Listening

LISTENING

D. Listen to the anecdote "Two Geniuses" and narrate it in your own words.

Listen to the Passage Two Geniuses

Many people regard the scientist Albert Einstein as one of twentieth century’s greatest geniuses. He was a physicist whose research into the working of the universe made such inventions as nuclear energy, space travel and television possible.

Anecdotes about Einstein show that he had a great sense of humour. One such anecdote tells that as a young man with a growing reputation, he received many invitations to go to universities to explain his theories. On these trips he was always chauffeured by the same person—a man called Hans. Hans often said to him, “It’s a pleasure to drive a genius like you, Dr. Einstein.”

One evening, on their way to a remote university, Einstein said, “I wish I didn’t have to give my lecture tonight, Hans. I’m so tired. But I can’t let my audience down, can I.”

“You don’t need to,” said Hans. “We’ll change places, and I’ll give the lecture for you. I’ve listened to it a dozen times. I don’t understand it, but I know it by heart. And no one knows you at the university, do they? No one will find out.”

Einstein eventually agreed with Hans, but said to him, “Don’t try to answer any questions, whatever you do.”

They changed places, and at the university, Hans was greeted and led to the platform in a great hall crowded with professors and students. Einstein joined the audience and listened to Hans give his lecture perfectly, and joined in the applause at the end.

However, before Hans could get off the platform, a professor shouted from the audi-ence, “I’d like to ask you a question. Its very difficult but please answer it.” He then asked the question so difficult that Hans had no idea what he was talking about.

Einstein thought, “Oh Dear, now we’re in trouble.” But Hans just laughed and said, “That’s not a difficult question, sir. In fact, it’s so easy even my driver knows how to answer it. Hans, stand up and……..”

Einstein stood up and answered the question perfectly.

They left the university, with Einstein driving. A little later, Hans offered to take over from him. “No, my friend,” laughed Einstein, “it’s a pleasure to drive a genius like you.”

'Two Geniuses”

The story tells about Einstein's great sense of humour.

There was a young man, Einstein, with a growing reputation. He was invited by universities to explain his theories. A man called Hans was always his driver. Hans often told Einstein that it was a pleasure to drive for a genius.

One evening, on their way to a remote university, Einstein told Hans that he was not able to give his lecture that night. He said that he was very tired. But he did not want to let his audience down.

Hans said that they would change places and we would give the lecture for him. He didn't understand it but knew it by heart. More over no one knew him at the university. Hans was sure that no one would find it.

Einstein agreed with Hans. But Einstein told Hans not to try to answer any questions.

They changed places, and at the university, Hans was greeted and led to the platform in a great hail crowded with professors and students. Einstein joined the audience and listened to Hans give his lecture perfectly and joined in the applause at the end.

Hans was about to get off the platform. Before that, a professor shouted from the audience. He wanted to ask a question. He said that it was very difficult but he requested him to answer it. Then he asked the very hard question for which Hans had no answer.

Einstein thought that they were in trouble. But Hans just laughed and said that, wasn't a difficult question. Hans said that it was so easy and even his driver knew how to answer it. Hans asked Einstein to stand up.

Einstein stood up and answered the question perfectly.

They left the university, with Einstein driving the car. A iittle later, Hans offered to take over him. Einstein laughed and told no to his friend. He said that it was his pleasure to drive a genius like him (Hans).