CBSE Class 10 English – Footprints Without Feet
Chapter 6: The Making of a Scientist
20 Important Questions and Answers
(As per CBSE 2026–27 Syllabus)
Richard Ebright’s journey from a curious child to a successful scientist is the central theme of this chapter. The questions below focus on character traits, scientific temperament, achievements, and important incidents from the lesson.
1. How did Richard Ebright’s mother help him become a scientist?
Answer:
Richard Ebright’s mother played a vital role in shaping his scientific career. Since he was an only child, she spent a lot of time with him and encouraged his curiosity. She bought him books, microscopes, telescopes, cameras, and other scientific equipment. She also took him on trips and motivated him to learn new things. One day, she gave him a book called The Travels of Monarch X, which inspired him to study butterflies seriously. Her constant support helped him develop scientific thinking and confidence. Thus, his mother’s encouragement and guidance laid the foundation for his success as a scientist.
2. Why was The Travels of Monarch X a turning point in Ebright’s life?
Answer:
The Travels of Monarch X became a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life because it introduced him to scientific research. The book explained the migration of monarch butterflies and invited readers to help scientists by tagging butterflies. Ebright became deeply interested in this activity and began raising and studying butterflies. This experience transformed him from a simple collector into a young researcher. It developed his curiosity and encouraged him to conduct experiments. Through this book, he learned the importance of observation and investigation. Therefore, the book opened the world of science to him and greatly influenced his future career.
3. What lesson did Ebright learn from losing at the science fair?
Answer:
When Richard Ebright participated in a county science fair, he displayed slides of frog tissues but did not win any prize. Initially, he felt disappointed. However, he carefully observed the winning entries and realized that the successful participants had conducted real experiments rather than simply displaying information. This taught him an important lesson: science is about asking questions and finding answers through experiments. After that experience, he focused on original research projects instead of making neat displays. This change in his approach helped him win prizes in later science fairs and develop the qualities of a true scientist.
4. Why did Ebright stop collecting butterflies and start studying them?
Answer:
As a young boy, Richard Ebright loved collecting butterflies and soon collected all the species found around his hometown. After achieving this goal, he wanted a more challenging activity. The book The Travels of Monarch X inspired him to study butterfly migration and behavior. Instead of merely collecting butterflies, he began tagging and raising them for scientific research. His curiosity encouraged him to ask questions about their life cycle and development. This shift from collecting to studying marked the beginning of his scientific journey. It helped him understand that science involves investigation and discovery rather than simple observation.
5. How did Ebright’s interest in butterflies contribute to his scientific success?
Answer:
Richard Ebright’s interest in butterflies became the foundation of his scientific achievements. He started by collecting and tagging butterflies and later conducted experiments related to their behavior and development. His projects included studying diseases in monarch butterflies, the purpose of gold spots on pupae, and the hormones responsible for butterfly growth. These investigations helped him develop research skills such as observation, experimentation, and analysis. His discoveries eventually led to important findings about cells and DNA. Thus, a simple childhood hobby gradually turned into serious scientific research and contributed significantly to his success as a scientist.
6. What qualities made Richard Ebright a successful scientist?
Answer:
Richard Ebright possessed several qualities that helped him become a successful scientist. He had a sharp and curious mind and always wanted to understand how things worked. He was hardworking and dedicated to his research projects. He learned from his failures and constantly improved his methods. Ebright was also highly competitive, but he competed for the right reasons—to do his best rather than defeat others. He was disciplined, patient, and willing to spend long hours on experiments. These qualities, combined with his love for learning, enabled him to make important discoveries and earn recognition in the scientific community.
7. What was Ebright’s first major scientific achievement?
Answer:
One of Richard Ebright’s early scientific achievements came from his research on monarch butterflies. He conducted experiments to understand the purpose of the gold spots on butterfly pupae. Through careful observation and investigation, he discovered that these spots produced a hormone necessary for the butterfly’s development. This project won first place in zoology at an international science fair. It also gave him an opportunity to work at a laboratory and continue his research. This achievement marked the beginning of his recognition as a young scientist and encouraged him to pursue more advanced scientific studies.
8. Why did Ebright raise a flock of butterflies?
Answer:
Richard Ebright raised a flock of butterflies to support his scientific research. After reading The Travels of Monarch X, he learned about tagging monarch butterflies to study their migration patterns. Catching butterflies in the wild was difficult because the season was short and the insects were not always available. Therefore, he decided to raise a large number of butterflies himself. This allowed him to observe them closely and conduct experiments whenever needed. Raising butterflies also helped him gather accurate information for his projects. It showed his determination and willingness to work hard for scientific investigation.
9. How did Ebright’s failure help him grow as a scientist?
Answer:
Failure played an important role in Richard Ebright’s growth as a scientist. When he failed to win a prize at a science fair, he did not become discouraged. Instead, he carefully analyzed why he had lost and realized that science required genuine experimentation. This understanding motivated him to design meaningful projects and conduct proper research. Every setback encouraged him to improve his methods and think more critically. Rather than giving up, he treated failures as learning opportunities. This positive attitude helped him develop perseverance and scientific thinking, which later contributed to his many achievements in the field of science.
10. What was the significance of the gold spots on monarch pupae?
Answer:
For many years, scientists believed that the gold spots on monarch butterfly pupae were merely decorative. However, Richard Ebright’s research proved otherwise. Through experiments, he discovered that these spots produced a hormone essential for the proper development of butterflies. This finding was significant because it provided new knowledge about insect growth and development. His research also opened the door to further studies in biology and cell science. The discovery earned him recognition at science fairs and established his reputation as a talented young researcher. It was one of the most important milestones in his scientific career.
11. How did Ebright develop an interest in scientific research?
Answer:
Richard Ebright’s interest in scientific research developed gradually through his hobbies and experiences. As a child, he enjoyed collecting butterflies, fossils, rocks, and coins. His mother encouraged these interests and provided books and equipment for learning. The book The Travels of Monarch X inspired him to study butterfly migration scientifically. He then began tagging butterflies, conducting experiments, and participating in science fairs. These activities taught him how to observe carefully, ask questions, and seek answers through investigation. Over time, his curiosity grew stronger and led him toward serious scientific research, eventually making him a successful scientist.
12. What role did curiosity play in Ebright’s success?
Answer:
Curiosity was one of the most important factors behind Richard Ebright’s success. He constantly wanted to know how things worked and why certain events occurred in nature. Instead of accepting facts without question, he investigated them through experiments. His curiosity led him to study butterflies, explore their behavior, and discover important scientific facts. It encouraged him to ask meaningful questions and search for accurate answers. This habit of inquiry helped him develop a scientific attitude from an early age. As a result, his curiosity became the driving force behind his achievements and discoveries in the field of science.
13. How was Ebright different from other children of his age?
Answer:
Richard Ebright was different from many children because he spent his time learning and exploring rather than engaging only in games. He was highly curious and enjoyed collecting butterflies, fossils, rocks, and coins. He loved reading scientific books and conducting experiments. While most children viewed these activities as hobbies, Ebright treated them as opportunities to learn. He participated actively in science fairs and always tried to improve his knowledge. His dedication, discipline, and interest in research set him apart from others. These qualities helped him achieve success at a young age and paved the way for his scientific career.
14. Why did Ebright’s teachers admire him?
Answer:
Ebright’s teachers admired him because he was intelligent, hardworking, and eager to learn. He excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities. Besides being a talented science student, he was also a skilled debater, public speaker, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast. His science teacher, Mr. Weiherer, appreciated his curiosity and determination. Ebright never worked merely for rewards; he genuinely wanted to understand scientific concepts and perform his best. His positive attitude toward learning and his dedication to research impressed his teachers greatly. Therefore, they regarded him as an exceptional student with immense potential.
15. Describe Ebright’s competitive nature.
Answer:
Richard Ebright was highly competitive, but his competitiveness was healthy and constructive. He did not compete simply to defeat others or gain recognition. Instead, he competed because he wanted to perform at his highest level and achieve excellence. Whenever he faced failure, he used it as motivation to improve himself. He participated in science fairs, academic activities, and other competitions with dedication and enthusiasm. His desire to do meaningful work pushed him to conduct better experiments and produce quality research. This positive form of competition helped him develop discipline, confidence, and determination, all of which contributed to his success.
16. What were Ebright’s achievements besides science?
Answer:
Apart from being an outstanding science student, Richard Ebright excelled in many other fields. He was a champion debater and a skilled public speaker. He also enjoyed outdoor activities and was a good canoeist. In addition, he was an expert photographer, especially of natural and scientific subjects. These achievements show that he was a well-rounded personality with diverse interests and talents. His success in multiple areas reflects his discipline, hard work, and enthusiasm for learning. Such qualities helped him balance academics and extracurricular activities effectively while continuing to pursue scientific research with dedication.
17. What does the chapter teach about the making of a scientist?
Answer:
The chapter teaches that a scientist is not born but developed through curiosity, hard work, and determination. Richard Ebright became successful because he constantly asked questions and searched for answers. He learned from his failures and never stopped exploring new ideas. The story also highlights the importance of encouragement from parents and teachers. Scientific success requires patience, observation, experimentation, and a genuine desire to learn. Ebright’s journey demonstrates that even a simple hobby can lead to great achievements when pursued seriously. Thus, the chapter inspires students to cultivate curiosity and develop a scientific attitude toward life.
18. How did Ebright contribute to science at a young age?
Answer:
Richard Ebright made remarkable contributions to science even before becoming a professional scientist. Through his experiments on monarch butterflies, he discovered the function of the gold spots on pupae and identified the hormone responsible for butterfly development. Later, his research helped explain how cells read the blueprint contained in DNA. These discoveries attracted attention from the scientific community and earned him several awards. His achievements showed that age is not a barrier to meaningful scientific research. Through dedication and curiosity, he was able to contribute valuable knowledge to biology and molecular science at a very young age.
19. Why is Richard Ebright considered an ideal role model for students?
Answer:
Richard Ebright is considered an ideal role model because he combined intelligence with hard work and curiosity. He remained dedicated to learning and constantly searched for new knowledge. Instead of being discouraged by failures, he used them to improve himself. He balanced academics, scientific research, and extracurricular activities successfully. His achievements show the importance of discipline, perseverance, and a positive attitude. Moreover, he never stopped asking questions and exploring the world around him. Students can learn valuable lessons from his determination and commitment to excellence. Therefore, Ebright serves as an inspiring example for young learners everywhere.
20. What are the ingredients in the making of a scientist according to the chapter?
Answer:
According to the chapter, three main ingredients are necessary for making a scientist. First, a person needs a first-rate mind capable of understanding complex ideas. Second, curiosity is essential because it drives individuals to ask questions and seek answers. Third, one must have the will to win for the right reasons, meaning a desire to achieve excellence rather than simply gaining recognition. Richard Ebright possessed all these qualities. He was intelligent, curious, hardworking, and determined. These traits enabled him to conduct successful research and make important discoveries. The chapter emphasizes that these qualities are the true foundation of scientific success.