Welcome to StudyMats. This comprehensive educational guide for Class 10 English – The Making of a Scientist | Footprints Without Feet | NCERT Solutions is prepared to assist students in preparing effectively for their school, board, and competitive examinations. All questions, exercise solutions, and concept notes strictly adhere to the latest NCERT curriculum and CBSE guidelines.
NCERT Class 10 English – Footprints Without Feet – Chapter 6: The Making of a Scientist
Exercise Questions: Short Answers & Simple Explanations
Q1. How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
Answer: When Ebright was in the seventh grade, he read a book called The Travels of Monarch X. It explained how monarch butterflies migrated to Central America and inspired him to study science seriously.
Explanation: The book changed Ebright’s interest in collecting butterflies into a passion for scientific research and experiments.
Q2. How did his mother help him?
Answer: His mother was very supportive. She provided him with books, tools, and materials and encouraged his curiosity by discussing ideas with him.
Explanation: Her motivation and constant guidance helped Ebright develop confidence and discipline for scientific work.
Q3. What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
Answer: Ebright learned that collecting things is not enough; real science means doing proper experiments.
Explanation: Losing the fair taught him that success requires research, creativity, and problem-solving — not just showing collections.
Q4. What experiments and projects does he then undertake?
Answer: He experimented on butterflies to learn how their wings get color and how their cells change. He later worked on DNA functioning in cells.
Explanation: His projects gradually became more advanced and led to important discoveries about heredity and cell behavior.
Q5. What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Answer: A scientist must be curious, hardworking, and open-minded. He should ask questions and not give up easily.
Explanation: Curiosity, patience, and observation made Ebright a successful scientist — these qualities are essential for discovery.
Q6. How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian...?
Answer: Reading books is not enough. One must think deeply, ask questions, and look for real-life examples to test ideas.
Explanation: Real understanding comes from exploring, experimenting, and verifying facts, not just memorizing information.
Q7. You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in the light of what you have studied.
Answer: Ebright studied how DNA controls cell growth and function. His work helped in understanding that DNA carries genetic information.
Explanation: Ebright’s discoveries linked biology with genetics and helped explain how living things develop from their DNA code.
Q8. If you get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on projects and experiments, which field would you like to work on and why?
Answer: I would like to work in space research because it has endless mysteries and possibilities for discovery.
Explanation: Space science helps us understand planets, stars, and the origin of life — areas that inspire deep curiosity and innovation.
Q9. What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?
Answer: DNA fingerprinting is a technique to identify people using their DNA patterns. It helps in solving crimes, finding family relations, and identifying bodies.
Explanation: Since everyone’s DNA is unique, this method gives accurate identity verification.
Q10. How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
Answer: Honeybees recognize their hive by smell. Each hive has a unique scent.
Explanation: Their strong sense of smell helps them find and protect their home from other bees.
Q11. What is the reason rain falls in drops?
Answer: Rain falls in drops because of condensation and surface tension. Water vapor turns into small droplets that join together and fall.
Explanation: Surface tension makes the droplets round, and gravity pulls them down to the earth.
Q12. You also must have wondered about certain things around you. Share these questions with your class, and try and answer them.
Answer: For example: Why do stars twinkle? How do birds find their way while migrating? Why does ice float on water?
Explanation: Asking such questions develops scientific thinking — just like Ebright, who learned by exploring and questioning everything around him.
💡 Important Exam & Study Tips
- Master NCERT Fundamentals: Ensure thorough familiarity with standard textbook definitions, formulas, and in-text examples before solving advanced problems.
- Step-by-Step Presentation: In board examinations, neat presentation, correct formula application, and labeled steps earn maximum step-marking.
- Practice Under Timed Conditions: Regular practice with previous years' question papers (PYQs) builds exam speed and accuracy.
📚 Related Study Materials on StudyMats
Access more chapter-wise notes and practice papers:
- StudyMats Home — Complete Educational Study Material
- CBSE Notes Study Notes & Question Papers
- Class 10 English Study Notes & Question Papers
- English Chapter 6 Study Notes & Question Papers
- Footprints Without Feet Study Notes & Question Papers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are these solutions aligned with the latest rationalized syllabus?
Yes, all study notes and practice questions on StudyMats strictly follow the updated NCERT textbook pattern and CBSE assessment guidelines.
Q2: How can I prepare this chapter for highest marks?
Review the theory thoroughly, solve all textbook exercise questions, and repeatedly practice the high-frequency questions provided in this guide.