Read the newspaper article below and on page 2.

Then answer questions 1-43 on pages 3-11 of the Question-Answer Section. (67 marks)

Charles Kaos achievement transcends the realm of science

[1] Hong Kong-educated Professor Charles Kao Kuen was named co-winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics, along with two inventors. Kaos achievement could just be that spark of inspiration that will lead 5 the way for further development of scientific research in Hong Kong. [2] All three prize-winning scientists have retired, and the organisations with which they were formerly associated have been listed alongside their names on 10 the Nobel Prize website. Featured next to Kaos name is the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which became the first Hong Kong institute of higher learning to receive such an honour. The Universitys vice chancellor, Lawrence J. Lau, was prompt in 15 releasing a letter to inform colleagues, students and alumni of the good news. [3] Locally, Kao is more well-known than Daniel Tsui Chee, another Nobel laureate in physics, who also received his early education in Hong Kong. Kao, 20 dubbed the Father of fibre optics, taught at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and was its vice chancellor for nine years. He continued to contribute to the local education sector after his retirement, and took up public service positions including working as 25 an advisor on innovation and technology. [4] Kaos groundbreaking research paper was published in 1966, before his return to Hong Kong. He was working as an engineer and researcher for a communication laboratory in the UK at the time. His 30 paper describes his discovery of the previously unknown potential of silicon fibre, a cheap and
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durable

material

used

in

long-distance

communication. [5] This discovery was an incredible breakthrough in 35 communication technology. It cleared the bottleneck associated with cables made of metal, and paved the way for the development of data transmission via the Internet. [6] The other two Nobel Prize winners joining Kao 40 were American scientists Willard Boyle and George Smith. They won the prize for inventing a device that captured images electronically as an alternative to using conventional film negatives. Their invention laid the foundation for the subsequent development of 45 digital imaging technology. This invention took place in 1969, showing that the full potential of pioneering work can take some time to come to fruition. [7] Usually, Nobel Prizes in Physics are awarded to research based on pure science application type 50 inventions rarely win. The fact that the prizes in 2009 were given to application technology demonstrates the Nobel Prize Committees affirmation of these winning inventions contribution to our everyday lives.

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55 [8] Interestingly, Kao once remarked that inventions are important only when they are used to improve life; this Kaos benevolent character. It is also a practical approach economy. [9] Built on innovative ideas, a knowledge-based economy can only flourish when there is room for boundless imagination and new thinking methods. Kao 65 was given such room as he spent his formative years in Hong Kong an environment that encouraged him to relevant to the development of 60 Hong Kong, which is very much a knowledge-based

indicator of personal achievement. And while Kaos contributions to the development of fibre optics commercial enterprises, he has gained little financially, but he does not seem to mind. Had he applied for a patent for his discovery, it would have brought astronomical gains in terms of personal wealth for him 80 and his wife of some 50 years, Kao May Wan. Sadly though, for someone who has devoted his life to communication, the 75-year-old finds it hard to express himself verbally as he is suffering from Alzheimers disease.

approach to scientific research is highly reflective of 75 technology has generated billions of dollars in profit for

think and explore freely. Young Kao had a lot of 85 [11] As a scientist, Kaos achievements have been well freedom, and on one occasion he even set off a soil-based explosive device. Many years later, Kao 70 promoted such free thinking when he was vice chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. [10] In a commercial society, wealth is often used as an recognised, and the Nobel Prize shows further recognition of his work. Equally laudable though is Kaos commitment as an intellectual to the advancement of humanity as a whole.
Source: Adapted from Charles Kaos achievement transcends the realm of science, Sing Tao Daily, 7 October 2009

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QUESTION-ANSWER SECTION Each question carries ONE mark unless otherwise stated. (67 marks) Answer questions 1-43 using information from the newspaper article about Nobel Prize winner, Professor Charles Kao. Write your answers in the spaces provided. For multiple-choice questions, choose the best answer and blacken ONE circle only. 1. Which of the following best describes Charles Kaos character? A. adventurous B. generous C. humble D. uninhibited

2. Look at the expression advancement of humanity used in paragraph 11 of this article. Decide which of the following best describes Charles Kaos contribution in this respect. A. B. C. D. He enabled commercial enterprises to generate huge profits. He encouraged scientific research among Hong Kong students. A He was a free thinking vice chancellor while at CUHK. His discovery helped bring about better long-distance communication, which got people closer together. 3. Complete the following timeline about the 2009 Nobel Prize winners for physics by underlining the correct options. One has been done for you as an example. (4 marks) 1966 Charles Kao published his most ( important / detailed ) research paper while working ( overseas / locally ). Willard Boyle and George Smiths remarkable device was the ( starting / turning ) point for image capturing. These two Nobel Prize winners were ( pioneers / promoters ) in the development of digital imaging. All three scientists, Charles Kao, Willard Boyle and George Smith are ( no longer / still actively ) involved in research work.
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1969

2009

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4. Find words in paragraph 6 which could be replaced by the following words: (2 marks) a. b. recorded traditional

5. Based on the information given, how did Hong Kong contribute to Charles Kaos achievements? A. The Hong Kong government keenly supported Charles Kaos work. B. Charles Kao could easily find backing for his research in Hong Kong. C. CUHK provided him with resources for research purposes. A D. Hong Kongs free thinking environment allowed and encouraged young Charles Kao to explore alternative ideas. B C D

6. Name another Nobel prize winner educated in Hong Kong.

7. Who or what does Their in line 43 refer to?

8. Find words in paragraphs 7-9 which mean the opposite of these words: (3 marks)

a. b. c.

denial conventional decay

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9. What can formerly in line 8 be replaced by? A. previously B. recently C. seriously D. anxiously

10. The style of this article is A. informal B. formal C. literary D. poetical A B C D

11. What is the writers main purpose in writing the article? A. to inquire B. to entertain C. to criticise D. to inform

12. Who is the target audience/reader for this article? A. students B. scientists C. the general public D. friends

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13. Look at how astronomical is used in paragraph 10 and decide which of the definitions below is the closest in meaning. A. very low B. very wide C. enormous D. shocking

14. What is the tone of the expression, Equally laudable in line 87? A. sarcastic B. bitter C. admiring D. reflective

15. An alternative title for the newspaper article could be A. Vice Chancellor of CUHK B. The 2009 Nobel Prize Winners in Physics C. Hong Kong as a Knowledge-based Economy D. The Development of Scientific Research in Hong Kong

16. Read the article carefully and decide if the following are true (T), false (F) or not stated (X). Put appropriate symbols in the boxes below. (4 marks)

a. One scientist received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009. b. American scientists Willard Boyle and George Smith have both retired. c. Charles Kao and his wife are very close and supportive of each other. d. Charles Kao got a big payment of money for selling the patent for his research work on fibre optics.

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17. Complete the sentence below.

(2 marks)

According to the writer of the article, the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics is further of Charles Kaos impact on modern inventions

communication and the contributions of to humanity.

18. In paragraph 10, what is being used to measure personal achievement?

19. Look at how the phrasal verb below is used in the article. Decide which of the options provided is closest in meaning and blacken ONE circle only. Paragraph/Line para 9/ line 68 Word/Expression set off Meaning to blow up to collapse to leave

20. According to the article, name four jobs Charles Kao held.

(4 marks)

21. Look through paragraphs 4-6 for words to match these definitions:

(3 marks)

a. b. c.

long-lasting substitute the successful result of something

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22. Look at how the pronouns below are used and briefly explain what they refer to in the article: PRONOUN they He PARAGRAPH/LINE para 2 / line 8 para 4 / line 28 REFERENCE (2 marks)

23. Based on the article, how might Charles Kaos Nobel Prize win influence Hong Kong? Answer in a complete sentence.

24. Why do you think the author mentions the incident of an explosion set off by young Charles Kao? Answer in complete sentences. (2 marks)

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Two friends are discussing the article on Charles Kao. Complete their conversation with suitable words or expressions from the box below. Use each answer ONCE only. The first one has been done for you as an example. (8 marks) A the fact his achievements C isnt it E the same way G thanks to him I devote B be hard D what about F sad that he H read about J proud that

Have you physics?

Charles Kao

winning the 2009 Nobel Prize for I just heard. Its wonderful news, (25)

(26)

, we can connect with people all around

the world through the Internet. And as a Hong Kong citizen, I feel so

(27)

someone from Hong Kong has you? I feel (29) too. Its very (30)

won the prize. (28)

suffers from Alzheimers disease though. I agree. It must (31) on him and his

wife when they first found out about the disease.

(32)

in physics are finally being

acknowledged is encouraging news for his family though.

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Writing in Response: Letter to the Editor of a Newspaper

Below is a draft letter to the newspaper editor written by your sister in response to the article. Read the choice of words and expressions given and help her to express her opinion by underlining the best option as shown in the example. (10 marks)

Dear Editor

I recently came across / came over / came onto a news article on Charles Kaos (33) breakthrough / groundbreaking / breaking achievement in the use of fibre optics for Internet communication. I was deeply (34) depressed / suppressed / impressed by Charles Kaos work and remarkable (35) distribution / application / contribution, both to science as well as humanity.

It is (36) heartening / heartbreaking / shocking to see that his efforts have finally been widely (37) memorised / recognised / realised. Personally though, I would argue that the honour is somewhat overdue. According to the article, the (38) farmer / former / formal intellectual is now unable to articulate his thoughts as he suffers from Alzheimers disease. This seems a dreadful irony when one (39) considers / thinks / talks his (40) accomplishments / outcomes / developments in revolutionising modern communications. I think if he (41) had / has / have received the accolade due to him prior to suffering from Alzheimers disease, he would have given a remarkable and inspiring speech. However, his genius remains and is a testimony to the fact that (42) such / big / much great potential can flourish only in a free atmosphere. Laura Chan, Causeway Bay

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43. Which person in the Reading Passage would you attribute the following to? Justify your answer by quoting one sentence or phrase from the text. Some have been done for you as examples. (8 marks) A: People often line me up with Professor Kao after his Nobel Prize win. Like him, I spent my early school years in Hong Kong. B: We are very proud that Professor Charles K. Kao, our former vice chancellor, was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics. C: Ive been married to him for many years. D: Willard and I were encouraged to have our work acknowledged. E: I tried to get students to think outside of the box while I was with CUHK. Most likely Speaker A Daniel Tsui Chee Supporting sentence/phrase another Nobel laureate in physics, who also received his early education in Hong Kong

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