Incorrect Factual Statements in Biographies

Олимпиада РАНХиГС, финал, 2025/26, классы: 11, 10

Each biography below contains ONE clearly incorrect factual statement. Identify the incorrect fact and write the correct version. Use 10–15 words for each answer.

Обратите внимание: это задание не проверяется автоматически. После того как вы нажмёте Submit answers, вам будет предложено сравнить свои ответы с образцами из официальных материалов и оценить их по критериям.

1. Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was a British physicist and mathematician. He formulated the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, which explain the movement of objects on Earth and in space. Newton also made important discoveries in optics and built a reflecting telescope. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of classical physics. Newton developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Words: 0 / 10–15

Your answer:

Sample answer from the official materials: Isaac Newton did not develop the theory of evolution by natural selection. This theory was developed by Charles Darwin. Newton’s real contribution was the formulation of the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, as well as important work in optics and mathematics.

2. Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist best known for developing the theory of relativity. His work changed scientific understanding of space, time, and energy. Einstein also made important contributions to quantum theory. He discovered the structure of DNA together with James Watson and Francis Crick.

Words: 0 / 10–15

Your answer:

Sample answer from the official materials: Albert Einstein did not discover the structure of DNA. The structure of DNA was discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick. Einstein is known for developing the theory of relativity and for his contributions to theoretical physics, including work on the photoelectric effect.

3. Marie Curie

Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist famous for her research on radioactivity. She discovered the elements polonium and radium and contributed to the development of medical uses of radiation. Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She is also known for inventing the first practical telephone.

Words: 0 / 10–15

Your answer:

Sample answer from the official materials: Marie Curie did not invent the telephone. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. Marie Curie is known for her pioneering research on radioactivity, including the discovery of polonium and radium, and for her contributions to medical uses of radiation.

4. Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. His ideas explained how species change over time through adaptation. Darwin’s work had a profound influence on biology and modern science. He was the first scientist to discover gravity.

Words: 0 / 10–15

Your answer:

Sample answer from the official materials: Charles Darwin did not discover gravity. Gravity was described and formulated by Isaac Newton. Darwin’s actual contribution was the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection, which explains how species change over time.

5. Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla was an inventor and electrical engineer best known for his work with alternating current (AC). His inventions influenced modern electrical power systems and wireless technologies. Tesla designed electric motors and experimented with high-voltage electricity. He was also responsible for developing the first steam engine.

Words: 0 / 10–15

Your answer:

Sample answer from the official materials: Nikola Tesla did not develop the first steam engine. Steam engines were invented long before Tesla by earlier engineers such as James Watt. Tesla’s real achievements were in electrical engineering, especially the development of alternating current (AC) systems and work on electrical power transmission.

Олимпиада РАНХиГС — перечневая олимпиада, бывающая и I, и II, и III уровня, которую проводит РАНХиГС (Российская академия народного хозяйства и государственной службы при Президенте Российской Федерации). Почитать об особенностях этой олимпиады и посмотреть на примеры заданий, которые в ней появлялись, можно на странице РАНХиГС сайта Upwego. Также можно посетить официальную страницу олимпиады.

Чтобы получить диплом олимпиады РАНХиГС, нужно не только хорошо знать английский язык, но и быть готовым к совершенно неождиданным, нестандартным и неформатным заданиям, поскольку на РАНХиГС чего только не встречается :) В олимпиадном марафоне Upwego тоже попадаются нестандартные задания, поэтому он помогает вырабатывать важный для олимпиадника навык «быть готовым ко всему», а на занятиях в мини-группах можно тренировать этот навык в режиме реального времени :)

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