Class 10 English Notes Maharashtra Board: Chapter 3.3 – Stephen Hawking 

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Chapter Title and Brief Introduction ✨

Chapter 3.3 – Stephen Hawking
This inspiring chapter tells the life story of Stephen Hawking, a brilliant scientist who, despite facing severe physical disabilities, made groundbreaking contributions to science and cosmology. It teaches us about courage, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

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Author Information 🖋️

The chapter is adapted from the life of Stephen Hawking, one of the most renowned physicists of the 20th century. He was known for his work on black holes and the theory of relativity. Despite being diagnosed with ALS, a motor neuron disease, he continued his research and inspired millions worldwide with his resilience.

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Summary of the Chapter 📖

Stephen Hawking was a genius who loved physics and astronomy from a young age. During his university days, he was diagnosed with a serious disease that gradually paralyzed him. Doctors gave him only a few years to live, but he defied all odds and continued his scientific work with the help of technology. His determination and optimism made him a symbol of human perseverance. The chapter highlights his achievements and encourages students to face challenges bravely.

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New Words and Meanings 📚

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Figures of Speech with Examples ✍️

• Alliteration: "Stephen showed strength and spirit."

• Metaphor: "He was a shining star in the field of science."

• Personification: "Hope never left his side."

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Poetic Appreciation

Not applicable — this is a prose chapter.

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Grammar and Language Study 📘

• Tenses Used: Mainly simple past and present perfect to describe past events and ongoing impacts.

• Reported Speech: Examples in the chapter include narrations of what doctors and people said about Stephen.

• Active and Passive Voice: Sentences switch between active ("He achieved many awards") and passive ("He was diagnosed with ALS").

• Vocabulary Building: Emphasis on using adjectives like "remarkable," "optimistic," and "persistent" to describe people.

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Important Exam Questions with Answers ❓

Q1: Who was Stephen Hawking?
Stephen Hawking was a famous physicist who made important discoveries about black holes and the universe. Despite being paralyzed by a disease, he continued his work with courage.

Q2: What challenges did Stephen Hawking face?
Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzed him. Doctors gave him little time to live, but he fought bravely and continued his scientific work.

Q3: How did technology help Stephen Hawking?
Technology, including a speech-generating computer, allowed Stephen Hawking to communicate and continue his research despite his paralysis.

Q4: What is the moral of the chapter ‘Stephen Hawking’?
The chapter teaches us to never give up, face difficulties with courage, and stay optimistic no matter what challenges life brings.

Q5: Describe Stephen Hawking's contributions to science.
Stephen Hawking made significant contributions to cosmology and black hole physics, helping us understand the universe better.

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Central Idea or Moral Message 🌟

The central idea of the chapter "Stephen Hawking" is the triumph of human spirit over physical limitations. Stephen Hawking’s life shows that determination, courage, and optimism can help a person overcome even the toughest obstacles. His story encourages students to face their difficulties bravely and to believe in their potential. It also highlights the role of hard work and perseverance in achieving success, no matter how challenging the circumstances. This chapter motivates young learners to pursue their dreams with dedication, proving that disability cannot stop a strong mind.

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Previously Asked Board Exam Questions (Last 5 Years) with Answers 📅

Q1 (2 marks): What disease was Stephen Hawking diagnosed with?
Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a disease that gradually paralyzed him but did not stop his scientific work.

Q2 (3 marks): Explain how Stephen Hawking’s life is an inspiration to students.
Stephen Hawking’s life inspires students because, despite his severe physical disability, he continued to work hard and made important scientific discoveries. His courage and determination teach us never to give up.

Q3 (4 marks): Describe the role of technology in Stephen Hawking’s life.
Technology played a vital role in Stephen Hawking’s life by enabling him to communicate through a speech-generating device. This helped him express his ideas and continue his research, proving that technology can empower people with disabilities.

Q4 (5 marks): Write a brief note on Stephen Hawking’s contributions to science and his life struggles.
Stephen Hawking was a brilliant physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of black holes and the universe. Despite being diagnosed with a debilitating disease that paralyzed him over time, he never lost hope. Using technology and his incredible intellect, he continued his work, inspiring millions worldwide. His story is a testament to courage, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit to overcome challenges.

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Practice Questions with Answers ✍️

Short Answer Questions

1. Who was Stephen Hawking?

2. What disease did he suffer from?

3. How did doctors describe his condition initially?

4. How did Stephen Hawking communicate despite his disability?

5. Name one major scientific field Hawking contributed to.

6. What lesson does Stephen Hawking’s life teach us?

7. What was Stephen Hawking’s attitude towards life?

8. Mention one new word from the chapter and its meaning.

9. How did Stephen’s family support him?

10. What is perseverance?

Long Answer Questions

11. Write a brief summary of the chapter "Stephen Hawking."

12. Describe the difficulties Stephen Hawking faced in his life.

13. Explain the role of technology in helping Stephen Hawking.

14. Discuss the achievements of Stephen Hawking.

15. How does this chapter inspire students to face their problems?

16. What message does the chapter convey about disabilities?

17. Describe the personality traits of Stephen Hawking.

18. How did Stephen Hawking’s optimism affect his work?

19. Explain the importance of courage as shown in the chapter.

20. Write about the impact Stephen Hawking has had on science and society.