Unit -6 – Prose - From Zero to Infinity
A. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two
Set 1
-
What was the reaction of the classmates to Ramanujan’s question?The classmates roared with laughter, thinking it was a silly question.
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What did the Indian mathematician Bhaskara prove?Bhaskara proved that zero divided by zero is infinity.
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Where did Ramanujan get S.L. Loney’s book on Trigonometry?He was lent the book by one of his senior students when he was 13.
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Where did Ramanujan do his mathematical problems? What were the subjects neglected by Ramanujan in college?He worked out problems on loose sheets, slates, and scraps of paper. He neglected History, English, and Physiology.
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Which University granted him a fellowship of ₹75 a month?The University of Madras.
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What did Ramanujan send to G.H. Hardy?He sent a letter with 120 theorems and formulae.
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Who discovered a rare mathematical genius in Ramanujan?G.H. Hardy and J.E. Littlewood of Cambridge University.
Set 2
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Why did the students laugh at Ramanujan?They thought his question about dividing zero bananas among zero people was absurd.
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Why did the teacher compliment Ramanujan?Because he had asked a deep mathematical question that had puzzled great mathematicians for centuries.
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What did Ramanujan do after reading the book on Trigonometry?He mastered it completely and began his own research, discovering new theorems and formulae.
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What disappointed Ramanujan’s father?He failed twice in his first-year arts exam by neglecting other subjects.
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How did Ramanujan manage his paper crisis?He used scraps of paper from the streets and even wrote with red ink over blue ink on reused paper.
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Why were Ramanujan’s applications for jobs rejected?Because people could not understand the complex mathematics in his notebooks.
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Why was Ramanujan sent back to India?He was suffering from tuberculosis and his health had worsened in Cambridge’s cold climate.
B. Answer the following in about 80–100 words
C. Match the words with
correct Synonym and Antonym from the table.
|
S.No |
Word |
Synonym |
Antonym |
|
1 |
distribute |
circulate |
collect |
|
2 |
infinite |
boundless |
measurable |
|
3 |
significant |
important |
trivial |
|
4 |
delight |
joy |
sorrow |
|
5 |
unkempt |
messy |
clean |
|
6 |
initiate |
commence |
conclude |
|
7 |
conjecture |
guess |
fact |
D. *Listen to the anecdote
"Two Geniuses" and narrate it in your own words. Many people regard
the scientist Albert Einstein as one of twentieth century’s greatest
geniuses. He was a physicist whose research into the working of the universe made
such inventions as nuclear energy, space travel and television possible.
Anecdotes about Einstein show
that he had a great sense of humour. One such anecdote tells that as a young
man with a growing reputation, he received many invitations to go to
universities to explain his theories. On these trips he was always chauffeured
by the same person—a man called Hans. Hans often said to him, “It’s a pleasure
to drive a genius like you, Dr. Einstein.” One evening, on their way to a
remote university, Einstein said, “I wish I didn’t have to give my lecture
tonight, Hans. I’m so tired. But I can’t let my audience down, can I.” “You
don’t need to,” said Hans. “We’ll change places, and I’ll give the lecture for you.
I’ve listened to it a dozen times. I don’t understand it, but I know it by
heart. And no one knows you at the university, do they? No one will find out.” Einstein
eventually agreed with Hans, but said to him, “Don’t try to answer any questions,
whatever you do.” They changed places, and at the university, Hans was greeted
and led to the platform in a great hall
crowded with professors and students. Einstein joined the audience and listened
to Hans give his lecture perfectly, and joined in the applause at the end. However,
before Hans could get off the platform, a professor shouted from the audience, “I’d
like to ask you a question. Its very difficult but please answer it.” He then
asked the question so difficult that Hans had no idea what he was talking
about. Einstein thought, “Oh Dear, now we’re in trouble.” But Hans just laughed
and said, “That’s not a difficult question, sir. In fact, it’s so easy even my
driver knows how to answer it. Hans, stand up and……..” Einstein stood up and
answered the question perfectly.
They left the university,
with Einstein driving. A little later, Hans offered to take over from him. “No,
my friend,” laughed Einstein, “it’s a pleasure to drive a genius like you.”
D. Anecdote – “Two Geniuses” (narrated in own words)
Albert Einstein, the famous scientist, was often invited to give lectures on his theories. His driver, Hans, had heard the lectures many times and once suggested he could deliver it instead of Einstein, since nobody knew Einstein at that university. They exchanged places—Hans gave the lecture flawlessly, but a professor asked a tough question. Hans cleverly replied that even his driver could answer it and called Einstein, who was sitting in the audience, to give the correct answer. Afterward, as Einstein drove them home, he joked that it was his pleasure to drive such a genius like Hans.
E. Divide the students into
groups of five and conduct a group discussion on the topic "Importance of
Mathematics in Our Everyday Life". The teacher will act as a moderator .
Group Discussion Topic
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Mathematics is essential in banking and finance.
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We use math in shopping, cooking, and planning.
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Technology, engineering, and medicine depend on mathematics.
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ATMs, mobile apps, and online payments are based on mathematical principles.
-
Even simple daily decisions often involve calculations.
F. Answer the following
questions based on the given passage.
Automated Teller Machine
(ATM) is an indispensable part of our lives now worldwide! John Shepherd-Barron
once explained that he came up with the idea of cash dispensers in 1965
while lying in his bath after finding his bank closed. It was then his habit to
withdraw money on a Saturday, but on this particular weekend he had arrived one
minute late and found the bank doors locked against him. Later that year, he
bumped into the Chief General Manager of Barclays Bank who was about to have
lunch. Shepherd-Barron asked him for 90 seconds to pitch his idea for a cash
machine. “I told him I had an idea that if you put your standard Barclays
cheque through a slot in the side of the bank, it will deliver standard amounts
of money around the clock.” “He said, ‘Come and see me on Monday morning’.” Barclays
commissioned Shepherd-Barron to build six cash dispensers, the first of which was
installed at a branch in the north London suburb of Enfield on June 27, 1967.
The first person to withdraw cash was actor Reg Varney, a celebrity resident of
Enfield known for his part in a number of popular television series. An early
deployment of this device outside of the UK took place in Zurich in November,
1967. Shepherd-Barron was born at Shillong, India in 1925 to British parents
and later served in the Indian Army in Second Airborne division where he taught
Gurkhas to parachute.He also invented the PIN by recalling his Indian Army
number, he had originally intended to make Personal Identification Number (PIN)
six digit long, but reduced the number to four when his wife, Caroline,
complained that six was too many. “Over the kitchen table, she said she could
only remember four figures, so because of her, four figures became the world standard,”
he recalled. All this was possible due to a mathematical prodigy by the name of
Srinivasa Ramanujan — A mathematical genius of India. When you put your debit
or credit card in the machine and order the machine to dispense the amount of
your desire, the machine divides and arranges your money before dispensing it,
using Ramanujan’s ‘Partition Theory’.
1. What made John
Shepherd-Barron to come up with the idea of ATM?
2. When and where was the
first ATM installed?
3. Who was the first person
to withdraw cash from the ATM?
4. Why did Shepherd-Barron
reduce the PIN number from six digits to four?
5. Which theory of Ramanujan
helps the ATMs to dispense cash?
Comprehension Questions (ATM passage)
-
What made John Shepherd-Barron come up with the idea of ATM?
-
He thought of the idea after arriving one minute late at his bank and finding it closed when he needed money.
-
-
When and where was the first ATM installed?
-
The first ATM was installed on June 27, 1967, at a Barclays Bank branch in Enfield, north London.
-
-
Who was the first person to withdraw cash from the ATM?
-
Reg Varney, a television actor from Enfield, was the first person to use it.
-
-
Why did Shepherd-Barron reduce the PIN number from six digits to four?
-
Because his wife, Caroline, said she could only remember four digits, so he reduced it to four.
-
-
Which theory of Ramanujan helps the ATMs to dispense cash?
-
Ramanujan’s Partition Theory helps ATMs to divide and arrange money before dispensing.
Paragraph Writing
G. 1. Write a paragraph of 100 – 120 words about a memorable anecdote/incident of your life.
2. Write a paragraph of 100 – 120 words about your favourite personality.
1. A Memorable Anecdote in My Life
One of the most memorable incidents of my life happened during a school annual day. I was chosen to deliver a speech for the first time in front of a large audience. At first, I was nervous and my hands trembled, but as soon as I began speaking, I gained confidence. The audience listened carefully and encouraged me with their applause. My teachers appreciated my effort, and my parents were proud of me. That day taught me that confidence grows when we face our fears. It remains a special memory because it helped me believe in myself and shaped my interest in public speaking.
2. My Favourite Personality
My favourite personality is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. He was not only a great scientist but also an inspiring teacher. Known as the “Missile Man of India,” he played a key role in India’s space and missile programs. Despite his achievements, he lived a simple and humble life. His speeches and books, especially Wings of Fire, motivate young people to dream big and work hard. He believed that education and determination could change one’s future. Dr. Kalam is my role model because he combined knowledge, humility, and patriotism. His life continues to inspire me to work sincerely and serve my nation.
A. Complete the following sentences using appropriate Connectors from the box.
-
(moreover ,although ,meanwhile ,therefore ,because ,as long as ,thus ,above all, for instance ,except)
1. Irine felt cold ______________ she was wearing a winter coat.
2. This restaurant has some of the best chefs in the town. _____________ their service is excellent.
3. I’m not going to the party tonight _______________ I didn’t get an invitation.
4. You can set the table. ________________, I’ll start making dinner.
5. I can play quite a few instruments.______________, the flute, the guitar and the piano.
6. The store was out of chocolate chips; ______________ they would need to make a different type of cookies.
7. The stores are open daily ____________ Sundays.
8. I’ll stay ________________ you need me.
9. This detergent is highly concentrated and ____________ you will need to dilute it.
10. It was the thing he prized _____________.
-
Irine felt cold although she was wearing a winter coat.
-
This restaurant has some of the best chefs in the town. Moreover, their service is excellent.
-
I’m not going to the party tonight because I didn’t get an invitation.
-
You can set the table. Meanwhile, I’ll start making dinner.
-
I can play quite a few instruments. For instance, the flute, the guitar and the piano.
-
The store was out of chocolate chips; therefore they would need to make a different type of cookies.
-
The stores are open daily except Sundays.
-
I’ll stay as long as you need me.
-
This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.
-
It was the thing he prized above all.
Active Voice and Passive Voice:
B. Convert the following active sentences into passive sentences by supplying an appropriate passive verb form.
1. She will not recognize us. / We ____________ by her.
a. will not recognize b. will not being recognized c. will not be recognized
2. They didn’t invite me, but I went anyway. / I ________________ but I went anyway.
a. wasn't invited b. wasn't being invited c. wasn't inviting
3. They broke up the table for firewood. / The table ____________ up for firewood.
a. broke b. had broken c. was broken
4. She has won the first prize. / The first prize ______________ by her.
a. has won b. has been won c. had been won
5. A friend of mine is repairing the car. / The car _______________ by a friend of mine.
a. is repairing b. is repaired c. is being repaired
6. Begin the work tomorrow. / Let the work ____________ tomorrow.
a. be begun b. begin c. is beginning
7. They speak English in New Zealand. / English _______________ in New Zealand.
a. is speaking b. is spoken c. is being spoken
8. His attitude shocked me. / I _______________ by his attitude.
a. had shocked b. had been shocked c. was shocked
9. She had already sent the parcel. / The parcel _______________ by her.
a. has already been sent b. had already been sent c. was already sent
10. Her silence worries me. / I _______________ her silence.
a. am worrying by b. am worried by c. have worried by
-
She will not recognize us. → We will not be recognized by her. ✅(c)
They didn’t invite me, but I went anyway. → I wasn’t invited but I went anyway. ✅(a)
They broke up the table for firewood. → The table was broken up for firewood. ✅(c)
She has won the first prize. → The first prize has been won by her. ✅(b)
A friend of mine is repairing the car. → The car is being repaired by a friend of mine. ✅(c)
Begin the work tomorrow. → Let the work be begun tomorrow. ✅(a)
They speak English in New Zealand. → English is spoken in New Zealand. ✅(b)
His attitude shocked me. → I was shocked by his attitude. ✅(c)
She had already sent the parcel. → The parcel had already been sent by her. ✅(b)
Her silence worries me. → I am worried by her silence. ✅(b)
C. Match the following Active
voice sentences with Passive voice
Active Voice - Passive Voice
1. I will never forget this
experience - A novel has been written by her.
2. Mother made a cake
yesterday. - The deer was being chased by the
tiger.
3. Have you finished the
report? - A cake was made by mother
yesterday.
4. The tiger was chasing the
deer. - Has the report been finished by you?
5. She has written a novel. - This experience will never be
forgotten by me.
I will never forget this experience → This experience will never be forgotten by me.
-
Mother made a cake yesterday. → A cake was made by mother yesterday.
-
Have you finished the report? → Has the report been finished by you?
-
The tiger was chasing the deer. → The deer was being chased by the tiger.
-
She has written a novel. → A novel has been written by her.
D. Change the following into passive voice.
1. Stanley will inform you later.
2. People speak Portuguese in Brazil.
3. My grandfather built this house in 1943.
4. Do not hurt the animals.
5. You must not drop litter in the streets.
6. Carry it home.
7. They are decorating the wall.
8. He has already mended the TV set.
E. Make a scrapbook of 'Famous
Biographies' by collecting at least five biographies of famous scientists,
mathematicians, inventors, artists etc., of your choice. You may also collect
the pictures related to their achievements, inventions etc.
|
Name |
Field |
Biography
(Short) |
Achievements
/ Inventions |
Suggested
Picture |
|
Marie
Curie |
Scientist
(Physics & Chemistry) |
Marie
Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She discovered the
radioactive elements polonium and radium. She worked tirelessly for science,
even during hardships. |
Discovery
of Radium & Polonium, First woman Nobel laureate. |
Picture
of Curie in lab / Radium experiment |
|
Jonas
Salk |
Medical
Researcher |
Jonas
Salk was an American scientist who developed the first safe and effective
polio vaccine. His discovery saved millions of lives worldwide. |
Polio
vaccine, eradication of polio in many countries. |
Salk
with vaccine vial |
|
M.
S. Subbulakshmi |
Musician
(Carnatic Singer) |
M.
S. Subbulakshmi was a legendary Indian Carnatic vocalist. She was the first
musician to receive the Bharat Ratna. Her devotional songs are loved by all. |
Bharat
Ratna award, International concerts, Famous for bhajans. |
Singing
at concerts |
|
Stephen
Hawking |
Physicist |
Stephen
Hawking was a brilliant theoretical physicist. Despite being affected by ALS,
he made great contributions to cosmology and black hole theory. |
Author
of A Brief History of Time, Black hole radiation theory. |
Hawking
in wheelchair with computer |
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