Steve Jobs was born in California in 1955 and was adopted as a baby. Growing up, he was curious and creative. He loved electronics and often took things apart to see how they worked. After high school, Steve went to college, but he dropped out after only six months. He wanted to learn in his own way. Jobs started working with his friend Steve Wozniak, who was also very skilled with computers. Together, in 1976, they built their first computer in a garage. They called their new company “Apple.” Their first product, the Apple I, was simple but innovative. Soon, the Apple II computer became very successful, and the company grew quickly. Jobs became known for his vision and perfectionism. He wanted computers to be easy for everyone to use, not just experts. He insisted on high standards for design and quality. However, as Apple got bigger, some people at the company thought Jobs was too demanding. In 1985, he was forced to leave the company he had helped create. Instead of giving up, Jobs started new companies, including Pixar, which made animated movies. After a few years, Apple invited him back because the company was struggling. Jobs returned and led the creation of new products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. These inventions changed the way people use technology around the world. Steve Jobs is remembered as a pioneer of technology and design. He faced many setbacks, but his determination and imagination helped him succeed. He inspired people to think differently and believe that even impossible ideas could become reality.
Vocabulary List
Here are some important words from the reading. Try to guess the meaning, then check the definitions.
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adopt
To take a child into your family and become their legal parent."Steve Jobs was adopted as a baby."
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curious
Eager to know or learn something new."He was curious and loved learning about electronics."
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innovative
Using new ideas or methods; creative and original."The Apple I was an innovative computer."
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vision
A clear idea about what should happen or be done in the future."Jobs was known for his vision of the future of computers."
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perfectionism
The wish to do everything perfectly without mistakes."He was famous for his perfectionism and high standards."
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insist
To say firmly that something must be done or is true."He insisted on high standards for design."
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demanding
Expecting a lot of effort or attention; hard to satisfy."Some people thought Jobs was too demanding."
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garage
A building or part of a building for keeping cars; also used as a workspace."They built their first computer in a garage."
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setback
A problem that makes progress more difficult; a delay or failure."Jobs faced many setbacks but did not give up."
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struggle
To experience difficulty or make a great effort to do something."Apple was struggling before Jobs returned."
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pioneer
A person who is among the first to do something important."Steve Jobs is a pioneer of technology."
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determination
The quality of continuing to try to do something even when it is difficult."His determination helped him succeed."
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imagination
The ability to think of new and interesting ideas."He used his imagination to create new products."
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inspire
To make someone feel they want to do something or be better."He inspired people to think differently."
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reality
The state of things as they actually exist."He turned impossible ideas into reality."
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the reading.
- What did Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak do in a garage?
- Why did Jobs leave Apple in 1985?
- What are some products Jobs helped create after returning to Apple?
- What qualities made Jobs a successful leader?
- How did Jobs handle setbacks in his career?
- Why is Steve Jobs remembered as a pioneer?