Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival by Vladimir Keilis-Borok (Main Points, Summary, Analysis, Question Answers)- Grade 11

 

Main Points

 ·         Science is an exciting adventure where a major reward comes from the discovery itself. What you get instead of big money is freedom, camaraderie, independence.

·   The author did research on the theory of seismic waves—tremors in the earth generated by an earthquake.

 ·    He found underground nuclear explosions produced earth tremors very similar to those generated by earthquakes.

 ·   Soviet Union, United States, and United Kingdom—three powers possessing nuclear weapons. Continuing nuclear tests meant the development of even stronger bombs, introducing even more imbalance into the global nuclear standoff. The three nuclear powers were willing to come to an agreement, putting a ban on the nuclear weapon test. (Geneva agreement)

 ·       The nuclear powers had approved to a halt on nuclear weapons testing. However, the problem is that the nuclear powers had faced is they would not be able to detect if any of the powers violated the agreement by testing the nuclear weapons hiding underground.  

·    Human survival is the area that Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge has a direct application. It is because the hidden nuclear explosions cause vibrations, which are just like the shocks of an earthquake. It is Borok's knowledge that could differentiate the tremors of nuclear shake and the real earthquake.

 ·       The author argues that only the basic research could give us new sources of energy; new mineral deposits; efficient defense from terrorism; cure from cancer; new forms of transportation.

 ·         The very survival of our civilization is threatened by natural and man-made disasters. Among them are earthquakes, self-inflicted destruction of megacities, environmental catastrophes, economic and social crises.

 ·    The hope and the responsibility for breaking the stalemate rest not on the money but on intellectual resources, though the money is more popular.

• Scientific research is an exciting venture into the great unknown and the token of humankind’s survival. If humanly used, science is their indispensable guardian and caretaker.

Seismic Lab

Answer the following questions.

a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?

Instead of big money, scientists are rewarded with honors and promotions as a result of their discoveries.

b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?

The nuclear powers had approved to a halt on nuclear weapons testing. However, the problem that the nuclear powers had faced is they would not be able to detect if any of the powers violated the agreement by testing the nuclear weapons hiding underground.  

 

c. In which area did Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge has a direct application?

Human survival is the area that Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge has a direct application. It is because the hidden nuclear explosions cause vibrations, which are just like the shocks of an earthquake. It is Borok's knowledge that could differentiate the tremors of nuclear shake and the real earthquake.

 

d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit?

Before the Geneva summit, an important decision was made, which is to ban nuclear weapon testing. It was decided in the hope of humanity would survive. If it would stop, then there will not be a competition between powers to produce nuclear weapons in the upcoming days.  

 

e. What are the natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author?

According to the author, Earthquake is a natural disaster, including self-inflicted destruction of megacities, environmental catastrophes, economic and social crisis. Manmade disaster includes a massive release of radioactivity from nuclear waste disposal, an outburst of mass violence, war, and so on. 

Medic Lab

Reference to the Context

d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is humankind’s survival?

 

• Science- research-based inventions
• Scientific research ensures the survival of humanity
• Science that can provide us with new energy sources, mineral deposits, medicines, and effective anti-terrorism defenses.

 

f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world

The writer's stand in the essay is that scientists are the most practical people on the planet. Their discoveries can be seen in various sectors of the societies like medicine, electronics, biotechnology, synthetic fibers, and modes of transportation, the green revolution, and genetic forensic diagnosis.