Hawking's Father Concerned About His Studies

Easy version (A2–B1)

Stephen Hawking was a famous scientist. His father worried that he did not study enough. Frank Hawking wrote in his diaries that Stephen had little initiative. A new biography will share more about Stephen's life and challenges. It will be published soon.

Standard version (B1–B2)

Stephen Hawking, a celebrated physicist known for his work on black holes, faced concerns from his father during his youth. Frank Hawking expressed worries in his diaries that Stephen had 'little initiative' and did not study much. These insights are part of a new biography that will provide a detailed look at Hawking's formative years and the challenges he faced after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease at 21.

Advanced version (C1–C2)

Stephen Hawking, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to black hole theory and author of the bestselling 'A Brief History of Time,' was not always seen as a diligent student by his father, Frank Hawking. In newly uncovered diaries, Frank lamented his son's apparent lack of initiative and study habits, expressing concern that Stephen 'hangs round the house with little initiative and does not study much.' This revelation comes from a forthcoming biography by Graham Farmelo, which promises to offer an unprecedented look into Hawking's early life and the struggles he endured following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease at the age of 21. The diaries provide a raw insight into the formative years of one of the most brilliant minds of our time.