problem of nuclear testing.
d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit?
The politicians decided to ban nuclear testing before the Geneva Summit.
e. What are the natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author?
The natural disasters mentioned by the author include earthquakes and floods. The man-made disasters include nuclear war.
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…
c. scientist. The author is talking about how scientists are often not well-paid, even though they are very intelligent.
b. The writer says, “I found myself in Geneva.” What does it express?
It expresses the author's surprise and awe at being in such an important place, where the fate of the world was being decided.
c. Are the following statements true? Why or why not? Discuss with your partner.
i. Money is more powerful than intellectual resources. False. The author argues that intellectual resources are more powerful than money, because they can be used to solve problems that money cannot.
ii. Intellectual resources help survival of the mankind. True. The author argues that scientific research, which is a product of intellectual resources, is essential for the survival of humanity.
iii. Basic research is a way of stalling disasters. True. The author argues that basic research can help us to understand the causes of disasters and to develop ways to prevent them.
d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is the humankind’s survival?
The essayist justifies that scientific research is the humankind’s survival by arguing that it can help us to solve the problems that threaten our existence, such as nuclear war, earthquakes, and floods.
e. What can be the purpose of the essayist of using quotations in the essay?
The purpose of the essayist of using quotations in the essay may be to support his arguments or to add authority to his statements.
f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world.
The writer's stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world is based on the fact that they are able to use their knowledge to solve real-world problems. For example, the author's own work in seismology helped to solve the problem of nuclear testing.
Reference beyond the text
a. Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons. Explain this statement.
Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons because nuclear weapons are capable of destroying the entire world. The threat of nuclear war is a constant source of anxiety for people all over the world.
b. The essayist says ‘While there is science, there is hope of survival and well-being for all of us.’ Explain it.
The essayist says this because science has the potential to solve the problems that threaten our survival, such as nuclear war, earthquakes, and floods. Science can also help us to improve our well-being by developing new technologies and treatments for diseases.
c. Is science a blessing or a curse? Write an essay on it.
Science can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, science has led to many advances that have improved our lives, such as the development of vaccines, antibiotics, and computers. On the other hand, science has also been used to create weapons of mass destruction and to pollute the environment. It is up to us to use science responsibly so that it can be a force for good in the world.