Reading Comprehension (EINSTEIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS)

Choose the correct answer:

EINSTEIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS

Although it is true that many highly intelligent people are not appreciated during their own lifetime, the same cannot be said of super-scientist Albert Einstein. His death, on 18 April 1955, shocked not only the scientific community but the whole world. Since then, his fame has continued to grow. Today, there are many widely believed ‘facts’ about him as a character and as a scientist, but not all of them are actually true.

Myth no.1

Today, Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity and most people think that this won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, at the time – and indeed, for many years afterwards – the theory of relativity was considered unproved. He was actually awarded this Nobel Prize for his work on the movement of energy between light and electrons.

Myth no.2

It is often claimed that Einstein was a weak student in mathematics. Nothing, however, could have been further from the truth. It is said that Einstein began to teach himself advanced mathematics at the age of 12 - years before his classmates. Although no one really knows where this rumour came from, one popular explanation is that Einstein’s school changed its grading system so that the highest mark for one year became the lowest mark for the next. Thus, under the new system, it wrongly appeared that Einstein failed many of his classes in earlier years.

Myth no.3

It is also thought that Einstein failed his college exams. Although it is true that he failed the entrance exam for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, this doesn’t quite tell the whole story. While education at the Institute started at 18, Einstein was only 16 when he sat the exam. The myth doesn't mention the fact that he failed only because of poor marks in subjects such as French and biology; his maths and physics scores were excellent.

Myth no.4

It is often believed that geniuses never make mistakes. In fact, Einstein made a great many. His greatest mistake (according to Einstein himself, at least) was accepting that the universe was fixed rather than expanding. However, though the theory was incorrect, scientists today believe that its mathematics could actually be used to explain other theories about the universe.

Myth no.5

This last myth has some truth to it: Einstein had an unusual personality. According to many reports, he had several strange habits. Among other things, he liked to go sailing when there was no wind because he found it more interesting, and he refused to wear socks.

With or without the myths, Einstein is generally considered one of the most important scientists in modern history. Aside from his work in physics, he also used his fame to make a difference outside of the scientific community. He offered money to the war effort - most famously, around $6 million from the sale of a handwritten copy of his notes on relativity (an incredible amount in 1944, which showed just how popular he was with the public at the time) - and spoke out in support of equal rights.

What does the writer say about Einstein’s death?

Choose the correct answer:

EINSTEIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS

Although it is true that many highly intelligent people are not appreciated during their own lifetime, the same cannot be said of super-scientist Albert Einstein. His death, on 18 April 1955, shocked not only the scientific community but the whole world. Since then, his fame has continued to grow. Today, there are many widely believed ‘facts’ about him as a character and as a scientist, but not all of them are actually true.

Myth no.1

Today, Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity and most people think that this won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, at the time – and indeed, for many years afterwards – the theory of relativity was considered unproved. He was actually awarded this Nobel Prize for his work on the movement of energy between light and electrons.

Myth no.2

It is often claimed that Einstein was a weak student in mathematics. Nothing, however, could have been further from the truth. It is said that Einstein began to teach himself advanced mathematics at the age of 12 - years before his classmates. Although no one really knows where this rumour came from, one popular explanation is that Einstein’s school changed its grading system so that the highest mark for one year became the lowest mark for the next. Thus, under the new system, it wrongly appeared that Einstein failed many of his classes in earlier years.

Myth no.3

It is also thought that Einstein failed his college exams. Although it is true that he failed the entrance exam for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, this doesn’t quite tell the whole story. While education at the Institute started at 18, Einstein was only 16 when he sat the exam. The myth doesn't mention the fact that he failed only because of poor marks in subjects such as French and biology; his maths and physics scores were excellent.

Myth no.4

It is often believed that geniuses never make mistakes. In fact, Einstein made a great many. His greatest mistake (according to Einstein himself, at least) was accepting that the universe was fixed rather than expanding. However, though the theory was incorrect, scientists today believe that its mathematics could actually be used to explain other theories about the universe.

Myth no.5

This last myth has some truth to it: Einstein had an unusual personality. According to many reports, he had several strange habits. Among other things, he liked to go sailing when there was no wind because he found it more interesting, and he refused to wear socks.

With or without the myths, Einstein is generally considered one of the most important scientists in modern history. Aside from his work in physics, he also used his fame to make a difference outside of the scientific community. He offered money to the war effort - most famously, around $6 million from the sale of a handwritten copy of his notes on relativity (an incredible amount in 1944, which showed just how popular he was with the public at the time) - and spoke out in support of equal rights.

Why is it often believed that Einstein was awarded a Nobel Prize for his theory of relativity?

Choose the correct answer:

EINSTEIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS

Although it is true that many highly intelligent people are not appreciated during their own lifetime, the same cannot be said of super-scientist Albert Einstein. His death, on 18 April 1955, shocked not only the scientific community but the whole world. Since then, his fame has continued to grow. Today, there are many widely believed ‘facts’ about him as a character and as a scientist, but not all of them are actually true.

Myth no.1

Today, Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity and most people think that this won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, at the time – and indeed, for many years afterwards – the theory of relativity was considered unproved. He was actually awarded this Nobel Prize for his work on the movement of energy between light and electrons.

Myth no.2

It is often claimed that Einstein was a weak student in mathematics. Nothing, however, could have been further from the truth. It is said that Einstein began to teach himself advanced mathematics at the age of 12 - years before his classmates. Although no one really knows where this rumour came from, one popular explanation is that Einstein’s school changed its grading system so that the highest mark for one year became the lowest mark for the next. Thus, under the new system, it wrongly appeared that Einstein failed many of his classes in earlier years.

Myth no.3

It is also thought that Einstein failed his college exams. Although it is true that he failed the entrance exam for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, this doesn’t quite tell the whole story. While education at the Institute started at 18, Einstein was only 16 when he sat the exam. The myth doesn't mention the fact that he failed only because of poor marks in subjects such as French and biology; his maths and physics scores were excellent.

Myth no.4

It is often believed that geniuses never make mistakes. In fact, Einstein made a great many. His greatest mistake (according to Einstein himself, at least) was accepting that the universe was fixed rather than expanding. However, though the theory was incorrect, scientists today believe that its mathematics could actually be used to explain other theories about the universe.

Myth no.5

This last myth has some truth to it: Einstein had an unusual personality. According to many reports, he had several strange habits. Among other things, he liked to go sailing when there was no wind because he found it more interesting, and he refused to wear socks.

With or without the myths, Einstein is generally considered one of the most important scientists in modern history. Aside from his work in physics, he also used his fame to make a difference outside of the scientific community. He offered money to the war effort - most famously, around $6 million from the sale of a handwritten copy of his notes on relativity (an incredible amount in 1944, which showed just how popular he was with the public at the time) - and spoke out in support of equal rights.

What is usually accepted as the reason for the myth that Einstein was not good at mathematics?

Choose the correct answer:

EINSTEIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS

Although it is true that many highly intelligent people are not appreciated during their own lifetime, the same cannot be said of super-scientist Albert Einstein. His death, on 18 April 1955, shocked not only the scientific community but the whole world. Since then, his fame has continued to grow. Today, there are many widely believed ‘facts’ about him as a character and as a scientist, but not all of them are actually true.

Myth no.1

Today, Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity and most people think that this won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, at the time – and indeed, for many years afterwards – the theory of relativity was considered unproved. He was actually awarded this Nobel Prize for his work on the movement of energy between light and electrons.

Myth no.2

It is often claimed that Einstein was a weak student in mathematics. Nothing, however, could have been further from the truth. It is said that Einstein began to teach himself advanced mathematics at the age of 12 - years before his classmates. Although no one really knows where this rumour came from, one popular explanation is that Einstein’s school changed its grading system so that the highest mark for one year became the lowest mark for the next. Thus, under the new system, it wrongly appeared that Einstein failed many of his classes in earlier years.

Myth no.3

It is also thought that Einstein failed his college exams. Although it is true that he failed the entrance exam for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, this doesn’t quite tell the whole story. While education at the Institute started at 18, Einstein was only 16 when he sat the exam. The myth doesn't mention the fact that he failed only because of poor marks in subjects such as French and biology; his maths and physics scores were excellent.

Myth no.4

It is often believed that geniuses never make mistakes. In fact, Einstein made a great many. His greatest mistake (according to Einstein himself, at least) was accepting that the universe was fixed rather than expanding. However, though the theory was incorrect, scientists today believe that its mathematics could actually be used to explain other theories about the universe.

Myth no.5

This last myth has some truth to it: Einstein had an unusual personality. According to many reports, he had several strange habits. Among other things, he liked to go sailing when there was no wind because he found it more interesting, and he refused to wear socks.

With or without the myths, Einstein is generally considered one of the most important scientists in modern history. Aside from his work in physics, he also used his fame to make a difference outside of the scientific community. He offered money to the war effort - most famously, around $6 million from the sale of a handwritten copy of his notes on relativity (an incredible amount in 1944, which showed just how popular he was with the public at the time) - and spoke out in support of equal rights.

According to the text, why did Einstein fail his college entrance exam?

Choose the correct answer:

EINSTEIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS

Although it is true that many highly intelligent people are not appreciated during their own lifetime, the same cannot be said of super-scientist Albert Einstein. His death, on 18 April 1955, shocked not only the scientific community but the whole world. Since then, his fame has continued to grow. Today, there are many widely believed ‘facts’ about him as a character and as a scientist, but not all of them are actually true.

Myth no.1

Today, Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity and most people think that this won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, at the time – and indeed, for many years afterwards – the theory of relativity was considered unproved. He was actually awarded this Nobel Prize for his work on the movement of energy between light and electrons.

Myth no.2

It is often claimed that Einstein was a weak student in mathematics. Nothing, however, could have been further from the truth. It is said that Einstein began to teach himself advanced mathematics at the age of 12 - years before his classmates. Although no one really knows where this rumour came from, one popular explanation is that Einstein’s school changed its grading system so that the highest mark for one year became the lowest mark for the next. Thus, under the new system, it wrongly appeared that Einstein failed many of his classes in earlier years.

Myth no.3

It is also thought that Einstein failed his college exams. Although it is true that he failed the entrance exam for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, this doesn’t quite tell the whole story. While education at the Institute started at 18, Einstein was only 16 when he sat the exam. The myth doesn't mention the fact that he failed only because of poor marks in subjects such as French and biology; his maths and physics scores were excellent.

Myth no.4

It is often believed that geniuses never make mistakes. In fact, Einstein made a great many. His greatest mistake (according to Einstein himself, at least) was accepting that the universe was fixed rather than expanding. However, though the theory was incorrect, scientists today believe that its mathematics could actually be used to explain other theories about the universe.

Myth no.5

This last myth has some truth to it: Einstein had an unusual personality. According to many reports, he had several strange habits. Among other things, he liked to go sailing when there was no wind because he found it more interesting, and he refused to wear socks.

With or without the myths, Einstein is generally considered one of the most important scientists in modern history. Aside from his work in physics, he also used his fame to make a difference outside of the scientific community. He offered money to the war effort - most famously, around $6 million from the sale of a handwritten copy of his notes on relativity (an incredible amount in 1944, which showed just how popular he was with the public at the time) - and spoke out in support of equal rights.

Which of the following is true of Einstein’s mistake about the expansion of the universe?

Choose the correct answer:

EINSTEIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS

Although it is true that many highly intelligent people are not appreciated during their own lifetime, the same cannot be said of super-scientist Albert Einstein. His death, on 18 April 1955, shocked not only the scientific community but the whole world. Since then, his fame has continued to grow. Today, there are many widely believed ‘facts’ about him as a character and as a scientist, but not all of them are actually true.

Myth no.1

Today, Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity and most people think that this won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, at the time – and indeed, for many years afterwards – the theory of relativity was considered unproved. He was actually awarded this Nobel Prize for his work on the movement of energy between light and electrons.

Myth no.2

It is often claimed that Einstein was a weak student in mathematics. Nothing, however, could have been further from the truth. It is said that Einstein began to teach himself advanced mathematics at the age of 12 - years before his classmates. Although no one really knows where this rumour came from, one popular explanation is that Einstein’s school changed its grading system so that the highest mark for one year became the lowest mark for the next. Thus, under the new system, it wrongly appeared that Einstein failed many of his classes in earlier years.

Myth no.3

It is also thought that Einstein failed his college exams. Although it is true that he failed the entrance exam for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, this doesn’t quite tell the whole story. While education at the Institute started at 18, Einstein was only 16 when he sat the exam. The myth doesn't mention the fact that he failed only because of poor marks in subjects such as French and biology; his maths and physics scores were excellent.

Myth no.4

It is often believed that geniuses never make mistakes. In fact, Einstein made a great many. His greatest mistake (according to Einstein himself, at least) was accepting that the universe was fixed rather than expanding. However, though the theory was incorrect, scientists today believe that its mathematics could actually be used to explain other theories about the universe.

Myth no.5

This last myth has some truth to it: Einstein had an unusual personality. According to many reports, he had several strange habits. Among other things, he liked to go sailing when there was no wind because he found it more interesting, and he refused to wear socks.

With or without the myths, Einstein is generally considered one of the most important scientists in modern history. Aside from his work in physics, he also used his fame to make a difference outside of the scientific community. He offered money to the war effort - most famously, around $6 million from the sale of a handwritten copy of his notes on relativity (an incredible amount in 1944, which showed just how popular he was with the public at the time) - and spoke out in support of equal rights.

Why does the writer mention how much one of Einstein’s handwrittenmanuscripts was sold for?