Shakuntala Devi: The Human Computer
Shakuntala Devi: The Human Computer
Early Life and Prodigy
Shakuntala Devi, born on November 4, 1929, in Bangalore, India, was no ordinary child. Even before she started school, it became evident that she possessed an extraordinary gift for mathematics. Her father, a circus performer, discovered her talent when she was just three years old. While teaching her card tricks, he noticed that she could memorize numbers with incredible speed and accuracy. This wasn't just a good memory; it was a mathematical genius waiting to be unleashed.
Instead of formal education, Shakuntala’s father took her on the road, showcasing her amazing abilities at local events. By the age of six, she was demonstrating her skills at universities and theaters. She could perform complex calculations in her head faster than anyone with a calculator. This unique childhood paved the way for her future fame, but it also meant she missed out on a traditional education.
Rise to Fame
- Prodigy:
- A person, especially a young one, with exceptional qualities or abilities.
- Moniker:
- A nickname.
- Astrology:
- The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.
- Legacy:
- Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.
- feats:
- Notable achievements or difficult acts that require great skill, strength, or talent.
- charismatic:
- Possessing a special personal charm or appeal that naturally attracts and engages others.
- solidified:
- Made a status, relationship, or reputation firmer, stronger, and more certain.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1How did Shakuntala Devi's father discover her talent?
- 2What was Shakuntala Devi known as?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this biography passage for Middle School
“Shakuntala Devi: The Human Computer” is a biography reading passage about Biography, written for Middle School. It takes about 3 minutes to read (402 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.