Question Bank — Albert Einstein at School

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. What was Albert Einstein’s main objection to learning dates in history class?
   a) He found them boring
   b) He believed they could always be looked up in a book
   c) He had a poor memory
   d) He disliked the history teacher

2. Why did Albert feel miserable after school most days?
   a) He was punished for fighting
   b) He hated the school atmosphere and wanted to leave
   c) He had no friends
   d) He failed all his tests

3. Assertion (A): Albert Einstein did not wish to continue at the Munich school.
   Reason (R): He believed the school system focused only on facts and not on ideas.
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

4. What reason did Albert give for studying geology outside school?
   a) It was part of the syllabus
   b) He liked the subject
   c) Elsa advised him to study it
   d) It helped him pass exams

5. How did Yuri help Albert?
   a) By giving him money
   b) By arranging a meeting with Dr Ernst Weil
   c) By teaching him mathematics
   d) By writing a reference for him

6. Assertion (A): Mr Koch willingly gave Albert a glowing reference.
   Reason (R): He believed Albert was ready for higher studies in mathematics.
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

7. What was the history teacher’s reaction when Albert said he saw no point in learning facts?
   a) He praised Albert’s honesty
   b) He became speechless and then sarcastic
   c) He agreed with Albert
   d) He immediately expelled him

8. Why did Albert’s landlady object to his violin playing?
   a) It disturbed the neighbours
   b) It sounded like wailing and added to the noise in the house
   c) He played it at night
   d) He played it instead of studying

9. What did Albert plan to do after leaving Munich?
   a) Join the army
   b) Go to Milan and try to enter an Italian college
   c) Return to his previous school
   d) Work in his father’s business

10. What was the head teacher’s main complaint against Albert?
    a) He was violent
    b) His presence disturbed teaching and learning in class
    c) He failed mathematics
    d) He was disrespectful to elders

Section B — Reference to Context (3 extracts, 4 marks each)

Extract 1

“I don’t know, sir,”
“Why don’t you know? You’ve been told it often enough.”
“I must have forgotten.”
“Did you ever try to learn?” asked Mr Braun.
“No, sir,” Albert replied with his usual unthinking honesty.

1. Who is the speaker of the first line and to whom is he speaking?
2. What does Albert’s reply reveal about his attitude towards learning?
3. Identify the literary device used in “usual unthinking honesty”.
4. What does the phrase “unthinking honesty” suggest about Albert’s character?

Extract 2

“I think it’s not facts that matter, but ideas,” he said. “I don’t see the point in learning the dates of battles, or even which of the armies killed more men. I’d be more interested in learning why those soldiers were trying to kill each other.”

1. Who is speaking and in what context?
2. What does Albert consider more important than facts?
3. Identify the literary device in the repetition of ideas about learning battles.
4. How does this statement reflect Albert’s view of education?

Extract 3

“I’m not going to punish you,” the head teacher said, to Albert’s surprise. “Your work is terrible, and I’m not prepared to have you here any longer, Einstein. I want you to leave the school now.”

1. Who is the speaker and what decision is being announced?
2. Why is Albert surprised by the head teacher’s statement?
3. Identify one literary device used in the extract.
4. What does this incident reveal about the school’s attitude towards Albert?

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

1. Why did Albert Einstein dislike the school system at Munich?
2. How did Yuri prove to be a true friend to Albert?
3. What was Dr Ernst Weil’s reaction when he realised Albert wanted a fake certificate?
4. Describe Albert’s relationship with his mathematics teacher, Mr Koch.
5. Why did Albert feel that staying in Munich was a waste of time and money?

Section D — Long Answer (2 questions, 6 marks each)

1. Draw a character sketch of Albert Einstein as presented in the lesson, highlighting his views on education and his determination to leave school.
2. “The school system often curbs individual talents.” Discuss this statement with reference to Albert Einstein’s experience in the lesson.

Section E — Language and Writing (2 questions, 4 marks each)

1. From the unit, pick out two words that mean:
   a) extreme dirt and filth
   b) to deceive or trick someone
   Write one sentence of your own using each word.

2. Imagine you are Albert Einstein. Write a short diary entry (80–100 words) on the day you received the medical certificate and decided to leave Munich, expressing your feelings about school and your hopes for the future.