READING PRACTICE: STEPHEN HAWKING

LAST NAME, FIRST NAME

TRUE or FALSE Stephen Hawking's early school grades were consistently above average, reflecting his genius from a young age.

• TRUE
• FALSE

Answer explanation

CORRECT: Hawking was often considered average or below during his early school years. This is mentioned in Paragraph 1.

Multiple Choice What was Stephen Hawking's most famous scientific discovery?

• The Theory of Relativity
• Black Holes Emitting Radiation
• The Existence of the Multiverse
• Quantum Mechanics Principles

Answer explanation

CORRECT: Hawking demonstrated that black holes emit radiation, known as Hawking radiation. This is mentioned in Paragraph 2.

Short Answer What disease was Stephen Hawking diagnosed with, and how did it impact his life?

Answer explanation

Hawking was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It progressively weakened his muscles and eventually led to the use of a wheelchair and a voice synthesizer for communication.

Multiple Choice (Choose 2) Which of the following best describe Stephen Hawking's work as a cosmologist?

• A. Researching the origins of the universe
• B. Discovering the theory of relativity
• C. Studying black holes
• D. Inventing the telescope

Answer explanation

Explanation: Hawking's work focused on the origins of the universe, black holes, and space-time theories. He is not credited with discovering the theory of relativity (Einstein) or inventing the telescope (Galileo).

Paragraph Reference: Paragraph 2

Multiple Choice (Choose 3) Which of the following personal milestones are true for Stephen Hawking?

• He attended Cambridge University as a postgraduate.
• He married twice and had three children.
• He was born on January 8, 1942.
• He was diagnosed with ALS in his 30s.

Answer explanation

Explanation: Hawking achieved the first three milestones, but he was diagnosed with ALS at 21, not in his 30s.

Paragraph References: a) Paragraph 1; b) Paragraph 3; c) Paragraph 1

Short Answer How did Stephen Hawking communicate after losing the ability to speak?

Answer explanation

Correct answers: Using a voice synthesizer that he operated with his eye and cheek muscles., voice synthesizer

Short Answer

In what ways do you think Hawking might be considered a celebrity?

Answer explanation

He appeared on popular television shows and was a well-known personality.