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NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7 ‘A Visit to Cambridge’ is taken from the book ‘Heaven on Wheels’ by Firdaus Kanga. In this story, we explore Kanga’s journey to the University of Cambridge to meet Stephen Hawking. The writer wanted to meet Hawking to discover how a man with a disability could become an exceptional scientist as he himself suffered from ‘brittle bones’. Also, the author mentions his feelings on meeting Hawking, a paralysed genius, renowned physicist, communicator through technology, author of groundbreaking theories, and inspiring resilience despite a disability.
To help you understand the lesson efficiently, we have enlisted important word meanings in the chapter and a summary of the story. As we proceed, we will explore NCERT solutions which adhere to the CBSE guidelines. Let us begin learning!!
Also Read: What is Stephen Hawking’s Black Hole Theory All About?
Download NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7: A Visit to Cambridge
Table of Contents
Explore Notes for all chapters of Honeydew:
| Unit 1 Chapter | Unit 2 Chapter | Unit 3 Chapter | Unit 4 Chapter |
| Unit 5 Chapter | Unit 6 Chapter | Unit 7 Chapter | Unit 8 Chapter |
NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7: A Visit to Cambridge
In NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7 ‘A Visit to Cambridge’ Firdaus Kanga, an eminent writer and a journalist, shares his experience of meeting Stephen Hawking, a legendary astrophysicist.
The story depicts a remarkable encounter between two individuals deemed ‘disabled’ or ‘differently abled’ in contemporary terminology. Among them is Stephen Hawking, renowned as one of the most brilliant scientists of our era. Afflicted by a form of paralysis, Hawking navigates the world confined to a wheelchair, communicating solely through a computer that vocalises his thoughts. Firdaus Kanga, a writer and journalist based in Mumbai, shares a similar fate, born with a condition known as ‘brittle bones,’ rendering movement difficult without the aid of a wheelchair.
In their meeting, these two extraordinary men delve into discussions about the challenges and perceptions surrounding life in a wheelchair, as well as the reactions of society’s so-called ‘normal’ individuals towards those with disabilities.
Also Read: University of Cambridge Notable Alumni: History & Facts
Important Words and Phrases and Their Meanings
Now, let us explore important word meanings and phrases with meanings to understand NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7 ‘A Visit to Cambridge’. Let’s expand our English vocabulary with the following words:
- Astrophysicist: A scientist engaged in the study of the structure of planets, stars, galaxies, etc.
- Buoyant: Vibrant
- Torso: Upper part of the human body
- Incandescence: Emission of light
- Accessory: Additional decorative items
- Inflection: High pitch and low pitch in the voice
- Cliché: Common or overused expression which has become boring
- Claustrophobic: An individual who suffocates or fears closed spaces
- Gleefully: Happily
Also Read: 60+ Motivational Science Quotes by the Greatest Scientists
Explore NCERT Solutions for all chapters of Honeydew:
| Unit 1 Chapter | Unit 2 Chapter | Unit 3 Chapter | Unit 4 Chapter |
| Unit 5 Chapter | Unit 6 Chapter | Unit 7 Chapter | Unit 8 Chapter |
Download NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7: A Visit to Cambridge
NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7: A Visit to Cambridge
In this section, we have solutions to questions in NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7, which will help you complete your homework and excel in your English exams. Let’s proceed!!
Comprehension Check
1. “Cambridge was my metaphor for England.” To the writer,
(i) Cambridge was a reputed university in England.
(ii) England was famous for Cambridge.
(iii) Cambridge was the real England.
Ans: (iii) Cambridge was the real England.
2. The writer phoned Stephen Hawking’s house
(i) from the nearest phone booth.
(ii) from outside a phone booth.
(iii) from inside a phone booth.
Ans: (ii) from outside a phone booth.
3. Every time he spoke to the scientist, the writer felt guilty because
(i) he wasn’t sure what he wanted to ask.
(ii) he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesiser.
(iii) he was face to face with a legend.
Ans: (ii) he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesiser.
4. “I felt a huge relief… in the possibilities of my body.” In the given context, the highlighted words refer to
(i) shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist.
(ii) standing up, walking.
(iii) speaking, writing.
Ans: (i) shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist.
Working with the Text
Ques 1. Answer the following questions.
(i) Did the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking make the writer nervous? If so, why?
(ii) Did he at the same time feel very excited? If so, why?
Ans:
(i) The writer ‘Firdaus Kanga’ became nervous about meeting Stephen Hawking as the latter is a renowned astrophysicist and an exceptional scientist. Hawking is the author of “A Brief History of Time” and is considered the successor of Isaac Newton at the University of Cambridge.
(ii) Firdaus Kanga felt extremely excited to meet Stephen Hawking. He did not expect to have a chance to talk to someone so famous. Hawking’s achievements, despite being paralyzed and having disabilities, amazed him. He was even seen as a successor to Sir Isaac Newton and took his position at Cambridge University. This made Firdaus realise that he, too, had countless opportunities ahead of him and could achieve more than he thought possible.
Ques 2. Guess the first question put to the scientist by the writer.
Ans: The writer might have asked the scientist if he felt relieved and brave for achieving so much despite being disabled.
Ques 3. Stephen Hawking said, “I’ve had no choice.” Does the writer think there was a choice? What was it?
Ans: Stephen Hawking mentioned that he had no alternative but to remain confined to a wheelchair. However, Firdaus, the writer, believed that creatively adapting to the reality of his deteriorating body was a choice for him. Also, the writier strongly felt that Hawking could have easily given in to despair and surrendered to life. Instead, he chose to achieve great things despite his disability.
Ques 4. “I could feel his anguish.” What could be the anguish?
Ans: Stephen Hawking, a brilliant scientist, made significant contributions to science. He was always open to new ideas and eager to share his thoughts. However, he relied on a voice synthesiser to express himself, devoid of emotions. The writer empathised with Hawking’s frustration at his inability to fully convey his thoughts. Despite his brilliance, he was limited to expressing himself through a computer, which caused him great anguish.
Ques 5. What endeared the scientist to the writer so that he said he was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world?
Ans: The writer asked Stephen Hawking if he found it annoying to cause disturbance in his work, to which Hawking promptly responded with a yes. However, he then flashed a one-way smile, which endeared the scientist to the writer. In that moment, the writer felt he was truly looking at one of the most beautiful individuals in the world, whose physical disability did not detract from the beauty of his soul. It became evident to the writer that the body was merely an accessory.
Ques 6. Read aloud the description of ‘the beautiful’ man. Which is the most beautiful sentence in the description?
Ans: The most beautiful sentence in the description of ‘the beautiful’ man is: “Before you, like a lantern whose walls are worn so thin you glimpse only the light inside, is the incandescence of a man.” This sentence captures the essence of Hawking’s personality, portraying his inner beauty and vibrant glow, rendering his physical disability nothing but an accessory.
Ques 7. (i) If ‘the lantern’ is the man, what would its ‘walls’ be?
(ii) What is housed within the thin walls?
(iii) What general conclusion does the writer draw from this comparison?
Ans:
(i) If ‘the lantern’ is the man, its ‘walls’ would refer to the structure of the human body.
(ii) The light of life is housed within the thin walls of the external structure.
(iii) The author implies that within every human body resides an eternal soul, symbolised by the “incandescence of a man.” This inner essence, full of light and beauty, transcends the limitations of the outer physical structure, which is seen merely as an accessory in comparison.
Ques 8. What is the scientist’s message for the disabled?
Ans: Stephen Hawking emphasised the importance of individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, focusing on developing and utilizing their strengths. He cautioned against futile attempts by the disabled to mimic what is considered “normal.” Instead, he encouraged them to maximize the use of available resources and be grateful for the ability to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable feats, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.
Ques 9. Why does the writer refer to the guitar incident? Which idea does it support?
Ans: When Stephen Hawking told the author that the Olympics for the disabled was pointless, it made the author think about his struggles playing a large Spanish guitar. One night, he loosened the guitar strings without any regret. This helped the author understand Hawking’s message: focus on what you’re good at instead of comparing yourself to “normal” people.
Ques 10. The writer expresses his great gratitude to Stephen Hawking. What is the gratitude for?
Ans: Stephen Hawking’s inspiration deeply touched the author, leading to profound gratitude towards the scientist. Witnessing Hawking’s bravery in achieving significant accomplishments despite his disability left a lasting impression. Hawking epitomised courage, serving as a beacon for the author. This optimistic outlook instilled by Hawking inspired the author to embrace life with gratitude, refraining from constant complaints about disabilities.
Ques 11. Complete the following sentences taking their appropriate parts from both columns A and B given below.
(i) There was his assistant on the line …
(ii) You get fed up with people asking you to be brave, …
(iii) There he was, …
(iv) You look at his eyes which can speak, …
(v) It doesn’t do much good to know …
| Column A | Column B |
| a. tapping at a little switch in his hand b. and I told him c. that there are people d. as if you have a courage account e. and they are saying something huge and urgent | a. trying to find the words on his computer. b. I had come in a wheelchair from India. c. on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque. d. smiling with admiration to see you breathing still. e. it is hard to tell what. |
Ans:
(i) There was his assistant on the line and I told him I had come in a wheelchair from India.
(ii) You get fed up with people asking you to be brave as if you have a courage account on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque.
(iii) There he was, tapping at a little switch in his hand trying to find the words on his computer.
(iv) You look at his eyes which can speak and they are saying something huge and urgent – it is hard to tell what.
(v) It doesn’t do much good to know that there are people smiling with admiration to see you breathing still.
Working with Language
Ques 1. Fill in the blanks in the sentences below using the appropriate forms of the words given in the following box.
| Guide | Succeed | Chair |
| Travel | Pale | Draw |
| True |
(i) I met a ____________ from an antique land.
(ii) I need special ____________ in mathematics. I can’t count the number of times I have failed in the subject.
(iii) The guide called Stephen Hawking a worthy ____________ to Issac Newton.
(iv) His other problems ____________ into insignificance beside this unforeseen mishap.
(v) The meeting was ____________ by the youngest member of the board.
(vi) Some people say ‘yours ____________’ when they informally refer to themselves.
(vii) I wish it had been a ____________ match. We would have been spared the noise of celebrations, at least.
Ans:
(i) Traveller
(ii) Guidance
(iii) Successor
(iv) Paled
(v) Chaired
(vi) Truly
(vii) Drawn
Ques 2. Look at the following words:
| Walk | Stick |
Can you create a meaningful phrase using both these words?
(It is simple. Add -ing to the verb and use it before the noun. Put an article at the beginning.)
..a walking stick
Now make six such phrases using the words given in the box.
| read/session | smile/face | revolve/chair |
| walk/tour | dance/doll | win/chance |
Ans:
| a reading session | a smiling face | a revolving chair |
| a walking tour | a dancing doll | a winning chance |
Ques 3. Use ‘all’ or ‘both’ in the blanks. Tell your partner why you chose one or the other.
(i) He has two brothers. _______ are lawyers.
(ii) More than ten persons called. _______ of them wanted to see you.
(iii) They _______ cheered the team.
(iv) _______ her parents are teachers.
(v) How much have you got? Give me _______ of it.
Ans:
(i) Both
(ii) All
(iii) all
(iv) Both
(v) all
Ques 4. Complete each sentence using the right form of the adjective given in brackets.
(i) My friend has one of the _______ cars on the road. (fast)
(ii) This is the _______ story I have ever read. (interesting)
(iii) What you are doing now is _______ than what you did yesterday. (easy)
(iv) Ramesh and his wife are both _______. (short)
(v) He arrived _______ as usual. Even the chief guest came _______ than
he did. (late, early)
Ans:
(i) fastest
(ii) more interesting
(iii) easier
(iv) short
(v) earlier
Also Read: National Science Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, Celebration, and Facts
You can download NCERT Solutions PDF of all poems in Honeydew here:
| Unit 1 Poem | Unit 2 Poem | Unit 3 Poem | Unit 4 Poem |
| Unit 5 Poem | Unit 6 Poem | Unit 7 Poem | Unit 8 Poem |
FAQs
Ans: Stephen Hawking is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics, particularly in the fields of Cosmology, General Relativity, and Black Hole Physics. His work revolutionised our understanding of the universe, including the discovery of Hawking radiation, which proposed that black holes emit radiation and gradually lose mass. Despite being paralyzed due to motor neuron disease, his brilliance, communicated through his computerised voice, made him one of the most influential scientists of modern times.
Ans: The story ‘A Visit to Cambridge’ is taken from ‘Heaven on Wheels’.
Ans: Heaven on Wheels is written by Firdaus Kanga, a writer and a journalist from Mumbai.
Also, you can access Notes and NCERT Solutions of all chapters in the Class 8 English ‘It So Happened’ textbook
| Chapter 1: How the Camel Got His Hump |
| Chapter 2: Children at Work |
| Chapter 3: The Selfish Giant |
| Chapter 4: The Treasure Within |
| Chapter 5: Princess September |
| Chapter 6: The Fight |
| Chapter 7: Jalebis |
| Chapter 8: Ancient Education System of India |
For NCERT study material, follow CBSE Notes Class 8 English by Leverage Edu now.