The Making of a Scientist — Grammar Exercises
Two grammar exercises based on real NCERT sentences from this chapter. Practise the editing and gap-filling formats tested in CBSE Section B.
Exercise 1Editing / Error Correction
The sentence below has one grammatical error. Find the incorrect word and write the correction.
Show Answer & Explanation
'Become' is the base form / present tense. The simple past of 'become' is 'became' (irregular: become → became → become). The story narrates Richard Ebright's past journey into science — all verbs should be past tense. 'Entered' (past) confirms the tense context. 'Become' alongside 'entered' creates a tense inconsistency.
Exercise 2Gap Filling
Choose the option that best fills the blank in the sentence below.
Show Answer & Explanation
The NCERT text emphasises how Ebright's mother 'encouraged' his scientific curiosity — she bought him a telescope, binoculars, and science kits, and drove him to meetings. 'Encouraged' captures the supportive, positive nature of her role. 'Forced' would be negative, 'taught' is more formal/academic, 'helped' is too vague. The specific relationship described is one of encouragement.
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